coopec
N/A
It appears you are not alone!
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/excessive-shore-power-usage-9328.html
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/excessive-shore-power-usage-9328.html
Shore power quandary
- Thread starter wully1
- Start date
coopec
N/A
Do-It-Yourself: Shore Power
Today’s topic is Shore Power Systems: what they do for boaters, how to ensure compatibility with different electrical sources as you cruise, and how to avoid some common problems.
Troubleshooting shore power
Your shore power system is engineered for years of reliable service, but the marine environment can cause even the best-designed products to fail. As mentioned earlier, the majority of dock power troubles can be linked to two simple problems: overheating and saltwater immersion.
If you suspect a bad connection, turn off the dock power at the outlet and unplug the dock cord couplings at the outlet and boat. Examine the ends of the shore power cord. Look for discoloration or melting around the blades of the plug (male end) and around the slots on the connector (female end). Look at the face of the inlet on the boat, and check for discoloration or melting around the blades and the inlet. Check the receptacle on the dock and look for deterioration or discoloration around the slots.
Shore Power
Causes of overheating
Boaters often suspect that they’ve caused overheating by overloading the shore power circuit, but the folks at Marinco say that is rarely the case. Overheating generally results from one or two conditions: corrosion on the metal blades or contacts, or bad connections between the wiring device and the wires connected to it. Badly corroded contacts or blades are typically caused by exposure to a corrosive environment (usually salt water). If the end of your cord gets dropped into salt water, and isn’t thoroughly cleaned and dried, the contacts corrode, causing a poor electrical connection and overheating.
Bad connections between electrical terminals and a wiring device can usually be traced to loose termination, corrosion on the wires or terminals, or wires that are not stripped properly so that the wire insulation is under the terminals. A bad connection results in overheating of the terminal, and this is often visible on the face of the device.
Replace the connector immediately if you find signs of overheating. Be sure to inspect wire ends when replacing connectors. Make sure they’re clean, with no signs of corrosion or overheating. Marinco suggests that many dock cord connectors are replaced unnecessarily because boat inlet and dock receptacle connectors are at fault. Be sure to inspect all components with equal care.
If your dock cord connector gets dunked in saltwater, disconnect quickly and rinse well in freshwater. Dry thoroughly before use (Marinco recommends several days of drying). Afterward, spray the contacts with an electrical contact cleaner to displace any remaining water
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...1&storeId=11151&page=Shore-Power#.UwVZQIWXgR4
Today’s topic is Shore Power Systems: what they do for boaters, how to ensure compatibility with different electrical sources as you cruise, and how to avoid some common problems.
Troubleshooting shore power
Your shore power system is engineered for years of reliable service, but the marine environment can cause even the best-designed products to fail. As mentioned earlier, the majority of dock power troubles can be linked to two simple problems: overheating and saltwater immersion.
If you suspect a bad connection, turn off the dock power at the outlet and unplug the dock cord couplings at the outlet and boat. Examine the ends of the shore power cord. Look for discoloration or melting around the blades of the plug (male end) and around the slots on the connector (female end). Look at the face of the inlet on the boat, and check for discoloration or melting around the blades and the inlet. Check the receptacle on the dock and look for deterioration or discoloration around the slots.
Shore Power
Causes of overheating
Boaters often suspect that they’ve caused overheating by overloading the shore power circuit, but the folks at Marinco say that is rarely the case. Overheating generally results from one or two conditions: corrosion on the metal blades or contacts, or bad connections between the wiring device and the wires connected to it. Badly corroded contacts or blades are typically caused by exposure to a corrosive environment (usually salt water). If the end of your cord gets dropped into salt water, and isn’t thoroughly cleaned and dried, the contacts corrode, causing a poor electrical connection and overheating.
Bad connections between electrical terminals and a wiring device can usually be traced to loose termination, corrosion on the wires or terminals, or wires that are not stripped properly so that the wire insulation is under the terminals. A bad connection results in overheating of the terminal, and this is often visible on the face of the device.
Replace the connector immediately if you find signs of overheating. Be sure to inspect wire ends when replacing connectors. Make sure they’re clean, with no signs of corrosion or overheating. Marinco suggests that many dock cord connectors are replaced unnecessarily because boat inlet and dock receptacle connectors are at fault. Be sure to inspect all components with equal care.
If your dock cord connector gets dunked in saltwater, disconnect quickly and rinse well in freshwater. Dry thoroughly before use (Marinco recommends several days of drying). Afterward, spray the contacts with an electrical contact cleaner to displace any remaining water
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...1&storeId=11151&page=Shore-Power#.UwVZQIWXgR4
Last edited:
KellysEye
Active member
When I kept our boat in Burnham on Crouch marina the cost of electricity was way above the domestic price as you are a captive market. It was in Lymington marina too. Could that be the case?
jackho
Member
I would guess your heater is the issue. It's set too high - stat. should be fully anticlockwise. Is probably coming on at night when temp is lowest. Even 6hrs over a 24hr period will consume 3 units (KWHrs) a day (assuming it's 500w rated). At approx 18p a unit thats 54p a day so possibly £4 week with your charger etc.
Soon mounts up???
Soon mounts up???
JumbleDuck
Well-known member
That's illegal nowadays.
Talulah
Well-known member
A friend of ours had the same problem. A phone call to Victron revealed a known problem. The unit was modified to fix it under warranty.
