Installing Engine Heaters - 110V outlet in bilge?

[First_Mate]

I am trying to do a nice installation of a pair of engine oilpan heaters. They come with 110V power cords attached.

Is it OK to add a breaker to my AC panel and run a cable down to another standard 110V outlet in the bilge? Then I could plug in the heaters and control them directly from the breaker panel.

I can imagine that some would advise against this due to there being a chance for a spark in the bilge, but is this even a concern in a diesel boat?

Would it violate "code" or anything?

 

[Redhook98]

Just put it as high as possible in the engine room (above all potential fumes. yes, I know it's diesel). Use the outdoor model with the little doors that cover the plugs. I have one installed in my engine compartment (gas). Mine is installed as high as possible (right up against the engine hatch for the genny). I would not have installed it, but the PO did. I use it for my bilge heater only. I plug it in, and leave it plugged in all winter long.

 

[Four Suns]

My 480DB came from the factory with a 110v plug installed in the bilge. It's OK in diesel boats... not OK in gas boats.

 

[Jaws]

You could hardwire them into a dedicated circuit. I had a spare 240v blank so I could run a cable to the E.R.and have two 110v circuits.

 

[fc3]

Why not hardwire them into a junction box? There's less chance of a plug becoming disconnected. How bad would it be if the a heater's plug was accidentally pulled?

 

[Alex F]

Frank,

I think your idea is the easiest and safest. I totally agree that it might be perfectly safe to have an outlet in the bilge of a diesel boat. But, if you have specific task, like engine heaters, I would run wires from the heaters in to a closest junction box and then from the box to the breaker pannel to dedicated breaker. This way it's clean and there're no lose ends or posibility for something to disconnect.

Obviously, if the boat just sits in water and is not moved the plug from the heaters should stay in the same spot. But, if you use a method of just turning OFF the breaker in the summer and then turning it back ON in the fall without double checking the plug, then it very possible to have a lose connection at the plug.

 

[dpmulvey]

Are the heaters NMMA rated?

 

[Redhook98]

I used the plug method specifically because I remove the heater in the summer in order to use that space to store my monster fenders. (I keep 2 20-inch x 42-42 inch monsters onboard). Otherwise, the hard wiring with a breaker really is best.

 

[Redhook98]

I got it!!!! Why not just run a propane line to your bilge and have propane heaters down there?! That way you don't have to worry about the plug sparking!!!! Genius!!!! Lol! Oh I kill me!!!

 

[Four Suns]

w1ngless? Is that you?

 

[Redhook98]

w1ngless? Is that you?

No, just me --> Rich...... Having a few cocktails because my check card was just stolen and I got wiped clean.... have to joke around to kill the pain.....

 

[First_Mate]

Are the heaters NMMA rated?

Bilge heaters are. They are Xtremes.

I am adding a pair of Wolverine 16's (250W) that I got from Seaboard Marine. Not sure if they are NMMA or not.

Want to add these because of the ability to disconnect the intake heaters that slam my alternators on the 480CE's.