Shore power, AC converter - How does this work? (250DA)

[alwhite00]

97 250 DA - I have 110V power to the boat and I assume that the AC converter is to run the cabin lights and the water pump (12V stuff)

Is this correct? - I can get the 110V stuff to work but no cabin lights. Am I missing something? Where is this AC converter?

I do not have an owners manual and can not find one on line.

LK

 

[Lucky's]

97 250 DA - I have 110V power to the boat and I assume that the AC converter is to run the cabin lights and the water pump (12V stuff)

Is this correct? - I can get the 110V stuff to work but no cabin lights. Am I missing something? Where is this AC converter?

I do not have an owners manual and can not find one on line.

LK

The converter powers your 110v items as well as charges your batteries. The cabin lights are 12v, not 110. There should be a switch at the helm that says cabin lights. That has to be on to power the lights. Then the converter keeps the batteries topped off while they power the lights. Hope this helps!

 

[alwhite00]

That is great, Thanks for the info. So where is this thing located usually?

LK

 

[Lucky's]

Usually they are in the engine room. They are spark protected units. They are usually mounted somewhat close to the batteries as they have wires running to each battery for charging.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Converter = Battery Charger

 

[Bt Doctur]

also check under the berth cushions, be very quiet and listen for any humming.

 

[Lucky's]

Converter = Battery Charger

Rick, good point. I was distracted when I typed the first reply and it's inaccurate. Thanks! To the OP, the converter does not power your 110. It just keeps your batteries charged. You get your 110 from the breaker panel powered by your shore power.

 

[alwhite00]

thanks guys, Now I know that the 12V won't run dead anyways.


LK

 

[mwph]

LK- Do you actually have a switch at the helm for cabin lights? Our boats are not that much different. For reference, my charger is tucked/hidden away above and slightly forward of the batteries.

Do you have a set of rocker switches mounted near the light above the stove? One of these switches will actually allow 12v power to flow to the cabin lights. The light above the stove actually has two bulbs in it. One 12v, the other 110. Lets also not forget the actual battery switch.

 

[MonacoMike]

On my 270, for the cabin lights to work you must have:

Batteries and battery switch on.

The cabin main switch on. Located port side as I come down the cabin stairs.

The light switch itself.

MM

 

[scott young]

Technically AC converter is correct because the function of the unit is to convert 120v AC to 12v DC for the purpose of charging the batteries. That being said I often wonder why Sea Ray does not just call it a battery charger. Just fyi when my boat is at the dock the only 110v switches I leave on are refrigerator and AC converter. When I remember I turn battery switch to off position. Oh yea, while I'm thinking about it DO NOT accidentally leave key in on position. I did this and came back to boat four days later to find an extra 100 hours or so on meter.

 

[hobbs]

If you still have the original AC converter, you might want to look at upgrading. If it is a Pro Mariner they will give you a discount on the new one. Just call them. Nice guys.

Just to restate, to run the cabin 12v lights and fans, the cabin rocker switch must be on plus battery switch. The light above the galley is 12v and high is 110. If you get LEDs make sure not to put 12v bulb in the 110 socket.