Shore Power Problem 400 Sedan Bridge

[00squirrel]

I was out on the lake this weekend and came back in Saturday night to spend the night at the slip. When I plugged back in to shore power everything was fine. After a couple of hours I noticed I didn't have any air conditioner. I began to investigate and noticed the shore power voltage was only about 50 volts on Line 1. Turning on any of the individual breakers on Line 1 would immediately make the reverse polarity light come on. I swapped the shore power lines on both the boat and the dock power and the problem persisted on Line 1--so that would eliminate a problem with the cords or my dock power. Everything works fine when running off generator power. To me that points to the main breaker on that side or something with the connection from the boat to the shore power cable. Thoughts?

I removed all the food from my fridge and have the boat completely disconnected from power now to prevent the possibility of electrical damage.

 

[h_gerry]

Could be a burned out inlet plug. Check for burn marks on the prongs. Maybe you can do a resistance check on the line from the inlet prongs to the back of the electric panel. You can compare the readings doing the same test on Line 2.

 

[Boat Guy]

..... I swapped the shore power lines on both the boat and the dock power and the problem persisted on Line 1--so that would eliminate a problem with the cords or my dock power....... . Thoughts?

.

Maybe I misunderstand what you are saying, but if you switched the shore power cables at the pedestal and the boat, how would eliminate the dock power? Did you swap the chords at the pedestal only and check and THEN switch at the boat connection after that first test?

If, you did that, then, like HG said, the inlet connection would be where I would investigate.

 

[rondds]

I had to replace inlets on my previous boat. The plastic housing could also be a bit melted. Also feel if the cable plugged into line 1 is hotter to the touch than line 2 (given an equal load).

 

[00squirrel]

Maybe I misunderstand what you are saying, but if you switched the shore power cables at the pedestal and the boat, how would eliminate the dock power? Did you swap the chords at the pedestal only and check and THEN switch at the boat connection after that first test?

If, you did that, then, like HG said, the inlet connection would be where I would investigate.

Yes I swapped them at the pedestal and the boat, separately (not at the same time), and tested. I will check the inlet connection this evening.

 

[Mike Blake]

I had to replace inlets on my previous boat. The plastic housing could also be a bit melted. Also feel if the cable plugged into line 1 is hotter to the touch than line 2 (given an equal load).

I did the same thing. Put all stainless in. Even the cable / TV one.

 

[Boat Guy]

When you guys replaced the fitting, did you also replace the wire to the switch?

 

[The crime scene]

I had the same problem a couple weeks ago and my issue was an easy fix.

First question: Is everything on and working when the Gen is fired up and running?

Second question: You reversed the power cords and the same breaker was not working?

You may have the same problem that happened to me. It ended up being a breaker next to where you plug the power cords into. I pulled the top breaker and somehow the screw had backed out on one of the hot wires, causing it not to make a good connection. Thus, I lost all power on that side. I tightened the screw and boom, everything worked and is still working. I don't know how it backed out, but it did. Hopefully, your boat has the same problem and it is only a five minute fix. Good luck

Breakers do go bad sometimes. If your wires are connected, it may be a bad breaker.

Keith

 

[00squirrel]

First question: Is everything on and working when the Gen is fired up and running?

Second question: You reversed the power cords and the same breaker was not working?

Question 1: Yes.
Question 2: Yes.

I'm thinking either a breaker or the power inlet. I'm going to try to get out there this evening to take a look.

 

[00squirrel]

Also feel if the cable plugged into line 1 is hotter to the touch than line 2 (given an equal load).

What would it mean if one of the lines was hotter than the other?

 

[00squirrel]

FYI replacing the shore power inlet fixed the problem. $73.00 from West Marine and a relatively easy install.

:smt038

 

[electricaldoctor]

Check the voltage on the end of your cord before plugging it in.
Visually inspect the connection points on the end of your cord and where it plugs into your boat.
If they are burnt, you have been connecting and disconnecting while under load. This is a no-no. Shut your main breakers off in the boat before connecting and disconnecting. This will save you costly repairs.

 

[Matt]

You should also use dielectric grease on the ends of the cables. When they are plugged in the can move and arc some causing problems. I use it all the time on all of the shore power connections.

 

[MoorZee]

I had the same issue two weeks ago. Most likely your problem is in the connector at the end of your power cord because that is what receives the most stress as you tug and pull it around. if you open the end of the cord up (two or three small screws) and expose the wiring harness you will probably find that one of your hot leads is not secured. If you adjust it and refit it you should be go to go. Took me 20 minutes moving pretty slow.