mquiet
Well-Known Member
My sundancer has two 30 amp plugs. One for each side of AC panel (I guess). Do I need to use two seperate 30 amp power cords or can I use the "Y" split cord.
Thanks,
Thanks,
two 30amp recepticles
- Thread starter mquiet
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HUMPH
Well-Known Member
- Nov 4, 2009
- 7,618
- Boat Info
- 2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
- Engines
- CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
It depends on the capacity of your AC panel. If it is only 30 amps do not feed it with 60 amps on 2 cords. Also do not feed it from 2 separate power sources, you would potentially have a problem if you do.
tobnpr
New Member
The splitter is fine, it will deliver whatever amperage you have, up to 30 amps, to the panels.
I feed mine from an adapter to the shore power cord that plugs into a 20 amp GFI outlet.
Just remember you've only got thirty amps total to work with, not 60...
Rum Runner
New Member
You probably have a 30 amp accessory panel which one of the "plugs" you mentioned will accomadate. The second "plug" is usually for an AC unit. I am only assuming you have one on your boat. If this is the case, the Y plug will work fine.
sbw1
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- Oct 10, 2006
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For what it's worth, my owner guide cautions against splitters. The boat came with two 30 amp cords which the manual says to use. Splitting reportedly creates a potential fire hazard or blown breakers. Line two is usually for big draw things like A/C and microwave ovens. I suppose you could safely use a splitter if you manage your power and watch the panel to make sure you you don't try to run too much at one time. But, why not go by the owner guide?
HUMPH
Well-Known Member
- Nov 4, 2009
- 7,618
- Boat Info
- 2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
- Engines
- CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
Away Point
Member
- Apr 24, 2009
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- 330 Sundancer
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- Big, Gas Lovin', American V-8's :-)
You are right, but when you get right down to it, connecting the shore power creates a potential fire hazard. lol
I use a y-adapter and manually manage power use. May not be ideal, but works for me.
Not criticizing, just sayin'...
tdschafer
Well-Known Member
I bought a "50 amp to two 30 amp Y" and tend to use this set up with one 50 amp cord. If 50 amps is not available I have used the 30 amp cord without problems thus far!
Rum Runner
New Member
2K WINGIN' IT
I keep my boat at the Delta Marina in Rio Vista. I motored down to SF for Fleet Week this year. Stay at pier 39 and had a great time.
tobnpr
New Member
Well, sure- if you've got twin 30 amp services available.
Our favorite cruising destination features only single, 30 amp service at each slip. So, you have to make do when you can, and run the genset when needed. My aft A/C is on one panel- and draws nearly 20 amps, and the forward is on the other so I have no choice.
Like you said, you have to watch the ammeters and manage power. Blown breakers I can see, fire hazard? Can't see how... the cord, splitter and shoreside breaker are all rated 30 amps, so if you try to pull more, you'll trip the shoreside breaker.
The only reason I can see a fire hazard from your connection is if the pins in the boat inlet or cord adapter are corroded, this will then create the resistance and heat needed to start a fire. Happens more in sea water conditions where salt is present.
if your using a Y adapter with a 50amp plug on the end just make sure the Y adapter has 6AWG cable on the unsplit cable with the male plug going to the dock outlet, as this will need to handle 50Amps due to combining 2 x 30amps. dock breakers will only be 50amps not 60amps.
This way is as safe as two 30amp cords.
if your using a Y adapter with a 50amp plug on the end just make sure the Y adapter has 6AWG cable on the unsplit cable with the male plug going to the dock outlet, as this will need to handle 50Amps due to combining 2 x 30amps. dock breakers will only be 50amps not 60amps.
This way is as safe as two 30amp cords.