Unplug Shore Power before Starting?

[Woody]

We got two different subjects here.

-Is it OK to start engines while the shore power is on? I do it either way on my boats with no problems.

-How do you shut down and disconnect shore power? I flip off breakers on main panel, then flip off switch in rear of boat where cords plug in, then turn of power at pedestal....then I unhook the cord from the boat.

 

[DaleM]

-How do you shut down and disconnect shore power? I flip off breakers on main panel, then flip off switch in rear of boat where cords plug in, then turn of power at pedestal....then I unhook the cord from the boat.

This is also an area I'm interested in for opinions. When we were about to pull away, I reached into the lazarette and flipped off the 120V breakers back there. My buddy gave me grief about doing that without going to the main panel first and shutting down the two shore power switch/breakers in there.

My question is what's the difference in shutting down at the main panel breakers, or at the breakers further 'upstream' in the lazarette? Isn't a breaker a breaker? Unless I'm not clear on what the 'switch/breaker' in the panel is protecting against compared to the 'switch/breaker' that is in the lazarette it seems like what I'm going should be fine. I never flip those 'switches/breakers' until shore power is completely reconnected with the thought being I'm not arc'ing/sparking anything in turn reducing surge etc.

I'm totally cool with changing my ways if there's a risk involved.


Thanks!

 

[Woody]

This is also an area I'm interested in for opinions. When we were about to pull away, I reached into the lazarette and flipped off the 120V breakers back there. My buddy gave me grief about doing that without going to the main panel first and shutting down the two shore power switch/breakers in there.

My question is what's the difference in shutting down at the main panel breakers, or at the breakers further 'upstream' in the lazarette? Isn't a breaker a breaker? Unless I'm not clear on what the 'switch/breaker' in the panel is protecting against compared to the 'switch/breaker' that is in the lazarette it seems like what I'm going should be fine. I never flip those 'switches/breakers' until shore power is completely reconnected with the thought being I'm not arc'ing/sparking anything in turn reducing surge etc.

I'm totally cool with changing my ways if there's a risk involved.


Thanks!

I'm limited in anything electrical but I do know that by having the individual item breakers off when the power is turned on to the panel it will allow you to first observe the polarity lights.

 

[DaleM]

That's a good point.

 

[rcknecht]

Other than possibly taking off and still having your cord plugged in :smt001 , there are no "electrical" reasons to have to do it. No issues.

I have done this... What a mess it makes... I usually start with shore power plugged in... No problems, other than forgetting to unplug...