Owner`s manual

25
Systems
(AC) ALTERNATING CURRENT-GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
Alternating current sometimes called AC current is
brought on board through the use of a dockside shore-
power) cord, reel system or produced on board through
the generator. Just as a residential home uses 120/240
volts to run various household appliances and equipment
the same holds true on your vessel.
With AC current electrons “cycle” in one direction a
short distance and reverse themselves traveling in the op-
posite direction. This is how AC became known as alter-
nating current. The rate that the current reverses itself is
referred to as frequency.
In the United States the alternating current frequency
is 60 cycles per second. Overseas a 50 cycle frequency
per second is standard. Component specifi cations must
match the country’s frequency.
BASIC ELECTRICAL TERMS
Voltage is a measurement of the electrical potential that an
electrical power source contains for doing some type of
work for us. Think of it as electrical pressure. An example
might be your yacht’s battery.
Amperage is a particular amount of electricity fl owing
through some part of a circuit. Think of it as the rate of
electrical fl ow through your yacht’s wiring.
Resistance is measured in ohms and inhibits the electrical
fl ow through a circuit. An example would possibly be an
incandescent light bulb. The resistance in the light bulb
element allows it to glow and brighten the cabin along
with giving off heat.
It is important that you understand and respect the al-
ternating current system used on board. Be sure to read
and follow any danger, warning, or caution labels
in reference to your electrical system or individual
equipment components. Most of all, use common
sense!
The shorepower inlets are located inside the port tran-
som locker. Before plugging in the dockside power cord check to
see that all AC breakers are off. This includes the incoming as well
as both the main and equipment breakers at the AC ship’s control
panel. See the AC panel illustration later in this chapter.
When connecting the shore power cord be sure to twist the
cord into the yacht inlet plug fi rst. The inlet plug is located
on the aft port deck. The cord installs one way only. Align
the 2 pins with the 90 degree shape, (or use the imprinted
arrows and detentes located on the stainless steel part of
the inlet), insert the cord end straight into the inlet plug
and twist in a clockwise direction to lock in place. Screw
the threaded sealing ring into the shore power inlet until
tight. This further secures the inlet and cord pins from
moisture.
Plug the power cord into the
marina dock power box last. This
reduces the possibility of a shock
hazard. There may be several
types of inlet plugs located at the
marina dock power center. The 30
amp plug is much smaller looking
than the 50 amp system used on
larger yachts.
Also, marina dock power centers
normally have breakers that must
be activated after installing the
dockside cord. Make sure the dockside cord has enough
slack to weather changing tides if applicable and at the
same time does not come in contact with the water. Check
with the marina dockmaster for more information on their
shore power operation and requirements.
DOCKSIDE (SHORE POWER) CORD SYSTEM