Shore Power and reversed polarity what could Happen? HELP PLEASE

[klab010]

Hi all,

I just moved my boat to a new dock and removed the shore power cord at the old dock and re-attached it at the new dock. Usually I turn off the main before I disconnect or connect, but I was in a hurry this time around. Needless to say, the reversed polarity light comes on now when I turn on the main. I left it off when I left the boat tonight. I hope to find a solution to this and hope there is no damage done.
If anyone has some good advice or have seen this before, I would love to hear it.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Shore Power and reversed polarity what could Happen? HELP PLEASE

Go strait to the marina and have them address it. Bad shore power connections will eat anodes and drive components in a heartbeat. I'd have them check the grounding and polarity of any of the adjacent boats as well because it doesn't mean just fixing yours will keep your anodes safe. A badly wired shore power will affect any boat within a 50' radius at minimum. Get it looked at and resolved.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Shore Power and reversed polarity what could Happen? HELP PLEASE

Basically what reversed polarity means is that the two AC leads (neutral and line) are reversed. The appliances will still operate as they don't care what prong the power comes over. One of the biggest issues is that of a safety concern. In the event that someone comes in contact with what is supposed to be the neutral side, they have the potential for a serious 110-220v electrical shock.

As was mentioned, have a qualified MARINE electrician service it....the marinas responsibility. Most marinas have a "handyman" that does the work. If you are going to have your boat there, insist on a licensed electrician. It's not a hobby.

 

[klab010]

Re: Shore Power and reversed polarity what could Happen? HELP PLEASE

Go strait to the marina and have them address it. Bad shore power connections will eat anodes and drive components in a heartbeat. I'd have them check the grounding and polarity of any of the adjacent boats as well because it doesn't mean just fixing yours will keep your anodes safe. A badly wired shore power will affect any boat within a 50' radius at minimum. Get it looked at and resolved.

Ok I will talk to the Marina owner this morning. So it might not be something I screwed up? I made no changes to the electrical except for what I mentioned earlier about disconnecting and connecting.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Shore Power and reversed polarity what could Happen? HELP PLEASE

Ok I will talk to the Marina owner this morning. So it might not be something I screwed up? I made no changes to the electrical except for what I mentioned earlier about disconnecting and connecting.

Wasn't anything you did. I agree with the others.