[C320-list] AC reversed polarity light

[vpweikel at comcast.net]

Scott, 



My problem did not require a test meter since the stern plug was "fried black" by a direct short between hot and neutral leaving a conductive carbon trail that let a small current flow and trigger the reversed polarity light circuit.  Damage was clearly visible. 



I'm not an electrician but I suppose if you had a VOHM you could check resistance ohms between hot and neutral on the stern plug.  Ohms resistance should be very high like an open circuit.  Stern plug is easily removed and not an expensive part,  maybe $30 from memory. 





Paul Weikel 

Second Chance #361 






----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Thompson" <surprise at thompson87.com> 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Wednesday, July 7, 2010 8:13:52 AM 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] AC reversed polarity light 

Thanks.  That's where my suspicions lie.  Is there some way to test? 
And does anyone know a part number or source? 

Scott 
Surprise, #653 

vpweikel at comcast.net wrote: 
> 
> Scott, 
> 
> 
> 
> Had the same reverse polarity issue a few years back. 
> 
> 
> 
> Turned out to be the shore plug on the stern. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Paul Weikel 
> 
> Second Chance 
> 
> #361 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jim Sweet" <jamesweet at frontiernet.net> 
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
> Sent: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 8:17:15 AM 
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] AC reversed polarity light 
> 
> Had the same issue on our old Pearson 332.  Also had an intermittent flicker 
> in the reversed polarity light.  Turned out to be a bad power cord. 
> 
> Jim Sweet 
> TGIF (Thank God It Floats) 901 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Scott Thompson" <surprise at thompson87.com> 
> To: "Catalina320.org" <C320-List at Catalina320.org> 
> Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 9:38 PM 
> Subject: [C320-list] AC reversed polarity light 
> 
> 
>> On our recent cruise we found that the reverse polarity light came on when 
>> we tested the AC hookup in 2 different marinas, and then again back on our 
>> home pier.  Since there was no indication of improper wiring at any of 
>> these locations, and since we had no trouble at the home pier at the start 
>> of the trip, I assume that the problem is somewhere in my boat or power 
>> cord.  The power cord passes a simple end to end continuity check on each 
>> of the three conductors, and there is no sign of any shorts.  Does anyone 
>> have suggestions on what to look for next?  It's occurred to me that 
>> perhaps I need to replace the shore power connector on the transom.  It 
>> looks OK, but after 11 years, maybe the weather has taken its toll. 
>> 
>> My recollection is that faults other than reverse polarity can cause these 
>> kinds of symptoms but I do not remember the details. 
>> 
>> -- 
>> Scott Thompson 
>> Surprise, #653 
>> 
> 
> 

-- 
Scott Thompson 
Surprise, #653