[C320-list] AC system problem

[Ken Geiger]

One complaint or suggestion  I have  about the highly touted Smart Plug is that there metallic housing is not integrally grounded.  They have a cautionary note that it must be grounded but leave it to the owner, installer or mechanic to figure out how and I bet it is often over looked.  The original Hubbell Marine fitting with Stainless housing had a integral copper or brass strip jumper from the receptacle's ground terminal and riveted to the SS housing.

What I did was attach the boat side smart plug receptacle with 3 self tapping screws and one long threaded screw which was tightened to the hull with a flat washer and self locking nut. Then I lugged a wire and tightened that to the threaded screw with a second and third washer and nut and ran the wire to a convenient nearby ground.  

With all the engineering Smart Plug claims to have put into their product surely they could have addressed this ground issue within the device and not leave it to chance.

FWIW

Ken

Northern Dream  #765

 

 

 

---- Original Message ----
From: Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Tue, Jun 28, 2016 9:42 amSubject: Re: [C320-list] AC system problem

I completely agree with Allan and Ken.  If you find the cord or outlets are at all suspect, replace them.

I highly recommend the SmartPlug system also.  It is so much better than the old twist lock cord (including the EEL plug system which didn't impress me either).  It's price competitive and feels solid and locked when plugged in.

I got a second boat end plug and made a 2' pigtail adapter for plugging into an extension cord for when on land.

-Jeff Hare
#809



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of kendgb
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 7:15 PM
To: Allan S. Field <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] AC system problem

I recently noticed some flickering of the ac panel light and found some charing on the hot female pin of the shore power cord where it plugged to the boat‎. Upon taking apart the hubbell boat side fitting I found melting of the fitting and black wire insulation. Replaced with a Smart Plug setup

Ken Geiger
Northern Dream #765
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Play network.
  Original Message
From: Allan S. Field
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 7:00 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Reply To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] AC system problem

Greg - Immediately - like today - check the shore power cord female end and the outlet on the back of the boat for any melting or burning around either. This sounds like it could be a short in one or the other that can lead to a fire. This commonly can occur if the shore power cord is not firmly twisted and then locked in place. If either/or is/are burned, they would need to be replaced. But your intermittent works/doesn't work leads me to believe that is the issue.
Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD


On 06/27/16, GREG SUTTONcom> wrote:

I am having some issues with my AC system. While the breaker/switch on the main panel is on and the green indicator light is lit I am not getting any power to any of the AC systems i.e.:outlets, battery charger frig inverter etc. It also tends to trip the breaker on the shore power pedestal. After resetting the breaker and playing with the switch I can get power back but it usually doesn't last. My first choice is to replace the switch but I have not been able to locate one on Catalina direct or through any of the usual marine suppliers. Any suggestions on what the problem maybe or where I can find a replacement switch would be appreciated.
Thanks
Greg
Liberty #128
Sent from my iPad