DC Power--What am I doing wrong?

[BucknEddies]

Hello Tugnuts Mafia !!

We took our new to us 2012 R-29S out yesterday for our maiden voyage. Everything went very well, except of 2 items that I need advice (read 'correction') on!

1. After disconnecting from AC Shore Power, I could not get the DC to supply power to outlets, cabin lights, etc. I am sure that I have missed a 'switch" somewhere on the electrical panel, (near the cabin entry door, next to the "cave") but can you help me out?

2. Our trim tabs were not working. I had the Trim Tab switch in the 'On' position on the main panel, but is there another switch that I should be looking for? Please advise.

As always, Thank You for any help/advice you might render!!

All the Best--EV

 

[Red Raven]

1. When not on shore power the inverter needs to be on to provide power to the outlets. Outlets are all 120v and the inverter makes 120v from the 12v house batteries. The lights should all work without shore power. If not, check the following:

• House Battery rotary switch is on,
• House battery breaker (separate large breaker with red button) is not tripped (yellow lever is showing),
• Breaker on the dc panel for cabin lights is on (if there is one).

2. Trim tabs operate on 12v DC like the lights. Check similar items to above.

• House Battery rotary switch is on.
• House breaker is not tripped.
• Trim tabs operate breaker is on.

Hope this helps,

Curt

 

[BucknEddies]

1. When not on shore power the inverter needs to be on to provide power to the outlets. Outlets are all 120v and the inverter makes 120v from the 12v house batteries. The lights should all work without shore power. If not, check the following:

• House Battery rotary switch is on,
• House battery breaker (separate large breaker with red button) is not tripped (yellow lever is showing),
• Breaker on the dc panel for cabin lights is on (if there is one).

2. Trim tabs operate on 12v DC like the lights. Check similar items to above.

• House Battery rotary switch is on.
• House breaker is not tripped.
• Trim tabs operate breaker is on.

Hope this helps,

Curt

Curt

Thanks very much for your reply. Having followed your advice, everything seems to be working out well.

Not being very mechanical, I am still learning, but so far we’re still above water! (Still trying to figure out Reverse Polarity…). Any advice there?

Thanks again, and All the Best—EV

 

[cliffm]

Curt

Thanks very much for your reply. Having followed your advice, everything seems to be working out well.

Not being very mechanical, I am still learning, but so far we’re still above water! (Still trying to figure out Reverse Polarity…). Any advice there?

Thanks again, and All the Best—EV

Curt, if refereeing to A/C panel for shore power and the reverse polarity LED, its a warning light for the user that shore power is incorrectly wired. The "rule of thumb" is to have all the A/C breakers off and shore power off prior to plugging boat into shore power, then after attaching power cord to boat #1 and followed by dockside shore power #2, then dockside breaker on #3, go back to boat and visually confirm shore power LED is "green" not red. If green, then flip shore power breaker on followed by what ever outlets/items you want to power up.

If red, do not use, and do not turn on any breakers, otherwise you could damage appliances and wiring. Hope this helps.

 

[QueenBeeII]

Glad you were able to get things working. Also, understand that if you are using the 120 side via the inverter ie. Outlets etc as mentioned, you will be eating up your house battery bank if you are not on shore power or running the boat so the alternator is generating enough voltage to help recharge the system through the ACR’s (automatic charge relays). If you have solar that will help but be aware.
For some good info look at the Rangertugs.com site, and review the Power Management webinar, some very helpful info that will give you a good baseline.
Enjoy the boat!!

 

[BucknEddies]

Cliff

Thanks so much for that information! I am beginning to think that I understand it. A question: on our vertical rotary switches in the port side lazurette(sp), one of the switches is designated Reverse Polarity and has a 1 or 2 or 1&2 selection. Do I simply leave that switch alone if I have a green light on the panel regarding Reverse Polarity?

Thanks and All the Best—EV

 

[Red Raven]

Curt

Thanks very much for your reply. Having followed your advice, everything seems to be working out well.

Not being very mechanical, I am still learning, but so far we’re still above water! (Still trying to figure out Reverse Polarity…). Any advice there?

Thanks again, and All the Best—EV

Glad you got things working. The Reverse Polarity indication can be a bit of a misnomer. It is simply an LED between the Neutral and grounding wires. Any voltage over around .7v will light the light whether the polarity of the hot and neutral wires are reversed or not. While this certainly can be caused by miswiring the hot and neutral it is more often caused by either a poor connection or simply a long shore power or extension cord. A long cord (or poor connection) causes a voltage on the neutral due to the voltage drop in the wire which lights the light. Also, some portable generators have a floating neutral which also may light the light.

 

[BucknEddies]

OK! A HUGE Thank You to all for your input!
We are still learning this boat, and gradually beginning to understand and make progress. Thanks very much again!

All the Best--EV
Eric Vaughter and Marsha Edwards
DeepTime