50 amp wiring / service?

[FlyMeAway]

I've noticed that the AC main on my R-31 NW edition (no air con) is a 50 amp breaker.

Does the inboard wiring from shore plug to the AC main breaker support 50 amps?

I am replacing the standard shore power inlet with a smart plug, and wondering if there is any reason not to upgrade to 50 amps (other than the expense).

Thanks!

 

[MarcoArias]

Hi!

Because of the increase of amperage through the wire, it would be necessary to also increase the gauge of the wires that involve the shore power charging system. As per current ABYC standards (E-11), you would need at least 6 gauge wire. You may also need to verify that the inverter/charger unit has the correct settings for the input charge amps. I would advise checking the ELCI as well to make sure that it is the correct size.

 

[FlyMeAway]

Thanks Marco, this was basically my question. If I understand correctly, you’re telling me that the factory puts in a 50
amp breaker but only 30 amps of wiring. Is there a reason Fluid Motion does this rather than just put in a 30 amp breaker?

 

[bob daily]

I read this post with great concern! Is this not a safety issue? Why was it not noticed on a survey? A boat fire hazard waiting to happen? Is this on just some boats and if so what models? So many questions, please keep us informed so the proper corrective action can be taken if needed.
I keep thinking of the (DAUG'S LIFE) out of Port Orchard,Wa. Stay safe Bob

 

[Red Raven]

I am assuming the main breaker discussed is the main breaker on the AC panel and not the ELCI breaker near the shore power input receptacle. If so, this breaker only serves to protect the AC panel circuit up to the individual circuit breakers and is not a safety issue. The wiring to and into the boat up to the ELCI breaker is protected by the shore power breaker on the dock. The ELCI breaker should be a 30amp breaker and protects the wiring from there to the AC Panel.

To upgrade to 50 amp service the following would be needed:
- 50 amp service at the dock
- 50 amp shore power cord
- 50 amp input receptacle
- 50 Amp ELCI breaker
- 6 gauge wiring from the input receptacle to the ELCI and on to the main AC Panel.

Unless the current 30 amp service is proving insufficient I see no value in this.

Curt

 

[MarcoArias]

I am assuming the main breaker discussed is the main breaker on the AC panel and not the ELCI breaker near the shore power input receptacle. If so, this breaker only serves to protect the AC panel circuit up to the individual circuit breakers and is not a safety issue. The wiring to and into the boat up to the ELCI breaker is protected by the shore power breaker on the dock. The ELCI breaker should be a 30amp breaker and protects the wiring from there to the AC Panel.

To upgrade to 50 amp service the following would be needed:
- 50 amp service at the dock
- 50 amp shore power cord
- 50 amp input receptacle
- 50 Amp ELCI breaker
- 6 gauge wiring from the input receptacle to the ELCI and on to the main AC Panel.

Unless the current 30 amp service is proving insufficient I see no value in this.

Curt

I read this post with great concern! Is this not a safety issue? Why was it not noticed on a survey? A boat fire hazard waiting to happen? Is this on just some boats and if so what models? So many questions, please keep us informed so the proper corrective action can be taken if needed.
I keep thinking of the (DAUG'S LIFE) out of Port Orchard,Wa. Stay safe Bob

The ELCI breaker (that comes first inline before the breaker on the AC panel) is a 30amp; the system would not go over 30amps without the breaker on the ELCI panel tripping. This is wired this way because there are several power options for the R31 that would need revised wiring. For example, adding a generator or air conditioners on the boat.

 

[FlyMeAway]

To upgrade to 50 amp service the following would be needed:
- 50 amp service at the dock
- 50 amp shore power cord
- 50 amp input receptacle
- 50 Amp ELCI breaker
- 6 gauge wiring from the input receptacle to the ELCI and on to the main AC Panel.

Unless the current 30 amp service is proving insufficient I see no value in this.

If #4 and #5 (or even just #5) were already in place, and one were replacing #2 and #3 anyway (that being key), it might make sense just to upgrade.

The best use for this, IMHO, would be running electric rather than diesel heat dockside at a marina -- one needs about 25-35ish amps @ 120V to heat the entire boat to a balmy 69-72 degrees in PNW winters without diesel assist, and then you also want amperage to spare for other loads.

It is not, however, probably worth replacing all of the wiring between ELCI and main breaker panel, which I view as a much bigger job.