Water heater and shore power

Karll

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 9, 2019
Messages
232
Fluid Motion Model
R-29 Classic
Hull Identification Number
TBD
Vessel Name
SEAduced
I did a search and could not find the answer to this question. I have a 2014 R29 that I bought last year. Recently I was docked with shore power and after a short time my main breaker would go out. After trouble shooting I found out that the hot water tank draws too much power and thus the breaker switch would pop. I realize that the water heater draws a lot but under shore power I am surprised that it would cause me to loose power Has anyone else had this problem?.
 
I have the same year and model, also new to me. I haven't had this problem. the next time I visit Lucille, I'll flip on the hot water switch and let you know.
 
We have a 2015 R31-CB LE and have not experienced this issue.
 
Has not happened with our C30 either. Makes me wonder whether there might be a short or other problem with the heater coil. I recall a thread here with a pointer to a very helpful troubleshooting slide deck from Webasto/Imtra, will share if I can find it again.
 
SJI Sailor":1sorct1c said:
Has not happened with our C30 either. Makes me wonder whether there might be a short or other problem with the heater coil. I recall a thread here with a pointer to a very helpful troubleshooting slide deck from Webasto/Imtra, will share if I can find it again.
Thanks would be interested in any help!
 
Unplug the shore power plug from the shore power pedestal. Make sure the inverter battery switch is off. Check your wire terminal connections in the breaker panel and at the hot water tank. Make sure that the connections are tight and clean in the panel. confirm the same at the hot water tank . Look for moisture or water leaking at the connections. My guess is there is voltage leak to ground causing the ELCI breaker to trip. Loose connection, corrosion, Troubleshoot in order to confirm the failure. Common faults or sources for tripping include appliances whose internal insulation is failing, electric ranges, water heaters are common culprits.
 
Going along with Brian's recommendations I also have an initial question. Was the water heater the only thing on? It does pull quite a bit of amperage. If you suspect it is an issue with the heater and once you have checked all connections, if you still have the issue I would throw and meter on the water heater and see what amp draw you are getting to check that it is the heater. The other remote possibility is the breaker itself. I also think that if it were the heater then the heater breaker would trip before the main.
 
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