shore power

jimbo36 · Post by **jimbo36** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:21 pm

Just wonering if anyone has an opinion on the use of one 30 amp and one 15 amp shore power cords to power my 36 Tricabin. Our marina is in short supply of 30 amp plugs. Last year (my first with this boat) I only used one 30 amp and ran lights, built in charger and A/C. (my fridge is 12 volt) My water heater was toast so it wasn't connected. This year I have a new water heater and think I probably need more juice. Also, not sure I was getting all my A/C cooling with one 30 amp cord. Thanks, Jimbo

wet wonder · Post by **wet wonder** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:01 pm

Without knowing your amp draw, I would think you'd be fine as is unless you have two ACs - two zone.

gjrylands · Post by **gjrylands** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:53 pm

I would try to run the air conditioner on the 15A circuit. If the circuit will handle the load I would re-arrange the breakers and run only the AC off the 15A circuit. You can run everything else off the 30A circuit.

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:38 am

Good idea. The water heater will probably draw at least 10 amps when it's heating up, the A/C most likely the same when it's cooling. The other stuff won't be big draws. If your fridge is a Norcold it will draw AC when plugged in and DC when the AC is not plugged in.

ltbrett · Post by **ltbrett** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:50 am

Last year I installed an ammeter on my 10M, which has dual 30A service. I relocated the inlet to the transom, so I only run one 30A line. I have run my microwave and a/c in addition to whatever lights, fridge, etc. were on at the time with no problems. I haven't tried running the water heater with the a/c yet. I can tell you that the startup current for your a/c may exceed 15a. I'd recommend keeping your boat on single 30a service and only run a single power-hungry user-like a/c or water heater- at a time.

Brett