Shore power and Transformers

[Capt.Go]

Hi Folks -


Discovered some interesting issues I am trying to resolve. Firstly, the boat is wired for 50Hz/220V. At some point someone wired the shore power cable ground for neutral I am in the process of installing the correct 50A 125/250V (60Hz) service (using boat side SmartPlug) that would go to an ACME T-2-53014-4s transformer (240x480 - 120/240 5kVa)-- (or just get a new VICTRON model) which has a switch installed that would allow 50Hz service to bypass transformer in the event the boat goes overseas or if in No. America be switched to allow 60Hz to pass thru. I have also installed a 110 leg of the transformer to allow me to run a space heater this winter.



My question - so many - is knowing I need 6AWG wiring coming to the boat, most recommendations would require that inside as well . The current wiring used is 10AWG (roughly 4ft to transformer & 4ft out to connect to ship's) going to the transformer and coming out to the original Euro wiring. Would I need to rewire to 6AWG to the board?


As always, safety first as I don't want to blow up anything.


Did I mention that we also have a 30amp Zinc SaverII in the equation?


Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

[team karst]

Do you "need" 50A, or can live with 30? That answer will drive the solution.

[LoudMusic]

I'd stick with 30A and use an inverter that can assist from batteries when necessary. I believe most modern can do this - Victron certainly can. I tested this with good success on my boat by simply limiting the shore power draw in the inverter to 5A and watched it supplement demand from the batteries. Then when demand was less than 5A from shore it would charge the batteries back up (also my solar would kick in).

[stormalong]

You say nothing about the boat or how you intend to use it. Without this info the answers you will get are not necessarily valid.

I tend to agree with the comment about sticking to 30 amp service unless your boat is very large and you plan to air condition it.

50 amp is much more expensive to install and most marinas are wired for 30 amps except for larger slips.

[Capt.Go]

Thanks for the thoughts. My battery charger is a MasterVolt 24/75 - input 220-240 13A, 50-60Hz.

[Capt.Go]

2001 Oyster53 built New Zealand