Shorepower Relocation

[daddy d]

1989 searay 390ec relocating the shore power from the port side to the stern, installling new 10/3 triplex from the main breaker panel to the new shore power thru hull connector, my question, is an additional in line circuit breaker be installed next to the new shore power connector, it's 12ft further than the orginal shore power connector, Does the ABYC E-11 code apply to my install

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, daddy d.

You'd be well advised to conform to the Standards.

ABYC E-11

“... 11.10.2.8.3 Additional Overcurrent Protection - If the location of the main shore power disconnect circuit breaker is in excess of 10 feet (three meters) from the shore power inlet or the electrical attachment point of a permanently installed shore power cord, additional fuses or circuit breakers shall be provided within 10
feet (three meters) of the inlet or attachment point to the electrical system of the boat. Measurement is made along the conductors ...”

[hellosailor]

daddyd, I don't know the ABYC code but a GFI, not just a simple breaker, has to be installed within a certain distance of the power inlet and preferably as close to it as possible. I'd install a weatherproof box with a GFI adjacent to the inlet, or as close as can be accessed, as being the best safety precaution regardless of the regulations.

Might save your life.

[CharlieJ]

I don't know the ABYC code but a GFI, not just a simple breaker, has to be installed within a certain distance of the power inlet and preferably as close to it as possible.

hellosailor is on the right track but there are some details lacking. First of all, a GFI is not installed in the shore power circuit. The correct device is an equipment leakage current interrupter (ELCI), also known as a residual current device (RCD) and it has these trip thresholds: detected leakage of >30 mAAC with a trip time of <100 mS. A GFCI/GFI will trip when detected leakage >5 mAAC.

Here is the ABYC Standard:

"11.11.1 An Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) or Type A Residual Current Device (RCD) shall be installed with or in addition to the main shore power disconnect circuit breaker(s) or at the additional overcurrent protection as required by E-11.10.2.8.3 whichever is closer to the shore power connection."

As far as "compliance" with the ABYC Standards, these are voluntary standards, but boat builders who seek National Marine Manufacturing Association (NMMA) certification of their boats must comply with the large majority of the ABYC Standards.

There has been a struggle implementing ELCI installation in the USA although RCDs have been required in the EU for years. The industry is now producing ELCIs and the latest guidance from ABYC as stated in the preamble to the latest ABYC E-11:

"NOTE: December 2011 Technical Amendment: Based on ABYC’s assessment of the existing technology regarding the Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI), E-11.11.1 and its subparts carry a recommended compliance date of December 31, 2012."

So, to the OP question: yes, a double pole circuit breaker is required within 10', measured along the conductor, of the shore power inlet. Better yet, install an ELCI for safety's sake. If you operate in fresh water, ABSOLUTELY install the ELCI.

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