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TEST YOUR SHORE POWER FOR AC LEAKS

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 4:29 am
by barkleydave
On the same vane as the ESD topic. Here is a nice article explaining how to do a basic Shore Power AC test. This test alone will not locate the exact fault without further detective work but will tell you if a potential dangerous condition exists with the shore power and your boat.

I have one and use it several times per year and check my neighbors shore power cords. This year alone I found two that were leaking at dangerous levels. Three years ago I tested mine and OOPS it failed. I had my water heater on and was showing 2amps short on the path. Remember 6 ma. can cause ESD! I turned my water heater off and bingo... no more leak! Turned out a cracked jacket causing the AC leak.

The clamp on meter is great just to have for household electrical projects as well.
http://smallboatprojects.blogspot.com/2 ... ssues.html


Keep it safe,

dave

Re: TEST YOUR SHORE POWER FOR AC LEAKS

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:50 am
by ddependo
Great link. I have been wondering hot to test for current leakage. Taking my amp-probe to the dock tonight. I think marinas should have some type of alarm when this happens.
Wayne