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Chapter 4
(AC) ALTERNATING CURRENT-GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
Alternating current sometimes called AC current is
brought on board through the use of a dockside shore-
power) cord. Just as a residential home uses 120/240 volts
to run various household appliances and equipment the
same holds true on your cruiser.
With AC current, electrons “cycle” in one direction a
short distance and reverse themselves traveling in the op-
posite direction. This is how AC became known as alter-
nating current.
The rate that the current reverses itself is referred to as
frequency. In the United States the alternating current fre-
quency is 60 cycles per second. Overseas a 50 cycle fre-
quency per second is standard. Component specications
must match the country’s frequency.
BASIC ELECTRICAL TERMS
Voltage is a measurement of the electrical potential that an
electrical power source contains for doing some type of
work for us. Think of it as electrical pressure. An example
might be your boat’s battery.
Amperage is a particular amount of electricity owing
through some part of a circuit. Think of amperage as the
rate of electrical ow through your boat’s wiring.
Resistance inhibits the electrical ow through a circuit and
is measured in ohms. An example would possibly be an
incandescent light bulb. The resistance in the light bulb
element allows it to glow and brighten the cabin along
with giving off heat.
It is important that you understand and respect the al-
ternating current system used on board. Be sure to read
and follow any danger, warning, or caution labels in
reference to the boat’s electrical system or individual
equipment components. Read all vendor supplied
literature in the owner’s information packet. Most of
all, use common sense!
ALTERNATING CURRENT LOAD
MANAGEMENT
Alternating current brought on board through the shore
power cord dockside must be managed to achieve the
most from the limited power available. It is completely
opposite from our homes where available voltage, nu-
merous breakers and an abundance of circuits serve an
almost unlimited supply of appliances, lights and other
components.
As you activate sub breakers at the main ship’s panel
some desecration must be used. Monitor the load current
(amperage) meter at the top right side of the main ship’s
panel.
Note: In some cases it may be necessary after running the
air conditioner awhile to turn the thermostat to the “fan”
position before attempting to activate other breakers on
the same shore circuit. This will shutdown the compres-
sor motor but the system will still circulate cooled cabin
air for a temporary period. This procedure will provide
more available amperage for other selected components
while the air conditioner system is in the “fan” mode.
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