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Systems
(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 or produced on board through the generator.
Just as a residential home uses 120/240 volts to run vari-
ous 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 specifi cations
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 fl owing
through some part of a circuit. Think of amperage as the
rate of electrical fl ow through your boat’s wiring.
Resistance inhibits the electrical fl 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
Boat
alternating current brought aboard through the shore
pow
er cords dockside and/or produced at sea through an
onboard generator must be managed to achieve the most
from the limited power available. It is completely oppo-
site from our homes where available voltage, numerous
breakers and an abundance of circuits serve an almost
unlimited supply of appliances, lights and other compo-
nents.
As you activate sub breakers at the main ship’s panel ei-
ther on shore power or generator power some desecration
must be used. Monitor the load current (amperage) meter
at the top right side of the main ship’s panel. Note that
the load current meter serves shore power 1 and 2 sepa-
rately depending on the position of the on-off-on center
located switch. As you activate more equipment breakers
the amperage use will advance (travel to the right) at the
load current meter. As you position the switch for shore
1 or 2 make sure the amperage does not exceed 30 on
either circuit.
If you are using generator power do not exceed 40 amps
as shown on the load current meter.
Note: The air conditioner is part of the shore 2 circuitry.
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 2 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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