Adding to the AC power using the Accessory Breaker

[nigelbartlett]

Have recently purchased a 1999 3000scr and I'd like to say thanks to the forum for all the help already from searching the site. Unfortunately I'm having a problem for which I've searched but cannot find an appropriate thread so here's my first post. Please be gentle!

I'm trying to wire up a TV using the AC panel (we are in the UK and its a 240v system but i'm guessing the principals are the same as US 120v). Its a 240v TV which we intend to use whilst on shore power only

I have two spare breakers on the AC panel marked "Accessory". On looking at the back on the panel there seems to be black connections which I assume are the live and green connections which I am now assuming are earth (or I think you refer to it as ground in the US) - I'm assuming its earth as when I wired it up it tripped the shore breakers and on checking the wiring diagram, the negative seems to be wired in white

But.... I see no white connectors!

Am I missing something? Worse case scenario i'll put a plug on it and use the sockets on board but it would be nice to conceal all the wiring. And if you hadn't guessed i'm not an electrician though I have a reasonable working knowledge of domestic house wiring (240v single phase UK style) but not marine wiring

Thanking you in advance (as long as you are gentle - see above!)

[nigelbartlett]

have noticed my use of the words AC panel have automatically caused an internet link - don't know why - i'm not a spammer - honest!

[pascavone]

the whole boat is wired for 120v, your not going to get 240v, without an electrician.

240v is actually one common (ground/earth) and two 120v sources = 240v.

If your pulling only 120v off the dock, that all your going to get.

If you have access to 240v dock power, and your plug it into the 120v boat system, the breaker will trip or go up in smoke.


I would guess that a converter and a new TV is cheaper across the pond, then running a new 240v circuit thru the hull, in a new panel and into the cabin.

why upgrade a depreciating boat?

[nigelbartlett]

Any boat imported into the UK has to be converted to UK specs. The whole AC system has already been set up as 240v. Outlets, panel, dock power etc are all 240v with UK style 3 pin plugs on board. And we may be different over this side, but a boat isn't necessarily a depreciating asset over here, prices on second hand boats tend to keep fairly static albeit inflation making them worth less in real terms over time.

[pascavone]

i stand correct..... god save the queen...

should have a red 120v, black 120v, and a green ground.

that two hot 120v = 240v.

if the AC is 240v then it would seam you could copy that connection?

[nigelbartlett]

Sorry I should have made it clear that by AC, I meant alternating current as opposed to air conditioning which unfortunately we don't really need over here. More need for a thermal vest !

[nigelbartlett]

Well after a good night's sleep I sorted it out, but will post here just in case any other UK owners with a 240v system have a similar problem and are searching threads. The live (hot) wiring in black is all connected to the back of the panel, as is the earth (ground) which is green. The neutrals are white but the connector block is tucked behind on the shelf and towards the back of the space behind the control panel. Mine had a large wiring bundle in front of it so could not be seen until i'd moved the wiring out of the way. A bit tricky to get to and you could do with hands the size of a small child to get in there, but done and problem solved.

[pascavone]

two people separated by a common language.....

[shrew]

Originally Posted by pascavone

two people separated by a common language.....

The golden rule of acronyms has been broken here. One must first define the acronym before proceeding to use that acronym in a question, description or answer.

[pascavone]

England and America are two countries separated by a common language.
George Bernard Shaw
Irish dramatist & socialist (1856 - 1950)

[nigelbartlett]

Lol