Shore Power
While at the dock, boats require power to maintain their essential functions, lighting, heating, cooling as well as other operations. This power is often sourced from running the boat’s diesel-fueled auxiliary engines. Shore power, also known as alternative marine power, is the process of providing electrical power from the shore to a boat while it’s docked. This power allows the boat’s engines to be turned off and stop the burning of fossil fuels. Shore power is, therefore, an effective way of reducing air pollution and improving the local air quality. It also reduces the ship owner’s fuel cost by providing an alternative to running diesel engines.
When you connect your boat to shore power, it’s nearly the same as connecting an appliance to an outlet. This is because there is electricity flowing in a loop between your boat and the shore power pedestal through the wires. The danger is when the neutral and ground wires are connected, creating a leak of electricity from the circuit to the boat’s bonding system. This means there is also the danger of electrical current flowing into the water around the boat.
Leaking electrical current poses a safety hazard to the occupants or anyone around the vessel. This is why shore power circuits should be accompanied by specialized GFI circuit breakers to offer extra protection. An experienced electrician will know how to install the device to enhance safety when the boat is connected to shore power circuits.
We offer a variety of services at A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical to eliminate any hazard posed by the installation and use of shore power. Contact us today to book an appointment for boat lift services in Brunswick County, New Hanover County, and Columbus County!
Minimize the Risk of Electric Shock Drowning
Due to a lack of proper standards on how boat appliances were wired in the past, it was common to have leakage of electricity from boats. Electric current flowing in water would cause Electrical Shock Drowning (ESD) of people around the boats, which is one of the reasons marinas post signs prohibiting swimming in the marina.
To address the safety risk caused by faulty wired boats, owners should install GFI circuit breakers. These circuit breakers can sense faulty circuits and cut the power off before it causes this imminent danger. Nowadays, most Ocean Isle Beach, NC, boat owners are becoming aware of wiring issues in their boats. They are installing new and more sensitive equipment to avoid accidents arising from power failures.
At A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical, we ensure the correct steps are followed when wiring boats and connecting them to shore power.
Professional Assistance by A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical
Looking for a professional electrician to do your boat lift wiring or repair an existing installation? Count on our professional electricians. We offer quality services to guarantee the safety of you and the guests in your boat.
Whether you need emergency or regular maintenance done on your vessel, we have the right experts to get the job done. If you live in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, or the surrounding area, call our experienced boat electricians today to find out how we can help.
CONTACT US TODAY
Servicing All BrandsOur team is here to answer your questions. Contact us today at (843) 352-6427 or complete the form below.