National Code and Shore Power

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 10, 2014 1:52 pm

hutch9900 wrote:

firecadet613 wrote:

Why not just use a normal 30 amp shore power cable?

It sounds like they do not have 30amp outlets at that marina based on what he is saying.

If that's the case, I'd agree with what he's suggesting. I see no other option.

fi.na.tine · **Posted:** Wed Sep 10, 2014 1:54 pm

Dude53 wrote:

Thanks for all the replies, they have been helpful. Just to clarify, I am using my shore power cable to (connected as I mentioned in my original post) maintain my battery chargers (which I believe pull very little amperage). My A/C, refrigerator, and all other functions are turned off. If I understand the Code (now), my problem is that my cable is running along the dock (about five feet) then up the pole where it plugs into a "pigtail" and then into a typical 3 prong outlet.

To satisfy Code, I need to keep my shore power cord and pigtail on the boat, connect to an approved extension cord, and then run that cord directly from the boat to the outlet. This is doable.

Thoughts?

Anytime you keep an extension cord plugged in for an extended period of time, you are asking for trouble. I would find a short adapter instead. If it catches fire, it's on the dock side and should spare your boat. That extension cord catches fire, you have a very burnt boat. What is everyone else using there? Can they just plug in direct?

Just had a fire this weekend where a guy ran an extension cord to his camp trailer. Cord fried and he lost everything in that outbuilding. All he was running was the battery chargers, and that extension cord was the culprit. I understand this is a PITA but the owner of the place you are sitting is worried about his dock, I am sure - and if insurance finds out he let you run this setup, and there is a fire - insurance will be hesitant to agree with accidental cause and lean more towards negligence.

2 suggestions - find what everyone else is doing, then talk to the owner or manager and find out how they prefer it done. Hope you have some luck with this.

rpengr · **Posted:** Wed Sep 10, 2014 2:24 pm

fi.na.tine wrote:

Lets clear it up then.

If your marinas outlets are like this: (What I consider as a "standard three prong outlet")

They are the problem.

Anybody else notice that this photo is backwards? (mirror image to what it should be).

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed Sep 10, 2014 3:11 pm

If this was my boat and I was at a marina or club. I would have them change the outlet to the proper 30A socket.

Dude53 · **Joined:** Fri Jun 20, 2014 12:09 pm **Posts:** 27

My shore cable is a 30 amp cable (didn't know there was anything less) and I am using the pigtail to step it down to fit the 20 amp outlet. Now before anyone chimes in about using a 30 amp in a 20 amp outlet please read my previous post.

The condo complex I am in will allow me to install a 30amp outlet at a cost of about $750.00. I would do this but the slip I am using for my 268 is not mine. I am renting it annually because the slip I own is not big enough for the 268.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 10, 2014 5:02 pm

To clarify, your 268 is in the water, and you plug an extension cord into the dock power, and then into this pigtail,

which plugs into your shore power outlet.

I have only ever used that adapter twice. When my 268 was on the trailer at home to power it up, or on my 318 when its in storage to get 120V power to the boat. If you are in the slip, you really should be using one of these.

This is secured and locked on both ends. I have not come across a dock that you would have to use a regular 120V extension cord on.

I'm assuming the dock you are renting does not have a shore power pedestal and you are plugging it into a land based outlet?

Dude53 · **Joined:** Fri Jun 20, 2014 12:09 pm **Posts:** 27

Hey Firedcadet613 thanks for the photos. I am using both cables shown. I am using the long shore power cable plugged into and secured to my shore power outlet on the 268. I then have the long shore power cable plugged into (and secured) into the pigtail adapter, and that is then plugged into the three pronged outlet. I am not (at this time) using an extension cord.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:05 pm

You can also make the adapters for about $20 at Lowes.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Fri Sep 12, 2014 2:36 pm

Dude53 wrote:

Hey Firedcadet613 thanks for the photos. I am using both cables shown. I am using the long shore power cable plugged into and secured to my shore power outlet on the 268. I then have the long shore power cable plugged into (and secured) into the pigtail adapter, and that is then plugged into the three pronged outlet. I am not (at this time) using an extension cord.

I thought thats what you were stating. Using this setup as a permanent way to power your boat. At most clubs and marinas. that is not allowed at all for the reasons that I have stated. I am not understanding why the 30amp socket is not already installed as a norm. Not that I really want to know, but I would think you would. Again, its a fire hazard. Call the towns/city's electrical inspector and see what he has to say about it.

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National Code and Shore Power

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