Dougcole
Guru
Hi All,
First off, I'm super comfortable with DC wiring, but not so much with AC, I seem to get caught in the weeds every time I get involved in it. As such, I usually avoid do anything but the most basic work on my AC system myself. In other words, please forgive my ignorance.
So here is my question. My boat is 120/240 VAC. My panel has one side that is 240 ( Batt Charger, Air Conditioner, stove) and another that is 120 (outlets, fridge, microwave). I have a Rainman Portable Watermmaker, which I love. It is 230V-50Hz, it draws 1300 watts, steady, when running. I have been using it by plugging it into an outlet, which is on the 120 side of my panel. It works fine but I have to be careful of other loads or it will trip the breaker. We load shed when using it, especially if on the genset (8 KW).
I've been thinking of installing an additional outlet in my lazerette in a waterproof box specifically for the rainman. I have an unused breaker on both sides of my panel. Should I use the breaker on the 240 side? Should the outlet be GFI?
Also, any tips on the breaker install? Or pitfalls that I should watch out for?
I don't want to do anything stupid or dangerous, but this project seems like it should be within my skills, given a little help from my TF friends.
Thanks in advance.
First off, I'm super comfortable with DC wiring, but not so much with AC, I seem to get caught in the weeds every time I get involved in it. As such, I usually avoid do anything but the most basic work on my AC system myself. In other words, please forgive my ignorance.
So here is my question. My boat is 120/240 VAC. My panel has one side that is 240 ( Batt Charger, Air Conditioner, stove) and another that is 120 (outlets, fridge, microwave). I have a Rainman Portable Watermmaker, which I love. It is 230V-50Hz, it draws 1300 watts, steady, when running. I have been using it by plugging it into an outlet, which is on the 120 side of my panel. It works fine but I have to be careful of other loads or it will trip the breaker. We load shed when using it, especially if on the genset (8 KW).
I've been thinking of installing an additional outlet in my lazerette in a waterproof box specifically for the rainman. I have an unused breaker on both sides of my panel. Should I use the breaker on the 240 side? Should the outlet be GFI?
Also, any tips on the breaker install? Or pitfalls that I should watch out for?
I don't want to do anything stupid or dangerous, but this project seems like it should be within my skills, given a little help from my TF friends.
Thanks in advance.