No Reverse polarity indicator on panel

[Grahambda]

Hi All,

Just received the survey report on the DeFever 44 we are about to close on. One of the "A" deficiencies identified was "No reverse polarity indicator sighted at AC power panel". Is there a recommended after-market indicator? Assume will have to be mounted above/beside the panel. Easy to self-install or would need a marine electrician?

Thanks!

Rgds Graham

 

[rwidman]

If you have to ask, yes, you will need a marine electrician.

The surveyor's comment is strange since one would assume that if your DeFever has no reverse polarity indicator, all the similar boats would have none.

In my opinion, this is not a serious omission. It's pretty rare to find reversed polarity at marina docks.

 

[Grahambda]

Agreed, I haven't noted such indicators on any other DeFever 44's of that similar age. But as it has been noted in the report so the insurance co wants to see the resolution. . There are 50amp reverse polarity and surge guards available that can be plugged into the pedestal, which seems to be a better safeguard/investment.

 

[O C Diver]

This is probably a case of a new standard being applied to an old boat by an overzealous surveyor. IMO, it's probably more a question of whether your insurance company will require you to update the old boat to the new standard.

Ted

 

[SteveK]

This is probably a case of a new standard being applied to an old boat by an overzealous surveyor. IMO, it's probably more a question of whether your insurance company will require you to update the old boat to the new standard.

Ted

I agree, much like my last survey that wanted plug in aft head changed to GFI even though it was downstream of a GFI already. Edicts must come from ABYC to surveyors.

 

[koliver]

How old is this boat? My 1980 built Taiwanese has a power panel common on boats of that age and origin, with its built in reverse polarity indicator. I suggest looking carefully at the panel you have and see if perhaps the surveyor missed it. I doubt this is a new requirement.

 

[Grahambda]

1990

How old is this boat? My 1980 built Taiwanese has a power panel common on boats of that age and origin, with its built in reverse polarity indicator. I suggest looking carefully at the panel you have and see if perhaps the surveyor missed it. I doubt this is a new requirement.

Hi, its a 1990, I checked the panel and dont see one.

 

[alormaria]

I've gotten that in the past. I have a separate polarity indicator that plugs into one of the 110v receptacles. It has been accepted numerous times by numerous surveyors and my insurance co. They want to see the polarity is checked. They don't really care how you do it.

 

[Grahambda]

Recepticle Check

I've gotten that in the past. I have a separate polarity indicator that plugs into one of the 110v receptacles. It has been accepted numerous times by numerous surveyors and my insurance co. They want to see if the polarity is checked. They don't really care how you do it.

I was thinking the same thing, but not being an electrician was not sure if one 110 receptacle check would be sufficient to ensure all electrics on the boat were in compliance. If it is then it's a very simple inexpensive solution: $10.00 plug in tester on Amazon!

 

[Grahambda]

May not event be needed!

This is probably a case of a new standard being applied to an old boat by an overzealous surveyor. IMO, it's probably more a question of whether your insurance company will require you to update the old boat to the new standard.

Ted

..

Interesting response from a member of the Trawler forum:

Brummett, Chester12:59pm #31535
ABYC E-11 “AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats” (2021 version)

Para 11.6.2.2.4 Shore Power Polarity Devices

Para 11.6.2.2.4.1 Reverse polarity indicating devices providing a continuous visible or audible signal shall be installed in single phase 120 VAC shore power systems and shall respond to the reversal of the ungrounded (black) and the grounded (white) conductions (see E-11.18.1 Diagram 3)



(underline added)



Most DeFever 44’s of this age are wired with 50 amp 120/240 volt shore power connection. No requirement for reverse polarity sensing or display.



You should challenge your surveyor on his mistake. Ask him to provide the requirement that he is using.



Chet

 

[rwidman]

..

Interesting response from a member of the Trawler forum:

Brummett, Chester12:59pm #31535
ABYC E-11 “AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats” (2021 version)

Para 11.6.2.2.4 Shore Power Polarity Devices

Para 11.6.2.2.4.1 Reverse polarity indicating devices providing a continuous visible or audible signal shall be installed in single phase 120 VAC shore power systems and shall respond to the reversal of the ungrounded (black) and the grounded (white) conductions (see E-11.18.1 Diagram 3)



(underline added)



Most DeFever 44’s of this age are wired with 50 amp 120/240 volt shore power connection. No requirement for reverse polarity sensing or display.



You should challenge your surveyor on his mistake. Ask him to provide the requirement that he is using.



Chet

Good point, you can't have "reverse polarity" on a 240 volt system.