05-26-2012, 02:02 AM
OK, my latest headache: Last Fall, prior to haul-out, I attempt to top off my batteries by charging from dock using a standard 15 amp to twist-lock shore power cord adapter. After running cord from GFCI on dock to boat, I turn on AC main breaker on panel in cabin, then the charger breaker & GFCI immediately trips. I assume this to be a real ground fault condition & proceed to eliminate possible culprits. I swap out GFCI, extension cord & adapter one by one. Still trips.
Next, I pull out the shore power socket in cockpit & inspect - all connections solid & dry. Now I'm opening panel in cabin to expose charger, invertor, bus bars, etc., but nothing obvious. As most of the boats wiring is generally hard to reach and/or encased in plastic wire loom, it is very difficult to trace.
So, can one obtain a factory wiring diagram of the boat to help isolate/unload potential sources of the ground fault? Has anyone had experience with a battery charger that failed internally such that it resulted in current leakage to ground? Any other suggestions? (Note: when plugged into an unprotected outlet, charger seems to operate OK, for now)
Boat is a '95 3100 Open - HIN SSUS1293E595
Thanks
Next, I pull out the shore power socket in cockpit & inspect - all connections solid & dry. Now I'm opening panel in cabin to expose charger, invertor, bus bars, etc., but nothing obvious. As most of the boats wiring is generally hard to reach and/or encased in plastic wire loom, it is very difficult to trace.
So, can one obtain a factory wiring diagram of the boat to help isolate/unload potential sources of the ground fault? Has anyone had experience with a battery charger that failed internally such that it resulted in current leakage to ground? Any other suggestions? (Note: when plugged into an unprotected outlet, charger seems to operate OK, for now)
Boat is a '95 3100 Open - HIN SSUS1293E595
Thanks
