T&T: Debugging an electrical problem

[Richard P Blake]

We we are on shore power (50A), we get enough power to power everything
on the boat (including dual air conditioners at the same time) except
the electric stove.  The electric stove will sort of power on, but the
burners never get very hot and the LED "On" light does not light

REPLY:  Greg,
You have not said if the stove is 240 VAC or 120 VAC.  But if everything 
works on the genny and has worked at other marinas your stove is probably
240VAC along with your hot water heater.  I would bet that the two
120 VAC lines that are feeding your 50 A socket on the dock are of the 
same phase.  If you measure the plug at the dock there should be 120VAC
between phase #1 and ground and phase #2 and ground.  You should measure
240VAC between phase #1 and phase #2 which would mean that phase#1 and 
phase#2 are 180 degrees out of phase which is the correct why to wire the
plug.
The genny is supplying the two lines out of phase so all 240VAC and
120VAC
will work correctly.  The dock is only supplying two 120VAC in phase so
all 
120VAC work fine but all the 240VAC devices do not work properly as 
they are only getting half the voltage required.  BTW this condition can
cause 
damage or fires to some 240VAC devices (especially motors) if left trying
to 
operate to long this way.  Hope this helps!!!!!!


Regards,  Rick Blake
"Private Reserve" Port Charlotte, Fl.
36' Nantucket Sedan Powered by Yanmar
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved
body, 
But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting...'Holy
S**t...What a Ride!"