T&T: 30A to 15A adapter

[David V. Marshall]

Neither so long as it is the correct adapter.  The 30 amp service is capable
of supplying up to 30 amps before tripping the circuit breaker.  If you
connect a 15 adapter and use less than 15 amps of current, you will be
putting less than a half load on the 30 amp circuit.  The dangers come from
overloading a circuit, pulling more juice (greater demand) than the circuit
is rated for or using wire of a diameter too small to safely carry the
amperage load (thin wires can overheat and start fires).  Another danger
comes from failing to use proper marine connectors, particularly if the
connection is out in the rain.  But there is nothing wrong with using less
current than the service panel is capable of supplying.  

Just don't go from 30 amps, to 15 amps back up to 30 amps and expect more
than 15 amps to safely go through the middle.  


David V. Marshall
Astrapi, 42' Tayana Taiwan Trwlr
Seattle, WA 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of Paul
W. Weakley
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 7:50 PM
To: Trawlers-and-Trawlering
Subject: T&T: 30A to 15A adapter

Please help me understand why a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter is unsafe and/or
illegal.

At my marina I have a 50 amp connection at the pedestal.  I have two 30 amp
inlets on my boat.  In order for me to use the power from this pedestal I
must use a 50 amp to a single 30 amp adapter or a 50 amp to a splitter with
two 30 amp cords.  Both made by Marinco!!!

I do have the ability to use not only the main house 30 amp circuit but,
also the A/C 30 amp circuit by switching the  A/C panel to Genset when I use
the 50 amp to single 30 amp adapter.  However, since I KNOW I only have a 30
amp cord connected to the 50 amp pedestal connection when I use the 50 amp
to single 30 amp adapter I KNOW I ONLY have 30 amps which I can safely use
on the single 30 amp cord before a breaker will trip on the boat.  I am
careful not to exceed a total of 30 amps when I am using the 50 amp adapter
to a single 30 amp cord.  When I use the 50 amp to dual 30 amp adapter I
know I only have 50 amps to use and not the 60 amps if I were connected to
two 30 amp circuits.

So, if these adapters are illegal why is there not some higher authority
jumping in to protect me from my stupidity?

I know of NO marina pedestal which is GFI protected.  If we want and/or need
this protection we should add it as necessary.

I repeat my previous post.  If one wants a simple, cost effective, SINGLE
adapter to convert from a 30 male amp plug to a 15 amp female outlet make
your own from parts from your favorite marine catalog or your local hardware
store.  BTW use the correct gauge wire and plugs to handle 30 amps.  Or buy
it pre-made if you doubt your ability to make six connections.

Just remember not to try to pull more amps from the source than the breaker
allows.

I wait for guidance to show me the error of my ways.

Paul
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