Basic electrical / lighting question - Glastron GS-259

[ddg100]

On my boat the microwave, stove, and battery charger all run off of shore power, and pretty much everything else off battery.

But why wouldn't the interior lights in the cabin also run off of shore power?

It seems odd that you'd have to switch to battery pwr while at the dock just to be able to see at night.

I've looked at my power panels & tried various things - but still no interior cabin lights work while on shore power.


Is there something obvious I'm missing??

thanks...

DDG100

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Basic electrical / lighting question - Glastron GS-259

Your question is a little confusing as worded. Are you saying that your 12V interior lights do or do not work while connected to shore power?

Most boats use DC lighting to save space and extra wire needed to run/install a whole separate 120V lighting system. There is really no need since most 12V lighting will provide adequate light.

You should be able to use your 12V lights while connected to shore power. Just connect your shore power cord, switch in the AC breaker to power the above mentioned items. Your also have to switch on your battery to use 12V stuff but your battery charger should mantain a replenishing charge at the same time.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Basic electrical / lighting question - Glastron GS-259

Does your boat have an on-board battery charger -- either as a separate unit or as part of the shore power system? If not, how do your charge the house batteries? If the system does have that capability, there is likely a blown fuse or tripped breaker since most shore power systems do charge the batteries and therefore can power the 12 volt systems. If you turn off the 12 volt system when on shore power, obviously none of those things will work.

 

[ddg100]

Re: Basic electrical / lighting question - Glastron GS-259

correct - I'm saying that the interior lights to the cabin DO run on battery (12V) but do NOT run on shore power...which seems a little strange. I do have a batter charger that charges the batteries from shore power.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Basic electrical / lighting question - Glastron GS-259

ddg100- my boat is set up the same way as yours. Lighting is 12 volt only. My friend's Maxum is set up that way, too. I'd imagine nearly all are, and for the reasons that Greg stated above.

I'm in the process of changing my lighting over to LED's as I get around to it and have a little spare cash. Did the 3 cabin lights- they each now draw about 0.1 amp. Next up will be my 2 cockpit courtesy lights, then the anchor light. I don't care about the bow nav lights since they're only on when I'm underway and the alternator is charging.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Basic electrical / lighting question - Glastron GS-259

Your cabin lights are 12VDC. Your shorepower, which powers all you 120VAC appliances, is 120VAC...they are not interchangeble. DC is DC, AC is AC...

While on shorepower, turn your battery charger on and leave it on. That ensures your batteries stay charged, and you can leave your cabin lights on all the time...

It always helps to do some reading on the differences between direct current and alternating current...can help you understand your boat better as well...