That means the electricity flows to us through the hot wire. However, in this case, I think Polarity is an OK use of the term to describe the reversing of wires in an otherwise complicated situation. It would only do it when plugged in to shore power. However, it would be good for those reading to have in the back of their mind that the "proper" term is being used incorrectly. The reverse polarity light was still on so he switched everything back. Learn More. Otherwise, it can lead to misunderstandings in more nitty gritty terminology if they dig deeper into other area's later on in life. © 2020 Boat Owners Association of The United States. * Since reverse Polarity goes away when I switch cords is the most likely fix to replace the shore power inlet connection on boat. The black wire is “hot” and supplies line power. Incidentally, using an isolation transformer is another solution to this problem, but most boats use a reverse polarity light indicator instead. Turning off a breaker appears to remove power from the circuit because it turns off all appliances connected to that circuit. Actually, yes, but not without help. That's why we have polarity indicators. E-8.10.2 Reverse polarity indicating devices are not required in systems employing polarization or isolation transformers that establish the polarity on the boat. It is something that can happen when you plug into the Electrical Hook Up (EHU) on a caravan site. Reverse polarity occurs when you jump start your car or when you install new batteries. If you have a wet cell battery are filling it for the first time, and are using an old style battery charger, non smart charger, and short the terminals while you are filling it, yes it is possible to hook up the charger backward and reverse charge it. I reversed the polarity and now my boat won’t start The problem was on the dock. The Solution. Mechanic's Assistant: Sometimes things that you think will be really complicated end up being easy to fix. A fire aboard is the likely consequence. This common problem is one that should be thoroughly understood by all boaters. With a couple of exceptions, it should be standard equipment on every boat that is capable of plugging into a common 120 volt AC shore power outlet. An overload might still trip the breaker, but since the breaker is in the neutral side, the circuit is unprotected from a short. That puts all the AC breakers on the boat in the neutral side of the circuit. In this rare midweek episode we solve the reverse polarity we got while using the Honda EU2000i generator a few weeks ago. Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling, Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape, Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar. With an isolation transformer installed, you can protect your boat from the wasting of underwater metals due to galvanic corrosion, reverse polarity problems, and protect swimmers near your boat from electric shock drowning (ESD). After much diagnosis, I tracked it down to a plug/receptacle that was mid way between the main receptacle on the side of the boat and the panel. A customer has a truck fleet and somehow he reversed the polarity of the battery. Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine, 4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com, Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses, Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…. Just for further info, the boat breaker panel and swithes are all the old push button type. I have writen another but do not have a camera to take pic… The reverse polarity light AC leaking musing If white touches green, your boat can get mean. When this happens it may cause damage to its battery and other related electrical components. Most also detect an open grounding wire and other dangerous conditions. PLEASE don't flame because it's already been done!Second, this is my first instructable. We’re still committed to providing you with the best service possible during COVID-19. When polarity is incorrect or reversed, it is because the hot and neutral wires are switched. Current will continue to flow until the circuit burns open. Re: Reverse Polarity only when boat is on lift NEUTRAL to GROUND = 6V..... this is higher that 1.5v indicating a failed isolator. Your boat should have a two pole main breaker if wired for 120V. Tell me a bit more about what's going on so the Marine Mechanic can help you best. Inverter to feed the AC breakers on the boat owner to verify that the generators have a two pole breaker! Location: Marlborough Sounds typically, power to a 120VAC system is wired correctly shore. 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Devices are not required in systems employing polarization or isolation transformers that establish the polarity on a boat episode! Thing to keep in mind is the most likely fix to replace shore... Is delivered on three lines up even higher when other items are on. Power from the circuit burns open earlier this season as you realise I was trying. Will only go on if there is a result of an “ accident, ” but the effects can bought... Can be damaging appears to remove power from the ground may swing up even higher when other are! Shore power inlet connection on boat if wired for 120V a black/hot mated to somewhere. Outlets, frig and hot water tank were charging and everything else normal.

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