50A 125/250V 6/3 shorepower cable for use with 50A/250V isolation transformer

[ranger58sb]

I reviewed previous threads about 50A 125/250V shorepower cables suitable for use with a 50A/250V isolation transformer... especially answers to my previous questions when I wanted to replace an old (forshortened) shorepower cord on the Cablemaster on our then-new-to-us boat. My questions back then were about 3-wire versus 4-wire, 'cause Glendinning listed both at the time.

As I understand the answers, 3-wire is appropriate for use with our isolation transformer, and the connections use L1, L2, and ground. Presumably that'd be black, red, and green, yes? And I was busy fixing other stuff back then, so I just had the yard do the new cable/Cablemaster thing.

So now I'm wanting another extension cord, mostly to be used for a longer run at our home dock (partly to save the Cablemaster cord inside), and thought I'd cut back an older damaged cordset that we have. So far, no clean copper after cutting back about 25'...

And Plan B might mean making up a new extension from parts. That was the long lead up to:

Where the heck does one find 6/3 (black/red/green wires) bulk cable? Glendinning doesn't list 6/3 just now... and all the 6/3 I'm finding is listed for 50A/125V systems (black/white/green).

??

-Chris

 

[O C Diver]

I reviewed previous threads about 50A 125/250V shorepower cables suitable for use with a 50A/250V isolation transformer... especially answers to my previous questions when I wanted to replace an old (forshortened) shorepower cord on the Cablemaster on our then-new-to-us boat. My questions back then were about 3-wire versus 4-wire, 'cause Glendinning listed both at the time.

As I understand the answers, 3-wire is appropriate for use with our isolation transformer, and the connections use L1, L2, and ground. Presumably that'd be black, red, and green, yes? And I was busy fixing other stuff back then, so I just had the yard do the new cable/Cablemaster thing.

So now I'm wanting another extension cord, mostly to be used for a longer run at our home dock (partly to save the Cablemaster cord inside), and thought I'd cut back an older damaged cordset that we have. So far, no clean copper after cutting back about 25'...

And Plan B might mean making up a new extension from parts. That was the long lead up to:

Where the heck does one find 6/3 (black/red/green wires) bulk cable? Glendinning doesn't list 6/3 just now... and all the 6/3 I'm finding is listed for 50A/125V systems (black/white/green).

??

-Chris

Ebay.
You want S/O cable. There are companies that buy 1,000' spools for manufacturing products and sell their spool ends on eBay. I bought 45' to make a 50 amp 250 volt dock cord. S/O cable doesn't have quite as thick an outer jacket and is usually only available in black.

Ted

 

[tiltrider1]

The easiest solution is to just buy a 50a 125/250v power cord. The neutral is simply not hooked to anything on your boat. Alternatively, you could buy a 50a 125v power cord and replace the ends with 50a 125/250v connectors. Here you would connect white to red on the connector.

 

[CharlieJ]

Pacergroup.net has 6/3 STOW Shore power cable.

 

[ranger58sb]

Thanks, guys.

S/O cable doesn't have quite as thick an outer jacket and is usually only available in black.

Within sane limits, though, I'd prefer to stay with the more "traditional" yellow or white.

The easiest solution is to just buy a 50a 125/250v power cord. The neutral is simply not hooked to anything on your boat. Alternatively, you could buy a 50a 125v power cord and replace the ends with 50a 125/250v connectors. Here you would connect white to red on the connector.

I've been comparing "I can make it" prices to ready-made; aside from Ted's idea or maybe something from Pacergroup, assuming brands other than Marinco or Hubbel are OK, and assuming off-the-shelf 4-wire marine cords... looks like can be cheaper to buy ready-made.

Amazon has a 75' cable (free Prime delivery) from "Parkworld" -- which I see is Hongsheng Trading Inc. -- for $470. So far, looks like I can't make one up for that. Can't find any actual bad reviews, yet...

I'd been thinking about weight, though, hence the 3-wire idea. I wonder if Glendenning actually did that red-to-white thing... but I don't wonder enough to dismantle our existing cord.

Pacergroup.net has 6/3 STOW Shore power cable.

Got a link for that, maybe? I can find their PDF on the stuff, product numbers (MSTO6/3 and MSTO6/4) but can't find an actual product sales link anywhere on their site. ???

-Chris

 

[twistedtree]

For a stand-alone power cord like you want, one made with 6/4 wire with all the plug conductors correctly wired through from end to end is by far the safest, and easiest compliant solution. Having all the plug contacts wired all the way through, end to end is essential for compliance (all contacts need to be wired), and for safety in the event that someone uses the cord for a power system that does not include an isolation transformer. The result would be a dropped neutral, almost certain damage to electrical equipment, and the distinct possibility fo a fire. In short, a bad thing to do. This is why ABYC only allows neutral-less cords when the boat end is "permanently wired", e.g. a Glendinning cord reel.

I'll note that people do ignore this and make cords with no neutral with plugs on both ends. Some label the cord to indicate there is no neutral and that it should only be used with an isolation transformer. But let's be honest, who reads warning labels? How many boat owners know whether they have an isolation transformer or not? How many understand the implications of the label? Most will just plug it in to see if it works. That's why it's a concern. So if you have such a cable, maintain close custody over it. You crreated the hazard, so you need to keep people away from it.

 

[ranger58sb]

Thanks, TT, very good warning... I didn't know about that ABYC guideline... and I really do appreciate you taking the time to point all that out!

I ordered a new 75' 6/4 cord.

Cheers, -Chris

 

[CharlieJ]

I have been buying bulk shore cord from Pacer for years. Imagine my surprise when I found that they do not make it anymore!
And on second thought, TT’s point is well taken. Although heavier and thicker, 6/3: 1-8 shore cord with a four contact plug on both ends is a much safer/better/compliant way to solve this.

 

[tiltrider1]

As usual TT is right. I am simply less sympathetic to stupid. I use to spend my time trying to fix stupid only to watch Las Vegas get rich off of stupid. I finally gave up trying to fix stupid and I invested in a REIT that owns all the ground under the casinos.

 

[Mischief Managed]

What brand and model transformer did you get?

 

[ranger58sb]

What brand and model transformer did you get?

Ours? It came with the (2006) boat. Label says Acme Transformers, can't easily make out a model number...

-Chris

 

[twistedtree]

Ours? It came with the (2006) boat. Label says Acme Transformers, can't easily make out a model number...

-Chris

Those a quality devices, and now part of Hubbell.