AC wiring help

[tiara33bill]

I bought a 1989 33 tiara in Feb 2024. recently The shore power system is a single 30A. I decided to install a galvanic isolator (I couldn't finish this job because I could not remove the wiring from this fuse assembly). While looking at the wiring of the boat side of the shore power inlet I noticed there is a fuse connected to the black hot wire. The part is shown in this link. Custom Marine Services, Quick Source, Fuse Holders, Bertram, Hatteras, Grand Banks, Gulfstar, Tiara, Chris Craft, 5800-11, 5900-11

I contacted the company. They don't sell these as they are obsolete. They do sell a replacement Custom Marine Services, Quick Source, Circuit Breakers Accessories, Switch Accessories (section 3)

This would provide a circuit breaker within inches of the shore power inlet. I don't think most boats have this level of protection.

While searching the web, I found links to ABYC E11 and associated parts and panels that would bring my boat's wiring up to current code by installing ELCI breakers. It seems the ABYC says these devices need to be installed within 10 feet of the shore power inlet. I guess that means 10 feet along the length of the shore power wiring to the AC panel. My AC panel probably meets that criteria but with the way wire is routed inside a boat it might be short a ft or so.

It I install a ELCI breaker, I don't need this existing fuse or the corresponding replacement part that costs $455?

While reading Nigel Caulder's book, I read that the green wire should not be connected to the white (neutral) wire except if there is a generator and it's connected at the generator. My boat used to have a generator. The guy I bought the boat from removed the generator and replaced it with an inverter. The inverter wiring goes to the generator location on the power selector switch (black and white wires only)

I found a couple of green wires connected between the green buss bar and the white wire buss bar. I'm not sure where they go as they exit the space and go somewhere. Should I leave them alone or remove them?

I combined several problems in one thread. Sorry.

 

[SBR]

I am surprised no one has responded to your inquiry. In my opinion, judging by your questions, I think it would be a good time to consult with an ABYC certified electrician, You have found many unsafe items and and concerned that some may still exist. Just an opinion.

 

[tiltrider1]

I never saw this thread but I was cruising the Danube River for most of December.

I don’t prefer what the OP’s previous owner has done but it is one way of doing things. Ground and neutral are combined at the power source. For Shore power that would be on shore. For the Generator that would be at the generator. Now inverters complicate this a bit but in your case the PO made the inverter a power source so he has combined the ground and the neutral at the inverter. This is correct so don’t undo it.

 

[Bacchus]

I'm no expert on certain aspects of your question so best to check further. I bring this up only to highlight the concern vs offering a solution.

I believe inverters are a frequent source of ELCI/GFCI issues aboard boats and in marinas with electrical systems meeting the new codes. The problem, as I understand it, is the issue you bring up... connection of ground & neutral. I believe the problem arises when the inverter is in "pass through" mode where it automatically senses AC available from shore power and passes it through to power the connected devices. In that case the neutral to ground connection has to be broken or an ELCI trip of shore power (somewhere... boat, pedestal, or marina branch main) is likely.