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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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GFI Questions

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dblitz
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240 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/22/2006 : 09:31:59

The survey I had done suggests installation of a GFI. I haven't seen a marine version around, does everybody just have a home depot one and is installation just a question of replacing the standard outlet above the cooler with a GFI or is special wiring required? Is the wiring on the boat such that the other 110V outlet on the boat is also protected or do I need to change the wiring to protect the other outlet? Or install 2 GFI's?

Daniel 86 "Solar Wind" #5339 C-25 FK/SR I/B Diesel

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mashedcat
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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2006 : 10:51:02

GFI's come with instructions in the package. The Home depot one will work. (I dont think ive ever seen a "marine" gfi either). If the outlet above your cooler is the first one in line from the shore power 120v source, and the next outlet in line is fed from the one above you cooler, just replace the one above your cooler and feed the next one according to the instructions to the gfi. Then you're protected. If the 2nd outlet is fed seperatly from the one above your cooler, then you will need a gfi for that one as well.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3521 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2006 : 11:36:35

I have that on my "To Do" list as well. I have not checked out the wiring, so do not know if I have to install 1 or 2 GFIs. I did open up the one outlet near the cooler and it did have 3 wires in it, so hooking up the GFI should be easy.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3521 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2006 : 19:15:54

Checked it out on my boat today. Looks like the wires go into a bus board and then out to the outlets. I'll look it over again but believe I need to install to GFIs.

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2006 : 19:49:53

You can pick up a GFCI tester at the local hardware store for a few bucks, mine has lights on it that lets you know if you have the outlet wired properly, also a push button to check the GFCI function.

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mashedcat
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194 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2006 : 22:02:38

If the wire from the breaker feeds one outlet, then the wire continues from that outlet to the next one, you only need one gfi on the first one in the line. That one protects everthing downstream from it. But, if at your breaker there are two sets of wires: one set going to each outlet, then you either need to rewire so that there is only one set of wires leaving the breaker and those wires feed a gfi outlet. then feed the rest of your outlets per the instructions enclosed with the gfi, or install a gfi on each set of wires. I hope that is clear. The instructions with gfi's are very clear, so you shouldnt have any trouble. Be sure you wire for the correct polarity: White to silver, black to brass, green to green.

Edited by - mashedcat on 03/22/2006 22:06:10

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2006 : 22:13:58

My boat plugs into a GFI, why put them on the boat?

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mashedcat
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194 Posts

Response Posted - 03/23/2006 : 00:30:39

I never plugged in at a marina that had gfi at their breaker. The breaker is toprotect the wiring. the gfi is to protect your person against electical shock. If you always plug in at the same place everytime you are connected to ac and you are certain that it has gfi protection, you are probably ok.

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Frank Hopper
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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/23/2006 : 14:20:28

'tanks

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dblitz
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240 Posts

Response Posted - 03/23/2006 : 19:18:43

Guess I can get one of those portable GFI's to plug between the shore outlet and the shore power cord, but would that meet the insurance co's demands?
Oh well, it's off to Lowe's we go.

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mashedcat
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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2006 : 15:21:28

Guess that would be the call of the insurance co

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.