Shore Power Electrical Wiring Help

Discussion in 'Electrical Systems' started by rplank05, Nov 19, 2024.

  1. rplank05
    Joined: Nov 2024
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: South Carolina

    rplank05 New Member

    I have a pontoon boat that I recently purchased that came with a gas motor and I've swapped it for an Elco EP-5 because I live on an electric only lake. Before launching the boat, I decided to re-write it with two electrical systems: a 12 V system for accessories and a 24V trolling motor system. I have separate batteries for each system.

    The 12 V system only has a few LED lights on it, possibly a fish finder, and a motor tilt and trim. This system has a single 12 V marine lead acid battery.

    The 24V system consists of two 24V/100ah batteries in parallel connected directly to the motors.

    My original plan was to install one of these connectors on the side of the boat and just run an extension cord to charge all the batteries. I have a trickle charger for the lead acid battery and a different charger for the 24V batteries. This is the extension cord I was planning on using and I was going to plug it into a GFCI outlet.

    After doing some more reading today, I am having my doubts about the safety of this system. In an ideal world, I would be able to just park our pontoon and plug it in without removing the batteries.

    Thanks in advance for the help.
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,300
    Likes: 1,943, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    You have 20A @ 28V = 560W and a trickle charger 1.5A @ 14V =21W. Your total charging is approximately 574W. Assuming you are using fairly efficient modern chargers, they may consume less than 650W, which translates to less than 6A. A 12 awg cord will be more than enough for that current.
     
    fallguy likes this.
  3. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
    Posts: 7,975
    Likes: 1,802, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: usa

    fallguy Senior Member

    Thanks Gonzo. A silly mistake by me.
     
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