Shorepower cord question

[Docrockit]

I am in the process of adding a Cablemaster to my 88 model 41C. I would really like to ditch the 4 wire cable for the 3 wire. Right now I have a 50 amp 125/250 VAC that can run everything including the 2 AC units (both 230 volt) and the water heater, block heaters, etc. The boat also has a backup 30 amp service that will run some things but not all at once. The 30 amp will run the AC units due to transformers that make the 110 into 220. Anyone know if I can I run a 3 wire 50 amp (2 hots with a shared ground/neutral) without using the transformers?

 

[captddis]

Yes, but you want to run the power through the transformers. Just use the 3 wire cord with 2 hots and a ground. No neutral{white wire}. There is no neutral wire hooked up at the inlet on the boat as the transformer does not use it.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Does that mean my 58 3sr only uses a 3 wire shore cord? ( 220 50 amp) The inlet conn has 3 wire contacts plus a ground on the ring side. The previous owner removed the 110 (2) inlets and rewired for the single 220. There are several wires cut and termed at the transformer. A REAL STUPID MODIFICATION that does not show on the schematics, of course. Thanks ws

 

[captddis]

The 3 wire system I mentioned was for isolation transformer equipped boats. On others you should use the 4 wire system. However on the older non transformer equipped boats Hatt tied the ground and neutral together at the panel. This is no longer reccommended.