Marine AC & Shore Power Systems

Shore power brings the convenience of household electricity to your vessel, but the marine environment creates unique safety challenges. Water and electricity don't mix, and the combination of shore power, seawater, and metal requires specialized knowledge to prevent dangerous conditions like stray current corrosion and electrical shock.

What We Do

Critical Safety Considerations

Electrical Shock Drowning (ESD)

Faulty AC wiring can energize the water around your boat, creating a deadly invisible hazard for swimmers. Proper grounding, ELCI protection, and regular testing are essential.

Stray Current Corrosion

When AC current leaks into the water, it can accelerate galvanic corrosion, destroying underwater metals in weeks rather than years. Isolation Transformers, Galvanic Isolators, and a healthy bonding system all help mitigate this damage.

ELCI Requirements

ABYC now requires Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters on all new shore power installations. We can retrofit your vessel with ELCI protection for enhanced safety.

Common AC Problems We Solve

• ELCI keeps tripping: Often caused by moisture in outlets, appliance faults, or improper neutral-ground bonding
• Voltage problems: Shore power voltage fluctuations can damage sensitive electronics
• Generator won't sync: Load management and transfer switch issues
• Reverse Polarity: Shore Power plugs and receptacles that exhibit signs of heat could indicate an imbalance of loads
• Corrosion on underwater metals: Stray current leakage requiring system investigation

Our Standards

All AC work is performed to ABYC E-11 standards:

• Proper wire sizing and protection
• Marine-rated components and connections
• Correct grounding and bonding
• Required safety devices (ELCI, GFCI)
• Complete testing and documentation

Get a Free Estimate

Shore power problems require prompt attention for safety. Contact us to schedule an assessment of your AC electrical system.