Kevin,

I have a 30 amp main circuit breaker on the AC panel on my boat.

When the air conditioner, battery charger and hot water heater are running the draw is 34 amps. This trips the 30 amp breaker.

Would it be safe to remove the 30 amp breaker and install a 40 amp breaker? Most of the time I draw about 16 to 20 amps.

Thanks,

George

George,

To make your proposed system safe, you would need to ensure all parts of your marine electrical system can handle 40 amps.

• Cordset – You probably have a 30 amp cordset
• Shore Power Inlet – You probably have a 30 amp inlet
• Inlet to Main Breaker wiring – Probably sized for 30 amp service
• Main breaker to sub-breaker boat wiring – Probably sized for 30 amp service

Your choices are to upgrade all of the boat wiring and components to a 50 amp system, add a second shore power inlet for the air conditioning, or turn off the hot water heater while you are using the AC.

Hope this helps,

Kevin