How far apart to keep electrical and fuel?

[kenfyoozed]

My 26D has the shore power inlet box mounted in the motor well. I feel this may be to close to mix electrical and fuel. Not trying to recreate a Hindenburg situation. I think I should move the power inlet box to another location. Any thoughts where it should be located? I am refitting the entire boat so moving it any location is an option.

[Be Free]

I am almost through adding shore power to my . I started with where I wanted the 120V outlets to be and worked backwards to the shore power inlet based on wire routing paths. Keeping AC wiring as high and dry as possible without running conduit, keeping wire runs hidden and as short as possible, and shore power inlet in a safe and ascetically pleasing location were all design goals. In the end, there was only one spot on the boat that hit all of the requirements. For me, that was port side cabin top behind the window. Your current location would fail both my "high" and "dry" requirements.

In answer to the question in your subject line: "As far as possible." I would not choose to put anything that sparks any closer than absolutely required to anything that tends to explode or burn when exposed to a spark.

Good luck with your project. I also chose to use the opportunity to rethink the entire wiring of the boat while I had everything open. So far it's taken 3X the planned time and it's still not finished.

[Russ]

Power boats typically dock stern in. So it makes sense to have shore power close to the dock someplace near the stern.

Sailboats are the opposite. So why do sailboat manufacturers typically put the shore power connection near the aft?

If I was doing it from scratch, I would consider where the shore power connects to the dock. And as a sailboat, someplace above deck that doesn't get submerged or sprayed from sailing.

[rsvpasap]

I put my shorepower inlet on the port side of the companionway bulkhead:

- Shortest possible wiring between the shorepower inlet and the shorepower breakers.

- Facilitates charging from a generator in the cockpit at anchor.

- It's in plain sight from the helm so I'm unlikely to pull away from the dock with it still connected.

[kenfyoozed]

I was thinking above the starboard side close to the panel area above the galley bar. Should be a short run.

[OverEasy]

Hi All

While not specifically required I have also seen some vessel’s shore power connections add weather hoods to help keep the connection area drier (in the event of rain…etc.). Curious…. Closer inspection revealed that those vessels had their shore power connections mounted flush to sloped surfaces… Hmmm

Please be aware that If the vessel shore power plug is angled in and downward water can creep down the connection interface and collect in the socket which could cause issues….including shorting, corrosion and other potential water damage.

Good practice is to have the insertion as horizontal as possible or preferably angled out and downward to naturally drain to preclude any potential for water collection in the socket.

Best Regards
Over Easy

[NiceAft]

I would sum it up this way; do your due diligence. After making your decision, and doing the installation, stop worrying about it. No matter how well the installation is, something can still go wrong; Murphy’s Law.

My voting age nephew, when still an infant, had a bib which stated, “SPIT HAPPENS.” So true.