Mid Cabin 12VDC and 120VAC GFIC Outlets

[Nehalennia]

As I have been installing my Heater kit in the starboard gunwhale floor behind the starboard panel in the mid-cabin. I have installed on that panel one of the Heater vents and a 12VDC outlet.

My question is:
While I have it apart I was wondering if it's a good idea to install GFIC outlet on that panel as well?

There is an outlet right above it behind the Helm seat and I was thinking of pulling it off of that, but I wanted to know is this common or is there a reason not to have power there?

Input is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave S]

I can't tell you on way or another about GFI circuits.

Just keep in mind the way Sea Ray does 110 outlets is to put the refrigerator and the two existing 110 outlets in the cabin and cockpit on the same breaker. So if you are not carefull you can easily oveload that 15 amp circuit............I know because I have done it.:smt101

 

[Nehalennia]

I can't tell you on way or another about GFI circuits.

Just keep in mind the way Sea Ray does 110 outlets is to put the refrigerator and the two existing 110 outlets in the cabin and cockpit on the same breaker. So if you are not carefull you can easily oveload that 15 amp circuit............I know because I have done it.:smt101

Well I decided to install it. I think it will be just fine.
I'll post pictures in Some Positive projects

 

[fwebster]

Todd,

You will probably find that the cockpit outlet in in series behind an existing GFI outlet so it is protected. In other words, Sea Ray will run the circuit first to an outlet in the galley or head , mount a GFI recepticle there, then run it elsewhere. Everything downstream of that outlet has GFI protection.

This is also a handy factoid on Sundancers as well. When an outlet somewhere on your boat goes dead, but the main breaker for that circuit hasn't tripped, go hunt up the GFI outlet and reset it........your wife or a kid has splashed water on it. That's who I usually blame for it anyway!

 

[Dave S]

Todd

I just looked at your pictures. That will be good place to plug in a ceramic heater for the mid cabin when you are hooked up to shore power. I have two heaters on my boat. I usually only use one in the cockpit at the dock and it does a terrific job of warming up the cockpit with the camper canvas in place. But I also use my two heaters in the cabin during the winter when the water gets too cold for the heat pump to work efficiently. Two heaters keep thing nice and toasty! As long as my refrigerator is off, the draw doesn't exceed 15 amps. But with the fridge on, it can trip the breaker.

Dave

 

[Nehalennia]

Todd,

You will probably find that the cockpit outlet in in series behind an existing GFI outlet so it is protected. In other words, Sea Ray will run the circuit first to an outlet in the galley or head , mount a GFI recepticle there, then run it elsewhere. Everything downstream of that outlet has GFI protection.

This is also a handy factoid on Sundancers as well. When an outlet somewhere on your boat goes dead, but the main breaker for that circuit hasn't tripped, go hunt up the GFI outlet and reset it........your wife or a kid has splashed water on it. That's who I usually blame for it anyway!

Todd

I just looked at your pictures. That will be good place to plug in a ceramic heater for the mid cabin when you are hooked up to shore power. I have two heaters on my boat. I usually only use one in the cockpit at the dock and it does a terrific job of warming up the cockpit with the camper canvas in place. But I also use my two heaters in the cabin during the winter when the water gets too cold for the heat pump to work efficiently. Two heaters keep thing nice and toasty! As long as my refrigerator is off, the draw doesn't exceed 15 amps. But with the fridge on, it can trip the breaker.

Dave

Thanks Guys, I'm glad I did it. I really don't want to pull those panels out again.

I think it should work fine.
Home Depot has Ceramic heaters on sale for $9. I should go get a couple.

 

[Dave S]

Be carefully what you buy Todd. Make sure it has an automatic shut off in case it gets tipped over. (Also make sure you buy one that is stable and not easily tipped over.) I bought my first one at West Marine and it I don't think it's much better (or safer) than the second one I bought at Home Depot.

My biggest concern for you would be if you had it in the mid cabin and your little ones were in there and either knocked it over or threw some bedding on top of it. So read all the labels and think thru what you buy carefully before you purchase one.

 

[Nehalennia]

Be carefully what you buy Todd. Make sure it has an automatic shut off in case it gets tipped over. (Also make sure you buy one that is stable and not easily tipped over.) I bought my first one at West Marine and it I don't think it's much better (or safer) than the second one I bought at Home Depot.

My biggest concern for you would be if you had it in the mid cabin and your little ones were in there and either knocked it over or threw some bedding on top of it. So read all the labels and think thru what you buy carefully before you purchase one.

Will do. Thanks for the reminder.