Shore Power Cord(s)

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wsp2
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Shore Power Cord(s)

Post by wsp2 »

My 1995 440 aft cabin has two 50A power inlets. When I bought the boat it came with two long 50A cords which then go into a splitter, and I plug this splitter into a single 50A shore outlet. This has worked fine so I don't think I really have the need to plug into two 50A shore outlets.

We're cruising so each marina is different, but I was thinking about buying an extension since there have been a few times our cords wouldn't reach. Since we normally use only a single 50A outlet, is there a problem with buying a single long 50A cord and have a splitter on the boat end instead of on the shore power end? This would be much easier to deal with instead of hassling with two long 50A cords. Depending on the length I was thinking I could have a single 50A extension just in case.
Bill P

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Re: Shore Power Cord(s)

Post by Midnightsun »

Need more info. Since you have 2 50a cords, I assume they are of the 125v variety, correct?
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Re: Shore Power Cord(s)

Post by wsp2 »

I believe they are 125/250v cords. There are 2 hooked prongs and one straight prong.
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Re: Shore Power Cord(s)

Post by Midnightsun »

2 hooked prongs does confirm 125/250. ;-)

Using a single cord and a Y adapter at the boat will work fine as long as you draw does not exceed 50a. The other end would simply be plugged into a 125/250 shore power pedestal.


You may want to also get a reverse Y adapter as many marinas do not offer 50a at the pedestal and therefor you can plug into dual 30a outlets which opens up several more docks where you can dock your boat when transiting.

They are spendy but well worth it. Can usually pick a used one up one eBay for much cheaper. https://www.ebay.com/itm/135510346392?_ ... R5TN5Z6XZQ
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Re: Shore Power Cord(s)

Post by Rocketman »

Sounds like you have 2 30amp 125v plugs that are adapted to a single 50amp 250v plug.
You might want to look at your plugs more carefully and verify.
I have never known a 50amp plug that is a 3 plug configuration. That sounds like 30amp 125v to me.
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Re: Shore Power Cord(s)

Post by Midnightsun »

Rocketman wrote:QR_BBPOST Sounds like you have 2 30amp 125v plugs that are adapted to a single 50amp 250v plug.
You might want to look at your plugs more carefully and verify.
I have never known a 50amp plug that is a 3 plug configuration. That sounds like 30amp 125v to me.
125/250 have 3 prongs. One is 125v as well as a second one at 125V and the other neutral. Ground is supplied by a connection around the body of the plug.
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