Reversed polarity?

[Cape Codder]

On my 28TE, if I use an extension cord from my house, then an adapter, and then my shore power cord, and plug into the shore power recepticle, the "reversed polarity" (red light) goes on the panel.
Any ideas on what would cause this, and a remedy?
Thanks

[Carl]

Bob, It sounds like somewhere the black and white wires are reversed. Does your extension cord have a ground broken off that would enable you to plug it in "upside down". If not, turn the power off, take the recepticle apart and make sure the white wire is on the silver screw and the black wire is on the brass screw. The green on the green screw. Also your cord could be bad. You might want to try a diiferent recepticle in your house that you know is on a different circuit.

[Cape Codder]

Carl,
Thanks for that prompt advice.
Lord knows exactly how the house recepticle is wired, but I'll check that out first as soon as I get back to the Cape.

I just never like to see that red light on the panel!!

[Pitou]

Bob, .... all good advice from Carl. A couple of seasons ago I found myself in the same situation as you. I chased the greens, whites and grounds in and out of the boat. All was fine. I as well was using a household extension cord with an adapter. Ultimately ..... I contacted the manufacturer of the AC Main Breaker / I believe it was Blue Seas / and they told me to look at my AC volt meter on the boat and if it drops below 105 Watts the Reverse Polarity Breaker will give a false reading and turn on the "red" indicator light. That was my situation. Connected my Marinco shore power cords and all was solved. They also said the straight 3 blade adapter will always give "some" voltage drop. Use your shore power cords only and see what happens ...... best of luck

[RobS]

A poor connection will thow the light too. But sounds like it's the drop from the extension cord. If you need the extension and don't want to spend the $ on a longer shore cord try a heavy duty extension cord, one with heavier gauge conductors. Buy it at Home Depot and you could always return it

[Maye Marie]

I do think they are corect about your problem, but why you are in home depot buy a three prong test plug that will plug into your cords and tell you your polarity. Should be fairly inexpensive. Looks like the mail plug on the end of your extension cord and has three lights built in to indicate ground common and hot. Has instructions and is easy to use. No need to take anything apart to trouble shoot. Find in the electricle section.

[RicM]

Yeah you didn't state the gauge or length of the extension cord. You can have considerable voltage drop on a 50' or 100' extension cord.

A quick google search always reveals answers....
http://www.askthebuilder.com/174_Extens ... ols_.shtml

and why do most people have 16/3 or even 18/3 extension cords? Have you looked at the price of copper recently? A real 10 gauge cord ain't cheap. It's still easier than filling buckets with electricity and carrying them out to the boat though....
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/colemancable/01789/

[Cape Codder]

Thanks guys.
Simply reversing the wires in the house recepticle.
Bingo! Problem solved.

By the way, yesterday was SPLASH DAY!!!

[tlinson]

Not trying to be a wise guy , but how did the wires get switched in the first place ???

[Cape Codder]

I've owned this home for 5 years......never touched that recepticle.
I have no idea.

[Cape Codder]

I've owned this home for 5 years......never touched that recepticle.
I have no idea.

[Cape Codder]

I've owned this home for 5 years......never touched that recepticle.
I have no idea.

[TrawlerTim]

South of the Equator=coriolus effect. wires get switched....good job, and best of all, you didn't have to spend any money!