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« on: July 03, 2010, 04:58:20 PM »
Hello All - Happy 4th of July!
Yesterday John Lathrop (N5TBM) and I did a quick survey of the boat and the electrical system. Here is what we found:
1.System comes from the power pole outside of museum - we found two distribution boxes one - on for the museum and the second for power going to the boat. The power travels underground to the boat via PVC conduit and includes power for the overall boat and cathodic protection.
2. The power is estimated to be 200 Amp Service - we did not meger the power cables at the pole or entry to the boat - to be done later for confirmation.
3. Power cable connect to a disconnect (dangerous) and has 1 drop cable duplex recept. for misc. needs. The disconnect is not locked and has wiring issues for safety - not to mention heavy corrosion and dirt inside.
4. Power is routed to the two top side A/C units. Units are protected by a breaker box mounted near the units, but not in a good area. Additionally there is a drop cord receptacle- that is not to code.
5. Power comes into the main boat through a vent from topside down into the main maneuvering room. We did not see any "shore power" location, receptacle or power converter on the topside nor inside.
6. Once inside we started at the front and moved back to the MR. Our 1st initial review centered on the lighting which appeared to be using existing lighting cabling which was confirmed as we went further back. It should be noted that there are no "safety" cages around open light bulbs. This is dangerous to folks moving in and around the boat and the possible fumes that might exist.
7. We did find several different boxes, panels, control type items with control lights working, and found various types of cables, i.e. romex, extention cords and single conductor THHN/THW providing 120V power to give the appearance of power.
8. Further back we did see multiple distribution boxes that appear to be in some working order as current fuses are installed. In some cases power was wired to them using the various cables mentioned above.
9. Finally we did find where the power was brought in from topside and put to a small distribution box, with three breakers - 2- 20 AMP breakers (which are not marked as to what they control, and a 100 Amp breaker which appears to control all lighting (and some other componets.)From the distribution box power was sent through the existing cables which confirmed our thoughts of using the existing system for lighting.
Further review showed panels unlocked, doors opened to past DC power rooms, open lugs etc., etc., etc.,
John and I looked for several minutes and could not find a connection point or switch for shore power. we do not know where that is and if it is available for us to use?Help in location would be greatly appreciated!
After seeing what appeared to be the "power" system, John and I agreed that the boat power was in much needed improvement and safety issues need a solid review across the whole boat.
What we will need is a "general overview" of the electrical system as when she was put into service to outline what distribution boxes may or maynot be in use. Ron KD5VDB has requested drawing from members of Congress/ Navy to get this ball rolling.
Once we have that in place and a general overview can be accomplished; we then can rework the survey and conclude what the possible routing's may be and make corrective actions as needed. We are also going to solicit the resources from another HAM in the area who is a licensed electrician and begin to plan our course of action. Items such as lock out procedures can be done as a "on-going" practice to at least start that process.
Questions can be submitted to via this forum or to Rick and we can as a team put togeher a workable and long-range plan to be her up to speed safely.
Regards, Charlie
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