Circuit Protection for the AC Input To a Battery Charger

Question:

Hello, I am hoping to get an expert opinion on a very important electrical issue. I need to replace my battery charger. The AC is wired directly, but the unit I bought, as many are, uses a 3 prong plug. I spoke to my surveyor about how to properly wire the AC to the charger. He advised to connect the wires (snip the 3 prong head) via butt connectors and junction box. House power is 30 amp, the unit is 20 amp. Instead of direct wiring the power lines, shouldn't I use an in-line fuse? Would appreciate your input. Regards, Michael

Answer:

Hi Michael, your hunch is right, a battery charger installed aboard your boat needs to be connected to a circuit breaker to protect both the AC line to the charger and the charger itself. To meet ABYC code, you should install a main double-pole breaker for the 30 AC main and then a single 20 amp breaker for the battery charger.  Consider the following:

https://www.bluesea.com/products/8029/Traditional_Metal_Panel_-_AC_Main_%2B_1_Positions  or  https://www.bluesea.com/products/3116/SMS_Surface_Mount_System_Panel_Enclosure_-_120V_AC___30A_ELCI_Main_-_3_blank_circuit_positions  - Jeff