Crossing the Atlantic
240 Volt Transformer. Our boat, being American, is equipped with 110 volt AC wiring for marina connections, and the on-board generator supplies 110 volts while at sea, to run the inverter/charger, refrigeration, air conditioners, and water heater if (rarely) needed. In 2011, with Europe being on 240 volts systems, we had to come up with a solution.
Fortunately, we were not the first to confront this problem and the simplest solution (and cheapest) was to purchase a transformer. The transformer is one of those yellow very heavy transformers that, I understand, are used by builders in the UK because they have to use 110 volt power tools rather than 240 volts ones (for safety reasons). So these transformers are widely used. We purchased ours (500 GBP) early in our stay in the Azores, at Horta at the local chandlery.
At the same time we purchased an extension chord to connect the transformer to marina power boxes at one’s marina berth. I installed our transformer in the aft port quarter cockpit locker. I modified one of the large AC power cable plugs I already had on board (changed an American female plug for a European equivalent) so that it ran from the transformer to the AC power inlets on the transom of the boat. In summary, 240 volt power comes out of the marina powerbox to the transformer via an extension chord. Transformer changes the 240 volt power to 110 volt and this is sent to the AC power plugs at the back of the boat. I turn on the 110 volt master switch at the electrical panel and we have normal 110 volt power ie charging batteries, running fridges, etc.
Very simple really and it works a treat. I also disconnect one of the plugs when I don’t need to use shore power eg when not running fridges, when going ashore etc, as the transformer does heat up a bit and it’s just a habit of mine to disconnect/switch off things if they are not being used.
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| Pico from Horta Marina |
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