AC outlet in engine room

O

Orcbait

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Let me ask this question from a surveyor perspective.

The person who surveyed my boat says ABYC standards require removal of an AC outlet I have in my engine room. This being a ground-fault protected outlet mounted as high up as possible, and being used only for an air dryer with no movable parts and which is not thermostatically controlled.

I can't seem to access the ABYC standards without paying something (weird setup in my view, but that's another topic!). So my question is, simply, is he correct in terms of ABYC standards requiring removal? He says there is no alternative acceptable application.

Thanks.

Orcbait
 
After thinking about this a bit more, why not have a gfi protected duplex in the bilge? They are useful when performing maintanence work, for plugging in trouble lights, a vacuum to clean up, etc. This is all done with the bilge open for ease of access. If it smells like gas down there you wouldn't start running power equipment until the fumes clear and your power tools are safe to use.
 
sbw1,
GFI protects from shorts. They do not provide any spark arresting protection. The fact that you know better than to fire-up that shop-vac in your bilge when vapors are present is not factored into the ABCY standards. If you have an engine room fire and the insurance investigator finds any sort of AC outlet in your engine room I would bet it would not be looked on favorably.
 
Why do the upscale builders continue to install them? And, yes, I do know what a GFI is. My insurance premium is not higher as a result of having an ac duplex in the bilge. I'll be using it tomorrow.
 
well, I envy you. Because my insurer forced me to remove mine.

Cheers,

Orcbait
 
All of the newer Mainship 34 Trawlers (and likely the other models) have an outlet in the engine room and they are ABYC certified. The outlet is very obvious at the forward wall of the engine room so I can't believe that it violates the ABYC standards.
 
Belzedar, Does the outlet have a cover that seals the unit when not in use? Also, is this a gas powered vessel?
 
Al, how would a cover would make a difference in the spark protection?
 
Al, there is a spring cover over both of the outlets and it is a diesel powered boat.
 
Mike, A sealed cover would prevent fumes from being exposed to a spark when the outlet is not in use.

Belzedar, On a diesel powered vessel theres no problem with an outlet in this location. Its the gas powered models that can have the problem.
 
Please explain how a not in use outlet can spark?

Perhaps the cover is to help prevent corrosion from the humid/salty air?
 
rommer, How about a short for one created by a poor connection for what ever reason. To me its just not worth having an outlet in the engine compartment. Out of site out of mind. Doesnt work well with me.
 
Still not following your thoughts on this Al. If the outlet is not in use then how does it short? Are you talking about the wiring going to the outlet itself?
 
Surface growths (mold), or internal corrosion can cause a live outlet to arc over or even catch fire. This starts out has high resistance (carbon build up) and can conduct especially in a damp environment.
 
Glad to see there is some concern for safety here but there are several other things that are far worse than an AC outlet, namely the batteries. Several unfused 12 volt DC wires running from them, terminals noted for corrosion. Don't sweat an AC outlet.
 
rommer. BillyIII has it right. A live wire shorting to ground in the outlet box, would be one example.

JimPend, I agree with your thoughts also. This is why all batteries should be boxed and vented correctly. ABYC has a standard just for that type of condition. Also there are standards that cover wiring systems to prevent these type problems.

If i had more time tonight i would look them up and post them for you.
 
An AC outlet, is no problem.
Worry about Global Warming, or something, no problem that we can help, the earth goes thru this every now and then, million years or so.
 
I guess I'll defer to the experts but my gut tells me you have a better chance of getting hit by lightening than having an unused outlet arc over due to mold.
 
So, again I ask, "Why does Tiara still put ac duplexes in the bilge if this is such a hugh saftey issue?"
 
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