We have a well-equipped 1998 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer purchased 3 years ago. All electrical devices have operated perfectly until this year. This year our municipal marina installed new GFI power pedestals, then our problems started. Some electrical devices operate fine. But when we turn on the air-conditioner or the microwave, the 30 amp breaker on the pedestal trips off instantly. A marine electrician has inspected and tested all our circuits and wiring and found no problem. We have tried other shore power cables, and have plugged into other pedestals, without success. Any suggestions?
One of our previous microwave oven would trip on high power. We learned to use the next power power setting. New and more powerful microwave works great. It's not unheard of for A/C compressors to leak a lil current also. If your electrician could not detect this, give him rasburys than money.
Those fancy GFIs trip when they detect a difference of current going in from coming back. Then it is assumed, the current is leaking somewhere else and trips. SeaRay? Isolation Transformer on board?? Charles Iso-Boost??
I find it great to have a GFI breaker as it can save lives. Potentially it will help you figure out something that isn't operating as it should in the boat... I believe starting the troubleshoot via the microwave is simpler than the A/C. I suggest unplugging the microwave and plugging another equipment of similar wattage, may be a hairdryer. If the hairdryer does not cause the GFI to open, the issue may be on the MW itself and not the boat wiring. Another option is to use a regular extension cord and an adaptor for the pedestal plug, connect the MW directly to extension cord that is connected to pedestal and see if the GFI triggers.
