where to find replacement electrical panel switches?-gctid343634

[Woodsong]

On our "new" 4550, there are 3 large switches on the main panel for shore power #1, #2, and #3. We are missing the handles to 2 of these large rotating switches. Anyone have any idea where I can get replacements? Attached is a picture.

Next time I get on board I need to play with these switches as well to figure out how they interface with the shore power chord (we have a single 50 amp) and whether the previous owner possibly bypassed them and converted everything to single 50 amp service.

Attached files [img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/646243=23786-DSCF0501.jpg[/img]

[Papa_Charlie]

The original config had three shore power inlets. The two switches that are missing allowed you to parallel line 1 to line 2 or line 1 to line 3.

If you have three power lines coming in you would switch these switch to Normal and each inlet would feed a distribution line on your panel.

If you only had only two power lines coming in you could power the third line off of line 1.

Or if there is only one power line coming in you could power lines 2 and 3 off of line 1.

If the PO had your system modified to accept a single 50 amp inlet only these are most likely not used anymore. Also could be why they removed the handles so that they could not be switched. I would guess there may still be wiring going to them.

[Woodsong]

Thanks for the explanation on the parallel lines! Since we just closed and the boat is still 265 miles away til later this month, I can't just hop on board right now and dig into some finer detail items such as this. I am guessing that perhaps they did abandon those switches as well. Only way to know for sure I think is to take off the face of the panel and look behind and see what is going on in there and where the wires run. But- if they are not abandoned I'll need to find some of those panel rotary switches.

[Papa_Charlie]

If they still have wires hooked to them and they may, I believe they removed them so that they could not be moved from there present setting. You only have one line coming in, so these serve no purpose anymore. They should have been removed from the circuit but they also may be using them to split the single inlet by paralleling Line 1 to Line 2 and to Line 3. My concern if they are is the amperage rating of these switches as now the bottom switch is having to handle 50 amps instead of 30 amps.

Sorry I cannot be of more help, but it is difficult without being there.

[The_Other_Gary]

Is the present power inlet 50/125 or 50/125/250.

I have converted my 3988 to 50/125/250 and only need a single cord now.

Since there is no 220 volt gear in a 3988 I jut split the two hots and feed 50/125 to each side of the panel.

Have it checked out carefully, you may not want to replace the handles if this is the caseTony.

[Woodsong]

Gary- pretty sure it is 50/125/250- at least I know for sure it is at the dockside power side where it plugs into the shore power pedistal. I need to open up the panel when we are next at the boat to see what they have done. I have some marketing stuff from a few years ago on the boat (current seller is essentially unavailable so I am on my own to figure this stuff out) and it says "new 50 amp service" so will need to see what they did. I do know that the single service coming in will power everything without an issue when sitting at the dock.

[Papa_Charlie]

Very easy to tell if it is a 240 VAC circuit. If there are four terminal instead of just three.

I am wondering though, if you are away from you dock and thee isn't any 240 volt available, what you will end up with. I know they have adapters which should split the one hot leg into two. If that is the case then you will still not need to switch those paralleling switches.

I think you are better off without handles still.

It will be interesting to see what you have behind that panel.

My panel has also been modified. When they put the inverter in the system they put some of the inverter fed loads onto a separate panel and some are through the existing panel.

These boats are a real adventure in more ways than one.

Good luck and again, Congrats.

[Guest]

Judging by the look of the existing handle and the shaft design on the missing ones, I would say they are Kraus & Naimer switches. I would also guess the the upper one is in the 'normal' position and the lower one is in the 'line 1-2 parallel' position.

As PapaCharlie said, I wouldn't fool with these until I checked out what the PO had done. perhaps the handle were removed for a reason.

[Guest]

Hi Tony, okay, but when your ready for the switch handles, here is a great link for switches, knobs, etc.

I bought many from them and also new knobs for the salon windows.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#machine-component-knobs/=fsyt4k

Ed