As I was pondering the best way to ground my genset (deck-mount) I came across this handy solution. House AC is already grounded, so best to tap into that. Quick trip to West Marine reveals that their 30amp to 3-prong adaptor pigtail is about $60. But wait...their brand new 30amp shore-power cord is only $45 and a waterproof-ish 3-prong plug only about $15.
So...I cut my nasty old 30-amp cord near the female end and put the 3-prong on that. I use the new shore-power cord for everything -- dockside or genset, where it plugs into the DIY pigtail. Same price as if I had bought the pigtail, but with a shiny new cord as bonus.
Anyway, I would hazard that given the average age of our boats, we're all about due for a new shore-power cord.
Keeping the rest of my old cord as it's a good source for a high-amp line (I keep eyeing an anchor windlass...)
Another tip - I keep a 3-prong circuit tester plugged into the other outlet. Keeps saltwater out, tells me I'm grounded and also whether it's even putting any juice out.
-Keith
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