Shore power requirements onboard

[SS MAYFLOAT]

When I first got my cabin cruiser, I'm not sure if the shore power was already there or if someone had installed it themselves.

In the bilge compartment is where the breaker panel is/was (since I have taken it out for restoration purposes). The branch circuits was run in "SO" cord with one black, one red, and one white. There is no green equipment ground anywhere.

Here is what I want to know:

Can I run regular romex?
Can the panel be in the cabin vs bilge?
Can the system be set up like in a residential application?
Does the circuit panel have to be marine approved?
Does the wiring need to be in conduit?
If the wiring needs to be in conduit, what kind? thinwall, rigid, or PVC?

I haven't ever dealt with shore power requirements for the vessel itself. So any info will be greatful to get.......Thanks,,,,,,,,,,SS

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Shore power requirements onboard

Start here. http://www.onemanonline.com/Technical/AC Ground Systems.html

Marine ac power systems are similar but not the same as residential. You run into some grounding issues that are described in the document above. I doubt a residential panel meets any BIA standards.