No power to onboard charger

B

B-Shell

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2021
Messages
74
Reaction score
19
Points
8
Age
53
Location
Jacksonville, FL
Model
Freedom 307
Hi all,

My Freedom 307 onboard charger is not getting any power. I assumed there would be a fuse or circuit breaker somewhere between the charger and the shore power connection but I cannot locate it. I have no other AC accessories on the boat. Previously when I would plug in the shore power cord the charger would automatically turn on. I have confirmed that there is power to the shore power connection. There is no current going to the charger. I've emailed Grady CS but thought I would ask on here. Any help is appreciated.
 
You will most likely have an in-line switch somewhere in the vicinity of your starboard gunnel, if that’s where your shore power outlet is. It is a galvanic isolator circuit to prevent electrolysis. That switch can trip and eliminate all AC power to your vessel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkunkBoat
Awesome thanks. I knew there was an isolator but didn’t know it had a switch. I’ll check that tonight
 
Most likely the galvanic isolator, if its's not check your manual either hard copy or you can download it from grady, it should show the location of the breaker for the charger.
 
Within a short distance (very close to) from the where the shore power cable enters the boat will be a breaker. Like home breakers, it may not always "look" tripped. It might be caught up in the middle. So turn it completely off then back on.
 
First, check Breaker near the isolator.


You have shore power but no AC panel and no outlets?

I was going to say...Check Charger breaker on AC panel. Other thing to do would be test another outlet to see if you have any power to the panel.
 
Owners manual has basic wiring diagram info. Worth a check but best to trace the power wire.
 
Update**

Found the breaker and isolator. Both are under the Starboard gunnel. I had to lay on my back in the floor to look up under there. Not something I’ve had the need to do until now. See attached pics of the locations.

Breaker wasn’t tripped and it wouldn’t trip when tested. Thought it was bad. Got my voltage sensor (external touch type) and confirmed no power going to the breaker. This is weird again because I had already tested the ext cord and adapter and both had correct voltage.

So I plug socket and with the cord plugged in I was getting no power behind the plug. Pulled the wires out and found the black wire had about 1/8in stripped off. See pic. Honestly surprised this worked for 6 years but there must have been just enough contact to make it work. I assume overtime a little bit of corrosion worked its way in and reduce the connection. I stripped all three wires back about a quarter of an inch put it all back together and it works like it’s supposed to.

Always feels good to solve a problem, especially when it only cost me some time and no major repairs
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3530.jpeg
    IMG_3530.jpeg
    527.3 KB · Views: 29
  • IMG_3529.jpeg
    IMG_3529.jpeg
    1.6 MB · Views: 28
  • IMG_3527.jpeg
    IMG_3527.jpeg
    1.2 MB · Views: 30
  • IMG_3525.jpeg
    IMG_3525.jpeg
    910.1 KB · Views: 29
  • Like
Reactions: SkunkBoat
Interesting. They fit an FS30 up there sideways. I was thinking of replacing my old Quicksilver but thought I would have to mount an FS30 inside somewhere.
 
Nice to see you located the issue. Didn't you have other issues not having AC power?
 
Well that's good to know. I would have thought you would have other issues.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.