Download Boating Tip #41: Shore Power (PDF format, 27KB)

WARNING

Do not drop a live shore power cord in the water or fall into the water while holding a live 30 amp / 125 volt electrical cord. If a live shore power cord accidentally falls in the water, do not reach for it without first turning off the circuit breaker, and disconnecting the male end from the dock box and/or the female end from the boat.

• Make sure the circuit breaker is turned off before connecting or disconnecting a shore power cord
• Unplug the male plug end from the shore power receptacle at the dock box before unplugging in the female connector end at the boat
• Close the cover over the socket on the boat and hand tighten
• Do not leave a live shore power cord tightly coiled on the pier with the male plug connected to the shore power receptacle at the dock box
• Plug in the female connector end to the boat before plugging in the male plug end to the shore power receptacle at the dock box
• Plug in the female connector to the boat and turn the plug a quarter turn to the right
• Hand tighten (clockwise) the black plastic locking ring to secure the connector to the boat
• If the shore power cord falls in the water and gets wet:
  • Disconnect the cord from the power source before retrieving it
  • Rinse it with fresh water
  • Shake water out of the plug and dry it
  • Spray the plug blades and connector slots with a moisture displacement spray before using the cord again