Imported US boat

[PeteRig]

Have a boat that has been imported from the States, and has since had some NZ outlets installed in the boat in NZ, wired separate to the 110V outlets.

The shore supply is wired for 230V NZ, while on shore power a 230/110V transformer is used to supply the US outlets, so the US appliances are running on 50HZ not 60HZ.

The boat has a NZ WoEF, does this setup comply to NZ regs?

Thanks

[pluto]

The arrangement described in very unlikely to comply with AS/NZS 3004 series. Not enough detail given to be specific.

[AlecK]

Unlikely to get through a proper "Part 1" assessment with ex-US appliance & sockets.
(remember a WoEF covers appliances as well as the fixed wiring)
So the existing WoEF may well be invalid on that score.

Using a step-down tx creates issues for fault protection of the 115 V circuits.

Also likely to be issues WRT corrosion, unless there's some form of galvanic isolation between the shore supply and the on-board circuits (both voltages). But that's not a WoEF issue.

Converting a boat for safe / compliant use in NZ can be complex.
Worth the effort for a true import, but maybe not for a visitor.
Just swapping the plug on the lead doesn't get you 3004" requirements for WoEF.
Ex-US inlet fittings, leads, connectors, wiring, etc typically not rated for 230V,
and the typical "NEMA inlet/ connector are arguably not to "a recognised international Standard".

[PeteRig]

Thank you gentlemen, so it reads like the boat possibly should have never been issued a WoEF, so should the issuer of the WoEF be reported or just let the WoEF expire?

As this boat resides in NZ, the owner can either operate it from his onboard generator and use the 115V outlets and appliances and not connect to shore power OR possibly convert the boat to be safe and compliant for use in NZ?

Thanks

[AlecK]

Can't say for certain whether the WoEF should or shouldn't have been;
just that it seems likely the vessel wouldn't pass the combination of complying with Part 1 and complying with all specific WoEF checks of "3004".
But I wouldn't report it unless I had one (or more) particular aspects that I firmly believed should not have been passed.
As Pluto said, need more info to be certain WRT any particular aspect
and there are a lot of aspects.

For any type of connectable installation, a current WoEF is only a requirement if it is to be plugged into an external supply.
It's the provider of the power that commits any offence in this regard [ESR 76].
So if not intending to plug into shore power, no WoEF needed.

Use of the vessel as a self-contained unit isn't covered by WoEF rules.
But would be covered by ESR 15.
The question is whether the installation is safe, especially that there's no chance of back-feed from the 115 V side to the 230V inlet.

Best option would be to convert to comply for NZ - but that may not be simple. Or cheap.
And should be fully documented, 'cos every 4 years an inspector will be faced with deciding whether what's been done actually complies.

[PawPatrol]

I'm late to the party as usual.

There is nothing in the ESR preventing an electrical installation on a boat that was built outside of New Zealand from existing and being used. It would need to be powered with US specification electricity to not be actually used or the use of the installation would be considered unsafe, including twin phase 55 V to earth, 60 Hz etc. If it is powered from an on board US spec inverter from the batteries or from a shore supply or generator with appropriate US specifications. The use of this part of the installation would be considered unsafe on 50 Hz.

I would treat the 230 V part separately and make it electrically separate to make it safe and easy to comply.