Primer on AC Power

Not all power supplies are created equally

By Michael Kelly, Bayland Electronics
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We often take the AC power supply in our homes for granted since the power utility company controls the quality of the power supplies to our homes. The sine wave of the power supply is a true 60 Hz (cycle) and the acceptable voltage will range between 107 to 127 volts.

Products on the market are designed to run on these controlled power supplies. But on a boat we may have more than one power supply – shore power from your marina dock, an on-board generator or an inverter.

Although most appliances, such as fridges and stoves, have electronic controls, flatscreen TVs and associated electronic components are more power supply sensitive. As we have more sensitive electronics on board now than we had in the past, it is important the power sources for your boat are within an acceptable range when the circuit is loaded. If not, then you will experience poor performance from your electrical and electronic devices, as well as possible damage and a shortened life span.

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