Is Your Boat’s Shore Power Safe?

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 16:03:20 +0000

Have you ever plugged your boat into shore power and simply assumed everything was safe?

After an electrical fault aboard SV Impavidus, I decided to investigate exactly how marina shore power works, what reverse polarity actually means, and whether our boats are really as well protected as we think they are.

In this video I explain, in plain English:

✔ What reverse polarity is

✔ Why Neutral and Earth are not the same thing

✔ The difference between European and North American shore power systems

✔ How RCDs (GFCIs) actually protect you

✔ Why a simple indicator can warn you before a dangerous fault develops

This isn’t intended as a modification guide or professional electrical advice. It’s an educational look at the principles behind marine AC electrical systems so you can better understand your own boat and ask the right questions.

Whether you sail in Europe, North America or anywhere else in the world, understanding your boat’s electrical system could one day prevent equipment damage—or something much more serious.

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⚠ Safety Notice

Mains AC electricity can kill. If you are not qualified or experienced working with marine electrical systems, always consult a competent marine electrician before carrying out any work on your boat.

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If you enjoyed the video, please consider subscribing to SV Impavidus and joining us for more sailing adventures, engineering projects and practical cruising knowledge from around the Mediterranean.

Fair winds,
Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid XX 🇬🇧 ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️

boat electrics, shore power, reverse polarity, marine electrical, RCD, GFCI, galvanic isolator, Victron, Bavaria yacht, sailing, yacht maintenance, cruising, electrical safety, marina power, liveaboard, SV Impavidus
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👋 We’re Ant & Cid aboard SV Impavidus – two adventurers sailing full-time since 2018. From stormy crossings to quiet anchorages (and plenty of dad jokes), we share family-friendly stories of life at sea 🌊
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