Blog Article - ANG Worldwide Marine Power Systems

Why Do GFCI Breakers Trip Frequently?

Written by sergio casciu on July 9, 2025. Posted in Blog Article.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers are designed to trip when they detect a fault current flowing to ground. But boat owners often find GFCIs tripping more often than expected.

Common reasons include:

Neutral-to-ground connections onboard (common in older boats).
Stray currents from other boats.
Damaged shore cords or connectors.
Reverse polarity wiring at the dock pedestal.

How can you reduce nuisance trips?
✅ Use a marine isolation transformer to break the electrical connection with shore ground.
✅ Inspect cords regularly for wear and corrosion.
✅ Use a polarity tester before plugging in.
✅ Verify your onboard AC system wiring meets current standards.

Pro Tip:
ANG Shore Power Converters™ include built-in isolation and advanced protection, reducing the chance of GFCI trips and ensuring stable power delivery.

How Do I Combine Multiple Shore Cords Safely?

Written by sergio casciu on July 9, 2025. Posted in Blog Article.

Sometimes, marinas don’t offer a single 100-amp outlet. Instead, you find two 50-amp receptacles. You can’t just plug them both in without risk—phase misalignment could damage your equipment.

How do you connect them safely?
You need a Smart-Y adapter with an automatic paralleling controller.

What does it do?
✅ Verifies the phase alignment of both 50A connections.
✅ Combines them safely into a single 100A supply.
✅ Protects your boat from miswired pedestals.

Why choose ANG Smart-Y?
ANG Smart-Y Controllers are fully automatic, built in IP56 enclosures for marine environments, and ensure a safe, reliable connection every time.

If you need to combine multiple cords, don’t compromise. Use the Smart-Y to protect your vessel and power your systems confidently.

Why Does Shore Power Voltage Fluctuate?

Written by sergio casciu on July 9, 2025. Posted in Blog Article.

Shore power isn’t always stable. In many marinas, especially older facilities or crowded docks, voltage can swing unexpectedly.

Why does this happen?

High demand: Many boats running air conditioning or charging batteries at once.
Aging infrastructure: Worn wiring and corroded pedestals can’t handle modern loads.
Long cable runs: Voltage drops over distance.
Phase imbalance: Uneven distribution of loads across phases.

What does this mean for you?

Dimming lights.
Tripping breakers.
Damaged electronics.
Inconsistent power to essential equipment.

The solution?
ANG Shore Power Converters™ are designed to stabilize voltage. Each unit delivers pure sinusoidal output with tight ±10% voltage tolerance, ensuring safe, reliable power regardless of shore fluctuations.

When you want consistent performance, trust ANG’s advanced technology to protect your systems.

Do I Need a Shore Power Converter or an Isolation Transformer?

Written by sergio casciu on July 9, 2025. Posted in Blog Article.

When connecting your yacht to shore power, it’s important to understand the difference between a shore power converter and an isolation transformer—and whether you need one, the other, or both.

Shore power converters do more than adapt the connection. They:
✅ Convert voltage to match your onboard system.
✅ Convert frequency (e.g., from 50Hz to 60Hz).
✅ Adapt phase (single-phase or three-phase).
✅ Provide electrical isolation for safety.

In contrast, an isolation transformer only isolates the shore ground from your boat’s ground. This prevents stray currents and corrosion but does not convert voltage or frequency.

Which should you choose?

If you travel internationally or dock at marinas with different voltages and frequencies, a shore power converter like ANG Shore Power Converters™ is essential.
If you always plug into consistent power but still want protection from stray currents and galvanic corrosion, an isolation transformer may be sufficient.

Why ANG?
ANG Shore Power Converters™ combine universal voltage and frequency conversion with full electrical isolation, offering the most complete protection and flexibility on the market.

Questions? Contact us to discuss which system is right for your vessel.

Top Shore Power Converters for Yachts to Keep You Powered Up

Written by sergio casciu on July 8, 2025. Posted in Blog Article.

When you’re docking your yacht in different marinas around the world, one challenge is consistent: ensuring a safe, reliable power supply no matter the local voltage, frequency, or phase configuration. That’s where a high-quality shore power converter becomes essential.

Below, we’ll look at what to consider when choosing a converter, compare popular options, and explain why ANG Shore Power Converters™ are widely regarded as the most advanced solutions available.

Why Shore Power Converters Matter

Shore power converters do more than just adapt a plug—they handle:

Voltage conversion: matching dock voltage to your vessel’s requirements.
Frequency conversion: for example, converting 50Hz European power to 60Hz U.S. systems.
Phase adaptation: allowing boats to connect even if the dock’s phase doesn’t match.
Electrical isolation: protecting equipment and reducing corrosion risk.

Without a robust converter, you risk damaging sensitive electronics, tripping breakers, or being unable to use essential onboard systems.

Key Features to Look For

When evaluating shore power converters, consider:

Input Range: Can the unit handle different voltages and frequencies?
Output Quality: Does it deliver pure sinusoidal output and stable voltage?
Footprint: Is it compact and lightweight enough for your installation space?
Cooling & Protection: Are there built-in protections for overload, overheating, and voltage spikes?
Certifications: Look for compliance with UL, CE, and marine safety standards.
Ease of Use: Fully automatic operation saves time and minimizes user error.

Popular Shore Power Converter Brands

Here’s a quick comparison of respected marine shore power converters:

✅ Atlas Marine Systems

Known for rugged frequency converters.
Good build quality and support.
Larger and heavier footprint than some competitors.

✅ ASEA Power Systems

Trusted for commercial vessels.
Reliable operation and wide voltage/frequency range.
Higher cost and more complex installation.

✅ Charles Marine (now limited availability)

Once popular for Iso-Boost solutions.
Many units aging out of service and require replacement.

✅ ANG Shore Power Converters™

The most advanced converters on the market.
Universal input from 110V to 520V, 40–440Hz, single- or three-phase.
The smallest and lightest footprint in their class.
Pure sinusoidal output with +/-10% voltage tolerance.
Fully automatic operation and integrated isolation transformer.
RS232/Ethernet connectivity and intelligent protection systems.
Custom configurations and fast lead times.

Why ANG Converters Stand Out

While other manufacturers offer reliable products, ANG Shore Power Converters™ combine all the advantages into a single solution:

Compact Design: The lightest, most space-efficient units in their category.
Universal Compatibility: Plug in anywhere, worldwide.
Cutting-Edge Technology: State-of-the-art components for exceptional performance.
Proven Reliability: Backed by 30+ years of marine power expertise.
Custom Solutions: Tailored configurations to meet any vessel’s needs.

This combination of innovation, build quality, and support makes ANG the preferred choice for discerning yacht owners and shipyards worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right shore power converter ensures your yacht stays fully powered, wherever your travels take you. While there are several respected brands to consider, ANG Shore Power Converters™ offer unmatched performance, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Contact us today to learn more, request a quote, or explore custom solutions for your vessel.

Mastering Shore Power Grounding and Bonding

Written by sergio casciu on June 30, 1962. Posted in Blog Article.

When connecting your yacht or boat to shore power, grounding and bonding are essential to ensure both safety and reliable performance. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different but equally important purposes in your marine electrical system.

What Is Grounding?

Grounding provides a safe path for electrical current to return to the earth in the event of a fault. A properly grounded shore power connection helps prevent electric shock and reduces the risk of damage to onboard equipment.

In shore power systems, the grounding conductor connects your boat’s electrical system to the marina’s shore grounding system through your shore power cord. This ensures that any stray current can safely dissipate without endangering people or property.

What Is Bonding?

Bonding involves connecting all metal parts that do not carry current under normal operation—such as the hull, engine, fuel tanks, and other metallic structures—so they share the same electrical potential. Bonding prevents dangerous voltage differences between these components, helping avoid shock hazards and reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion.

When properly bonded, any stray current that finds its way onto the boat’s metal parts can be carried safely back to ground.

Why Proper Grounding and Bonding Matter

Improper grounding and bonding can lead to:

Electric shock hazards, especially when people are swimming nearby.
Erratic operation of onboard electronics.
Accelerated corrosion of metal fittings, shafts, and through-hulls.
Potential damage to sensitive equipment during voltage fluctuations or faults.

That’s why marine standards like ABYC E-11 and NFPA 302 provide clear guidelines for grounding and bonding practices.

Best Practices for Shore Power Grounding and Bonding

To protect your vessel and everyone onboard, consider the following recommendations:

Use a Marine Isolation Transformer or Galvanic Isolator:
These devices help break the direct electrical connection to shore power, preventing stray currents and minimizing corrosion risk.
Inspect Connections Regularly:
Corroded terminals, damaged shore cords, or loose connections can defeat grounding and bonding systems. Schedule routine checks and maintenance.
Verify Proper Polarity and Ground Continuity:
Before plugging into a shore pedestal, use a polarity tester to ensure wiring is correct and the ground connection is intact.
Bond All Metal Parts:
Ensure engines, tanks, rails, and other metal structures are bonded together and connected to the grounding system.
Label and Document:
Keep clear records of your vessel’s electrical configuration to simplify maintenance and inspections.

Final Thoughts

Grounding and bonding aren’t just technical details—they’re critical safety measures that protect your crew, your boat, and your investment. By understanding how these systems work and implementing best practices, you can enjoy peace of mind every time you connect to shore power.

If you have questions about improving your yacht’s shore power setup, contact ANG today. Our experts are here to help you design safe, reliable electrical systems for any marine environment.