Choosing the right shore power converter is critical for safe, efficient power onboard. One of the most common questions yacht owners ask is: “What size converter do I need?”

Why Sizing Matters
A converter that’s too small will overload, trip breakers, or fail under load. One that’s too large can be unnecessarily expensive and take up valuable space. Correct sizing ensures stable power to your equipment, avoids costly downtime, and extends the life of your electrical systems.

Understand Your Power Needs
The first step is to calculate your vessel’s total load. Make a list of all the electrical equipment you might use simultaneously—air conditioning, refrigeration, battery chargers, lighting, galley appliances, and entertainment systems.

For each device, note the wattage or amperage. You can usually find this on the equipment label or in the manual.

Example Load Calculation:

• Air conditioning: 4,000W
• Battery charger: 1,500W
• Refrigerator: 500W
• Lighting and outlets: 1,000W
• Water heater: 1,500W

Total: 8,500W

Convert watts to kilovolt-amperes (kVA):
kVA = Watts / (Voltage × Power Factor)

Assuming a power factor of 0.8 and 230V:
kVA = 8,500 / (230 × 0.8) ≈ 46 kVA

Consider Startup Loads
Some equipment draws significantly more current during startup. Air conditioners, compressors, and pumps often require 2–3 times their running load for a few seconds. Your converter must handle this surge without tripping.

Allow for Future Expansion
It’s wise to add a safety margin of 20–25% to accommodate additional loads or unexpected usage.

Choose the Right ANG Converter
ANG Shore Power Converters™ are available in configurations up to 350 kVA, with fully automatic operation and universal input compatibility. Whether you need a compact 15 kVA unit for a motor yacht or a large-capacity converter for a superyacht, our technical team can help size the perfect solution.

Need Assistance?
Contact ANG today. Our experts will guide you through the sizing process to ensure your yacht always has the power it needs.