Why is a shore power system inspection important?

A shore power inspection ensures your boat is safely receiving power from the marina without overheating, voltage drop, or electrical leakage. Faulty shore power systems are one of the most common causes of onboard electrical fires and equipment damage, especially in saltwater marinas like Long Beach and Newport Beach.

What do you check during a shore power system inspection?

We inspect the shore power cord, plugs, inlet, breakers, wiring connections, grounding, polarity, and load balance. We also check for heat damage, corrosion, loose connections, and compliance with ABYC safety standards.

When should a shore power cord be replaced?

A shore power cord should be replaced if it shows signs of overheating, melted pins, cracked insulation, corrosion, discoloration, or intermittent power loss. In high-use marina environments, cords often need replacement every few years to maintain safety and reliability.

Can a bad shore power cord damage onboard equipment?v

Yes. A damaged or undersized shore power cord can cause voltage drops, overheating, and unstable power delivery. This can damage sensitive electronics, battery chargers, inverters, air conditioning units, and other onboard systems.

Do you replace shore power inlets and connectors as well?

Yes, we replace shore power cords, inlets, plugs, and connectors as needed. We install marine-grade, corrosion-resistant components designed for saltwater environments and heavy marina use.

Is your shore power work compliant with marina and insurance requirements?

Absolutely. All inspections and replacements are performed according to ABYC standards and marina safety requirements. Proper documentation is provided, which is often required by marinas and insurance companies.

Do you provide service directly at the marina?

Yes, we provide on-site shore power system inspections and cord replacement directly at marinas in Long Beach and Newport Beach. This allows us to test the system under real-world conditions using marina shore power connections.

Marine electrician inspecting a corroded shore power inlet and installing a new safety power cord on a yacht in Long Beach marina.

Shore Power System Inspection & Cord Replacement

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2138

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$150.00

The #1 cause of boat fires is a faulty shore power connection. We inspect inlets for heat damage, replace weather-beaten cords, and retrofit vessels with the modern, fire-safe SmartPlug system.

Details

Fire Prevention

Stop the Burn.
Connect Safely.

The #1 cause of boat fires is a faulty shore power connection. Outdated "twist-lock" plugs can overheat and arc without warning. We inspect, replace, and modernize your connection to the grid.

The "Twist-Lock" Flaw

Standard marine plugs rely on thin, curved metal blades. Over time, corrosion and vibration loosen these connections, creating electrical resistance (heat). If your plug handle looks brown or melted, it is a fire waiting to happen.

SmartPlug Upgrade

We strongly recommend upgrading to SmartPlug. It uses a pin-and-sleeve design with 20x the metal contact area of old plugs. It locks straight in (no twisting) and seals completely against water intrusion.

ELCI & GFCI Testing

Modern safety standards require an ELCI (Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter) near the inlet. We test these breakers to ensure they will trip instantly if dangerous current leaks into the water, protecting swimmers from shock.

The Safety Audit.

Identifying the danger zones.

Visual & Thermal Scan

We inspect the inlet on your boat and the dock pedestal. We look for "browning" or melting around the pins, which indicates past overheating and arcing.

Cord Replacement

Sun and salt degrade cord jackets, leading to exposed wires. We supply high-quality, weather-resistant 30A and 50A marine cordsets to replace cracked or stiff cables.

Inlet Retrofit

We remove the old Marinco/Furrion inlet, check the internal wiring for heat damage (cutting back burnt wire if necessary), and install a new stainless steel SmartPlug inlet.

Load Test

We turn on AC loads (A/C, Water Heater) and measure voltage drop at the panel. High voltage drop means high resistance—a clear sign of a bad connection somewhere in the line.

Secure the Connection.

Before and after the upgrade.

Evidence of electrical arcing and heat damage on a standard marine NEMA L5-30P plug.

Close-up of a newly installed polished stainless steel SmartPlug shore power inlet on a boat hull.

Hazardous marine electrical connector (SS2-50) with significant corrosion and heat damage requiring replacement.

Standard Capacities.

We service all recreational power levels.

30 Amp 120V (3-Prong) - Common on boats under 40'

50 Amp 125/250V (4-Prong) - Larger Yachts/AC Loads

SmartPlug Retrofit Kits available for both 30A & 50A

Common Questions

Why is my cord plug hot?

It should **never** be hot. Warmth indicates resistance. This usually means the pins are corroded or the internal socket springs are worn out. Stop using it immediately and call us.

Can I just sand the corrosion off?

No. Sanding removes the nickel plating, exposing bare brass which corrodes even faster. Once a plug is pitted or burnt, it must be replaced to prevent fire.