[Milsurplus] AC Power on Ships

[Glenn Little WB4UIV]

On a military ship power is not referenced as is normal for shore stations.
Each side of the line is 50 % above ground.
If the ship is in battle and there is electrical damage that causes 
leakage to ground, the ship's equipment can still function.
If neutral is grounded, and there is leakage from hot to ground, the 
equipment quits operating.
In normal operation, the electrician or IC man of the watch checks 
ground indicators.
If one indicates that one side if a distribution buss shows a 
"ground", the electrician or IC man commences ground isolation.
When the circuit that is causing the problem is isolated, they will 
isolate the offending equipment and have it repaired.
Basically the distribution system is this way to increase reliability 
even with battle damage.

Hope this helps
73
Glenn Little
ETCS(SS) USN RET.



At 06:18 PM 10/24/2010, J. Forster wrote:
>Hi,
>
>I was just asked about the AC line on WW II era ships. It appears there is
>no neutral and the 115V 60 Hz just floats with each line 60-80 V AC above
>structure.
>
>Is this correct and common or is there a fault?
>
>And, more importantly why would they do it this way?
>
>Best,
>
>-John
>
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