Systems
Power Supply
Inverters, chargers & distribution that never blink.
Power Supply covers the components that convert, store and distribute electricity aboard a vessel or mobile rig — the chain that takes incoming energy and turns it into safe, usable power at every outlet and appliance.
This category spans six related groups. Inverters convert stored DC battery power into AC for mains-style loads; battery chargers do the reverse, replenishing the bank from shore or generator AC; and inverter/chargers combine both functions in a single unit, often with transfer switching so loads move seamlessly between shore power and battery. Around them sits the distribution and protection layer: DC distribution carries current from the bank to its branches, circuit protection (fuses, breakers and switches) limits fault current and isolates circuits, and shore power provides the inlet, cabling and connection hardware that ties the system to dockside or campsite mains.
Treat these parts as one system rather than a shopping list. The inverter or inverter/charger is sized to the AC loads it must run; the charger is matched to the bank's chemistry and capacity; and DC distribution and protection are rated to the cable and the source, not chosen by convenience. In marine and overland environments the same logic applies but the duty is harsher — vibration, damp, salt and heat all shape the choice of enclosure, terminal and connector. Working to recognised practice such as ABYC guidance for over-current protection and conductor sizing keeps the design defensible and the installation safe.
PowerSol carries this category from established power and electrical names. Victron Energy and Sterling Power cover conversion and charging; Blue Sea Systems and Carling Technologies cover DC distribution, switching and circuit protection; and Marinco and Scanstrut cover shore-power inlets, connectors and deck-mounted hardware. Selecting compatible components across these groups lets an installer build a coherent system rather than assembling parts that merely coexist.
How to choose
- Start from the AC loads. Total the appliances that must run together, then size the inverter or inverter/charger to that continuous demand with headroom for surge loads such as motors and compressors.
- Match the charger to the battery. Charge profile and current should suit the bank's chemistry and capacity — lithium (LFP) and lead-acid have different voltage and absorption requirements, and an over- or under-sized charger shortens bank life.
- Size protection to the cable, not the load. Fuses and breakers protect the conductor; choose ratings and positions in line with ABYC over-current practice, and fit isolation switches where you need to safely de-energise circuits.
- Specify shore power for the environment. Choose inlets, cordsets and connectors with appropriate ingress protection and locking, and confirm voltage, frequency and amperage match the AC system on board.
- Plan for the conditions. In marine and mobile rigs favour enclosures, terminals and connectors rated for vibration, damp and salt, and keep room for the bank, ventilation and serviceable runs.
Brands
Power Supply brands
Victron Energy
Blue Power. Anytime. Anywhere.
About Victron Energy →Blue Sea Systems
1,000+ electrical products for harsh marine environments.
About Blue Sea Systems →Carling Technologies
Switching, breakers and digital power distribution.
About Carling Technologies →Sterling Power
Marine and off-grid power distribution & charging.
About Sterling Power →Scanstrut
300+ mounts, waterproof charging & Satcom solutions.
About Scanstrut →Marinco
Shore power, conversion and harsh-environment electrical.
About Marinco →Power Supply — FAQs
What is the difference between an inverter, a charger and an inverter/charger?
An inverter converts DC battery power into AC for mains-style appliances. A battery charger does the opposite, using shore or generator AC to recharge the bank. An inverter/charger combines both in one unit and usually adds transfer switching, so loads pass between shore power and battery without a separate changeover.
Do I need separate circuit protection if my inverter has built-in safeguards?
Yes. Built-in safeguards protect the device, while DC distribution fuses and breakers protect the cabling and the wider system against fault current. Over-current protection should be sized to the conductor and positioned in line with recognised practice such as ABYC guidance, independent of any onboard electronics.
Can I use the same charger for lithium and lead-acid batteries?
Only if the charger supports the chemistry and is configured for it. LFP and lead-acid need different charge voltages and profiles, so the charger must be matched to the bank. Using the wrong profile reduces capacity, shortens life and, in some cases, prevents proper charging altogether.
Is shore-power equipment interchangeable between marine and overland use?
The principles are shared, but the hardware should suit the environment. Marine shore power typically calls for higher ingress protection, corrosion resistance and locking connectors against damp and salt, whereas overland rigs prioritise vibration and dust resistance. In all cases confirm voltage, frequency and amperage match the onboard AC system.