125 /250v Hubblle plugs & sockets

[rjcoles]

I am refitting my American built boat and have just got around to sorting out the ac wiring. I have a Hubbell locking 125 / 250v waterproof socket designed for American split phase supply. I would like to reuse this but for a 230v ac supply (incoming lead is connected to an industrial 16A round plug). Up stream from the socket will be an isolating transformer. The problem I can't get my head around is that in the UK we use live and neutral for the 230v but, if and when, I get to the Caribbean the supply would be between L1 and L2 to get the 240v and the neutral not used. I would like to find a way of connecting to both types of supply safely with the existing socket but I am unsure how to. I have looked at Nigel Calder's bible but have not found the answer. An suggestion's?

 

[nigelmercier]

Up stream from the socket will be an isolating transformer... in the UK we use live and neutral for the 230v but, if and when, I get to the Caribbean the supply would be between L1 and L2 to get the 240v and the neutral not used...

Why an isolating transformer? Are you sure it isn't a 120:230V?

Can you not make an adapter to switch for each location?

For example, you can plug a 230V supply into a 3-phase socket (using any random phase and N), so I've made an adapter to do this. Often gets me out of a jam in a strange marina.

 

[NormanS]

I suspect that your socket is actually a shrouded plug, but whatever you do, invest a fiver in a test plug for polarity. My boat came with one of these plugs, and if I remember correctly, the connections on it weren't marked + and -, but B and W. Presumably Black and white, which don't mean a lot in this country. Anyway, it was wired up wrongly, with reverse polarity, which although doesn't stop things working, can kill you.

 

[rjcoles]

HI Guys

The isolating transformer is there for two reasons: to stop any stray currents that would cause galvanic corrosion and to also ensure that the boat side has correct polarity. I ca wire the socket OK for the UK and Europe using the B (black Live) and W (white Neutral) terminals but will I have to change the socket wiring to still get 230v when we get to the Caribbean?

 

[nigelmercier]

HI Guys

The isolating transformer is there for two reasons: to stop any stray currents that would cause galvanic corrosion and to also ensure that the boat side has correct polarity. I ca wire the socket OK for the UK and Europe using the B (black Live) and W (white Neutral) terminals but will I have to change the socket wiring to still get 230v when we get to the Caribbean?

An isolating transformer will not stop stray earth currents. It will also render any RCD useless. As to the wiring, see my suggestion to make an adapter.