13A sockets onboard. Sanity check pls.

[sarabande]

I want to add a couple of 13A sockets with USB into the cabin. Power is provided from a consumer unit with MCBs and there is a pre-existing permanent power point which had a an oil radiator.

Given that even on the best-regulated sailing boats, the cabin can sometimes become a little damp, would a weatherproof double socket be preferable to a standard 'bare ' 13A double socket ? Or am I overthinking the problem ? Mains power would normally be in a marina only, but I do have a 2kw Honda genny that might be pressed into service on a sheltered mooring or anchorage.


TIA

 

[vyv_cox]

I installed our bog-standard 13 A sockets, two singles and a double, more than 20 years ago. Never had any problems with them.

 

[LadyInBed]

Over thinking IMO. Unless you are putting it in a place open to the elements.

 

[BabySharkDooDooDooDooDoo]

The sockets on every boat I have owned have looked just like the 'vanilla' ones I have at home and I don't remember being on board others peoples' with anything special down below.

One, built by a major French builder, came with the Continental two pin type but back then we didn't really use them on account of not having the many 'devices' we have now.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Definitely over thinking Tim.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Never had a problem with ordinary sockets and never "tripped", however damp the boat was inside or out.

 

[UK-WOOZY]

recently installed a ratio shore power socket that goes to a c-pak RCD then to two twin socket outlets with usb's . one in the stern cabin, one in the galley. got the sockets off amazon, so normal house type

been using 2 tube heaters and one oil radiator and a blower heater for when im there.



RCD:
240V Mini Consumer Unit For Caravans, Motorhomes & Boats

Ratio socket:
Ratio Stainless steel shore power inlet. 2P+E. 240v 16 A | Energy Solutions

Plug sockets:
British General 13 A Double Switched Socket with 2 x USB Charger Ports - White, 30 Year Warranty: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[JulianBall]

I would add, make sure they are double pole sockets.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I would add, make sure they are double pole sockets.

Can you elaborate on that please ?

 

[Beneteau381]

I want to add a couple of 13A sockets with USB into the cabin. Power is provided from a consumer unit with MCBs and there is a pre-existing permanent power point which had a an oil radiator.

Given that even on the best-regulated sailing boats, the cabin can sometimes become a little damp, would a weatherproof double socket be preferable to a standard 'bare ' 13A double socket ? Or am I overthinking the problem ? Mains power would normally be in a marina only, but I do have a 2kw Honda genny that might be pressed into service on a sheltered mooring or anchorage.


TIA

Overthinking!

 

[Graham376]

Can you elaborate on that please ?

Electric Wall Socket Outlet Charger 2 Gang 13A with 3 x USB Charger Ports Power Double Pole Switched Socket: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[pvb]

Electric Wall Socket Outlet Charger 2 Gang 13A with 3 x USB Charger Ports Power Double Pole Switched Socket: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

You don't really believe that the socket you've recommended has double-pole switches, do you?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Electric Wall Socket Outlet Charger 2 Gang 13A with 3 x USB Charger Ports Power Double Pole Switched Socket: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

I see a plastic double Gang socket, what do you think i should be looking at ?

 

[Graham376]

You don't really believe that the socket you've recommended has double-pole switches, do you?

I had assumed that all 13a sockets were single pole like the dozens I've installed over the years. Surprisingly, a quick search shows lots quoted as twin but, If not, it would get thrown straight back at them.

 

[Graham376]

I see a plastic double Gang socket, what do you think i should be looking at ?

You should be looking at the product description -
Electric Wall Socket Outlet Charger 2 Gang 13A with 3 x USB Charger Ports Power Double Pole Switched Socket

 

[PaulRainbow]

You should be looking at the product description -
Electric Wall Socket Outlet Charger 2 Gang 13A with 3 x USB Charger Ports Power Double Pole Switched Socket

You need to be looking at the post i was quoting, when i asked the OP to elaborate

make sure they are double pole sockets

My highlighting.

Note that a) i asked the OP to elaborate (not you) and b) he stated to be sure they were double pole sockets, not switches, not two gang, not twin axle etc

You then want to have a proper look at the item you linked to.

You can then skip the large, bold, shouty text.

 

[Graham376]

You then want to have a proper look at the item you linked to.
You can then skip the large, bold, shouty text.

I've had a proper look at the item I linked to and the bold text is copied and pasted, not shouty. If you're incapable of believing like pvb that double pole 13 sockets are available then you had better tell manufacturers such as MK - MK Logic Plus 13A 2-Gang DP Switched Plug Socket White

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Never had any trouble with regular double sockets on any boat i have had. However rarely use when afloat as no lover of marinas so mostly its in the yard or the odd shoreside hookup in cold weather. They did get very wet when bilge pump failure caused water to rise over the electronics and charging bay beneath the wheelhouse floor. So we didnt use until they dried out and all fine, but did move them up from floor of bay to the top. My outlets are all single switched or even unswitched but if I was installing rather than inheriting previous owners stuff I would go for ganged double switch etc. The main inlets from shore cable are however via ganged switches in mini consumer unit.

 

[Aurai]

Just use an IP table and make a judgement

 

[sarabande]

I am still learning about double pole and single pole, Are there good technical reasons to go for double pole pls ?