230V AC socket question

[Bowlerhat]

I’m sure this is a basic question, but I don’t want to risk anything with electrics ...

Found this in my new boat. There are three holes (the middle one is not a screw, like may European sockets). It looks like an Italian Type L socket, but the boat has never been anywhere near Italy. If it weren’t for the centre hole, I’d simply bung a 2 pin European plug in it, as everything else about it is just like a European socket (earth top and bottom and side ‘grooves’).

Can I use a normal European plug/adapter? If not, what?

Thank you!

 

[MapisM]

Yes, you can. That "multi" socket type is meant to accept both type L plugs and EU plugs.
Therefore, it has GND on both the steel bits on the sides AND in the middle hole, but line and neutral do not change.
So, if you use it with an EU plug, you will connect GND via the sides rather than the middle hole, but that's irrelevant and you might even not know it.
Obviously, what I'm saying is only valid with the caveat that the socket was wired correctly, but I can't think of any logical reason why it shouldn't.

 

[Boathook]

How many wires are there in the back of it?

 

[MapisM]

Good question, but just in case my previous comment about the double GND connection could sound misleading, there should be the normal three wires.
The GND one goes to the two different contacts INSIDE the socket - you don't need to connect two wires for it.

 

[cherod]

my immediate thot was bin it and replace with something more suitable for your needs , but if as #2 says it is good to go then why bother .

 

[jrudge]

Just replace it with a Socket that suits the county you live in. Simpler than adapters.

 

[superheat6k]

Very wise of the OP to seek a sensible answer, which has been duly given. Please do not visit the nonsense about 3 phase 400vac going on presently on the PBO forum. If anyone takes up the advice being given there they will end up very dead !

 

[Bowlerhat]

Thanks for the answers and advice. I shall probably change it in time, but will try a low amp device through an adaptor.in the meantime. Brilliant forum.

 

[MapisM]

For your further information, there are two versions (10A and 16A) of the Italian L type plug, almost identical but slightly different in pins sizes and distances between them.
The one that can fit your socket is the smaller, rated for up to 10A. But the EU plug is rated for 16A instead.
Therefore - again, assuming that the socket was connected with the correct size wires - you should be able to draw up to 16A using an EU plug, even if you are limited to 10A with the L plug.

PS: if using EU plugs is fine for you, I see no reason for changing that socket.
I have plenty of them at home, and they work as well as EU-only sockets (or L-type only, for that matter).

 

[Bowlerhat]

Thanks MapisM. I have a few 2 pin plugs.