32amps to 16amps shore power?

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TRUNDLETRUC

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Sometimes we find that all the 16amp sockets are being used on a shore power pedestal, but there are 32amp ones not being used. We have a 16amp circuit.
Can I make an adapter with 32amp plug on one end and a 16amp socket on the other that will allow me to get some electric?
There are obvious dangers in that the marina trip would not protect the 16amp wires up to the 16amp trip on the shore power panel. But shorts on the boat would be covered by the shore power panel trip?
Am I correct in thinking that the 32amp sockets on pedestals are 240volts?
I would be pleased to see the comments from people with more knowledge of electrics than me.
 
I went through the same thoughts as you and decided that any problem on the boat would trip out the boat panel and a cable problem would, almost certainly be a short circuit and trip the shoreside unit. Most other faults are earth related and trip an RCD. We carry a 32 to 16 adapter, a 16 to 16 polarity changer and single 16 to two 16 adapter.
Away from the USA most shorepower is 220-240v.
Allan
 
Allan said:
I went through the same thoughts as you and decided that any problem on the boat would trip out the boat panel and a cable problem would, almost certainly be a short circuit and trip the shoreside unit. Most other faults are earth related and trip an RCD. We carry a 32 to 16 adapter, a 16 to 16 polarity changer and single 16 to two 16 adapter.
Away from the USA most shorepower is 220-240v.
Allan
Click to expand...

I've got one and use it as I have a 25 amp RCD to match the incoming cable on the boat end and if I really was using more it would trip. But I do see choices of 2 and 3 phase 32 amp supplies in some marinas and stick with the 2 phase.
 
we have a 32 amp supply on our home berth and I just have an adapter tail as you suggest. No problems in six years we've been here. I keep the shore line with the 16 amp plug for travelling.
 
TRUNDLETRUC said:
Sometimes we find that all the 16amp sockets are being used on a shore power pedestal, but there are 32amp ones not being used. We have a 16amp circuit.
Can I make an adapter with 32amp plug on one end and a 16amp socket on the other that will allow me to get some electric?
There are obvious dangers in that the marina trip would not protect the 16amp wires up to the 16amp trip on the shore power panel. But shorts on the boat would be covered by the shore power panel trip?
Am I correct in thinking that the 32amp sockets on pedestals are 240volts?
I would be pleased to see the comments from people with more knowledge of electrics than me.
Click to expand...

You can buy them ready made. On that basis no problem

This is rather more expensive but would allow you to share the 32 amp outlet with another 16 amp person. Each of you having the protection of a 16amp mcb.

https://www.criticalpowersupplies.c...er-5mtr-240v-blue-1-male-32amp-2-female-16amp
 
RupertW said:
I've got one and use it as I have a 25 amp RCD to match the incoming cable on the boat end and if I really was using more it would trip. But I do see choices of 2 and 3 phase 32 amp supplies in some marinas and stick with the 2 phase.
Click to expand...

In most cases I think you mean single or 3 phase. The 3 phase will have a 4 pin plug (3 phases plus earth). I have seen what appeared to be 2 phases used in the Caribbean, but this was to get 230v from a US style 115v system. It lit the reverse polarity light on our panel whichever way it was connected.
Allan
 
VicS said:
You can buy them ready made. On that basis no problem

This is rather more expensive but would allow you to share the 32 amp outlet with another 16 amp person. Each of you having the protection of a 16amp mcb.

https://www.criticalpowersupplies.c...er-5mtr-240v-blue-1-male-32amp-2-female-16amp
Click to expand...

I thought of adding a second 16amp socket to the adaptor as it would only cost a few quid and would be a nice thing to do. But I know that this year or in a few years time some part will short or fail as rain eventually gets through or somebody pulls on it or drops it into the water and plugs in straight back in. No issue for me as I use a polarity tester each time I connect and am well used to fixing whatever the issue is. But I did blanche at the idea of taking responsibility for any issues caused to an unknown persons supply.
 
I have a standard 32-16amp convertor, use it regularly in Med marinas.

Made it up myself, as well as a splitter from 1 x 16 amp plug to 2 x 16 amp sockets.
I've been using them for the last 15 years.
Reverse polarity is a constant feature, especially in Greece.

There may be some confusion between single and three phase systems, the former have 3 pins and are blue, the latter 4-pins and are usually red. They don't mix.
 
Thanks for the prompt replies. I will make an adapter up, now I am pretty positive I won't blow anything up!
Thanks everyone.
 
If you are worried about the protection of the lead itself you could always have an inline fuse holder inside the 32a plug as there should be room with a bit of care, that way it will never supply more than the fuse is rated for anyway, they are technically illegal without a fuse but loads of us use them anyway.
 
TRUNDLETRUC said:
Thanks for the prompt replies. I will make an adapter up, now I am pretty positive I won't blow anything up!
Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

I suggest you look carefully for somewhere to buy the plugs and sockets. I paid about £2-50 from a local caravan place.
Allan
 
I too use a home made adapter. The only point I would make, is don't use a plastic y splitter in the system.The plug end could potentially (no pun intended) be subject to a full 32a if both 16's were fully loaded.
Better discrete leads from the 32a plug to two line 16a skts.
I do worry though, if anything went wrong the investigators would jump on the converter wiring regardless of wether it was at fault or not.
 
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