Aboard connections

[PabloPicasso]

As I work on the 12v and shore power systems I found three mains cables spliced through a choc box connector wrapped in insulation tape, and not screwed down.

I want to replace this, but with what?

A 3 way domestic mains box that can be screwed down?

I have a box for wago connectors is that safe to use on a boat?

Other options?

 

[PaulRainbow]

As I work on the 12v and shore power systems I found three mains cables spliced through a choc box connector wrapped in insulation tape, and not screwed down.

I want to replace this, but with what?

A 3 way domestic mains box that can be screwed down?

I have a box for wago connectors is that safe to use on a boat?

Other options?

Wago connectors are fine on a boat. They need to be secure and the box needs to be waterproof if in a damp/wet location.

That said, what are these mains cables ? Type, size, going to and from where ?

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Wago connectors are fine on a boat. They need to be secure and the box needs to be waterproof if in a damp/wet location.

That said, what are these mains cables ? Type, size, going to and from where ?

+1 What do they do? What do you mean by mains box? consumer unit , connection box, or what?

 

[andsarkit]

Maybe something like this if you are short of space:

CPC cable joiner
I think there are also 3 way versions but you can always blank off the unsed entry until needed.

 

[PabloPicasso]

It's the shore power/mains connecting cables to various 3 pin sockets. It's below a bunk in the aft cabin, so shouldn't be wet!

3 cables join in a choc box connector covered with insulation tape that is not restrained.

A wago box screwed to the bulkhead would be easy enough.

I'm using shore power more often now the boat is ashore than when afloat (boat was/will be kept on a mooring)

Power tools, kettle, dehumidifier, battery charging....

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

It's the shore power/mains connecting cables to various 3 pin sockets. It's below a bunk in the aft cabin, so shouldn't be wet!

3 cables join in a choc box connector covered with insulation tape that is not restrained.

A wago box screwed to the bulkhead would be easy enough.

I'm using shore power more often now the boat is ashore than when afloat (boat was/will be kept on a mooring)

Power tools, kettle, dehumidifier, battery charging....

Why not redo the whole thing. Fit a small garage type consumer unit with RCD/RCBO and a couple of MCB's .

 

[PaulRainbow]

Why not redo the whole thing. Fit a small garage type consumer unit with RCD/RCBO and a couple of MCB's .

He already has a consumer unit Mains power

Would be useful to know what's in it and as i asked earlier, what type and size is the cable.

It would be unfortunate to give any advice and then find out that the cable was totally unsuitable and caused a fire, or there is no RCD and someone got electrocuted.

@PabloPicasso can you answer those questions please, with pics, preferably.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

He already has a consumer unit Mains power

Would be useful to know what's in it and as i asked earlier, what type and size is the cable.

It would be unfortunate to give any advice and then find out that the cable was totally unsuitable and caused a fire, or there is no RCD and someone got electrocuted.

@PabloPicasso can you answer those questions please, with pics, preferably.

Yup OK I didn't connect the two. Yes pics. would help including the consumer unit

 

[PabloPicasso]

There is a consumer unit

 

[PabloPicasso]

Only one mcb is in use, so I could swap them for one double pole mcb.

There are four Sockets on board. A single in the aft cabin, a double near the galley, a single on the main switch panel, and a single in the fore cabin.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Only one mcb is in use, so I could swap them for one double pole mcb.

There are four Sockets on board. A single in the aft cabin, a double near the galley, a sigle on the main switch panel, and a single in the fore cabin.

Wouldn't bother with a double pole MCB, i'd think about changing the RCD though.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Yes, actually I have changed them. These are in place now.

What do you say the potential issue with the RCD was?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Yes, actually I have changed them. These are in place now.

What do you say the potential issue with the RCD was?

The original RCD just looks old, they don't last forever.

The MCB you fitted is only 10A, a standard kettle will trip that.

Despite being asked 3 times you still haven't said what type/size the cables are. It's difficult and dangerous to give detailed advice without having all of the facts.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

The original RCD just looks old, they don't last forever.

The MCB you fitted is only 10A, a standard kettle will trip that.

Despite being asked 3 times you still haven't said what type/size the cables are. It's difficult and dangerous to give detailed advice without having all of the facts.

I am a bit confused by the latest pics. of the Consumer unit. I think that perhaps the best thing is to seek local professional advice. Like Paul. I am very reluctant to offer advice on what I have seen. I should say that from what I have read F&S units are somewhat unreliable.

 

[PabloPicasso]

My question was about a connection of the shore power under the aft berth. Three cables, multi strand type, are connected via a taped up choc bloc connector.

If the consumer unit is suspect I may replace with one of these from 12volt planet.