Aboard connections

PabloPicasso · Saturday at 10:37

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 · Saturday at 13:17

PabloPicasso said:
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 · Saturday at 13:38

PaulRainbow said:
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 · Saturday at 14:34

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 · Saturday at 19:43

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 · 2025-12-21T10:12:40+0000

PabloPicasso said:
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 · 2025-12-21T10:26:35+0000

Alex_Blackwood said:
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 · 2025-12-21T11:38:14+0000

PaulRainbow said:
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 · 2025-12-21T19:08:43+0000

There is a consumer unit

PabloPicasso · 2025-12-21T19:11:26+0000

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 · 2025-12-21T21:59:36+0000

PabloPicasso said:
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 · 2025-12-21T23:32:30+0000

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

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

PaulRainbow · 2025-12-22T08:22:10+0000

PabloPicasso said:
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 · 2025-12-22T11:15:43+0000

PaulRainbow said:
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 · 2025-12-22T11:51:41+0000

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.

Alex_Blackwood · 2025-12-22T15:22:54+0000

PabloPicasso said:
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.

Paul has asked repeatedly for info on the original question, which you haven't provided

We can't give definitive answers to mains voltage installations without a lot of info, In fact I am averse to giving advice in many cases purely on the grounds of safety.
There maybe nothing wrong with your consumer unit the devices you have will work. What I was trying to say, was that, the make you fitted is, from what I understand low quality chinese and prone to failure.
What I am also trying to say is that the picture in #12 does not show the configuration of the Unit. It is unclear.
If I had to fit up a consumer unit, I would have an incoming 16 amp MCB and a 16 amp RCD (Probably 2 pole) or a combined MCB/RCD (RCBO) something like this. https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-...-c-curve-bidirectional-rcbo-double-pole/911yc Note type A.
I would then have a 16 amp SP MCB for the power (Sockets) and a 6 amp for lighting. As a minimum. You don't need more than 16 amp breakers as that is standard supply in most marinas.
As for what you have under your bunk. Picture please and CSA of cables with description of what they feed.

PaulRainbow · 2025-12-22T15:58:14+0000

Alex_Blackwood said:
Paul has asked repeatedly for info on the original question, which you haven't provided We can't give definitive answers to mains voltage installations without a lot of info, In fact I am averse to giving advice in many cases purely on the grounds of safety.
There maybe nothing wrong with your consumer unit the devices you have will work. What I was trying to say, was that, the make you fitted is, from what I understand low quality chinese and prone to failure.
What I am also trying to say is that the picture in #12 does not show the configuration of the Unit. It is unclear.
If I had to fit up a consumer unit, I would have an incoming 16 amp MCB and a 16 amp RCD (Probably 2 pole) or a combined MCB/RCD (RCBO) something like this. https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-...-c-curve-bidirectional-rcbo-double-pole/911yc Note type A.
I would then have a 16 amp SP MCB for the power (Sockets) and a 6 amp for lighting. As a minimum. You don't need more than 16 amp breakers as that is standard supply in most marinas.
As for what you have under your bunk. Picture please and CSA of cables with description of what they feed.

Just looked at F&S MCBs etc, not good from what i read. I use the B&G ones that you linked to, never had an issue.

I'm not prepared to comment any further though, do to the lack of information. For all we know the cable could be .75mm flex.

Alex_Blackwood · 2025-12-22T16:30:49+0000

PaulRainbow said:
Just looked at F&S MCBs etc, not good from what i read. I use the B&G ones that you linked to, never had an issue.

I'm not prepared to comment any further though, do to the lack of information. For all we know the cable could be .75mm flex.

Exactly

PabloPicasso · 2025-12-22T17:02:25+0000

I'll take pics next time I'm aboard.

Aboard connections

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