Advice on replacing internal electrical socket on Bavaria 31 (2000)

[electra]

Shore power is utilised on my Bavaria 31 (2000) via an internal electric socket. As supplied it was presented as continental 2 pin variety into which the previous owner had inserted a 3 pin British travel adapter plug. This worked without issue for the past few years. However it recently started shorting out the shore power circuit if used. Removing the travel adapter revealed that one of the pins had severely overheated and had melted part of the socket. Fortunately no fire resulted.

The socket which has a cover flap is at the bottom of a panel labelled Bavaria Yachts Panel 230. It is also marked as "philippi-bootselektrik". It includes a red light illuminated when shore power is on, a switch for hot water, and a circuit breaker. I have never used either of these.

I need to replace the socket ideally with a 3 pin British socket or if necessary another 2 pin to be used again with an adapter. The original socket was made by Berker but has no identifying part number. Any thoughts on how to source a replacement?

 

[mparrish]

Take a look here, they do a wide range of Berker parts. Have used them several times - no association just a customer.

http://www.furneauxriddall.com/acatalog/Berker_Sockets_Switches.html

 

[duncan99210]

Searching for Berker sockets produces a number of three pin versions that seem to be the same size as the original two pin sockets that's burnt out on the OPs boat. The suppliers for the most part are caravan/camper van people. Should be a simple enough job to remove the old socket and replace with a three pin one. I have the same arrangement on my Bavaria 38: it's easy enough to remove the entire panel to fit a new socket.

 

[Fendant]

Best to contact Philippi directly, they are really helpful:

www.philippi-online.de
The manufacturer is Berker: www.berker.de

 

[maxi77]

Berker is a good quality modular system and any of their modules will fit in any mount so you should be able to simply buy a UK style socket to replace the continental one. The surround should just clip off exposing the socket module which should have a securing screw in each corner.

Berker are widely used in caravans so a simple google should get you the best price.

 

[electra]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I'll follow them up. Famous last words but it doesn't appear to be too problematic to resolve. Fingers crossed.

 

[maxi77]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I'll follow them up. Famous last words but it doesn't appear to be too problematic to resolve. Fingers crossed.

It certainly shouldn't be, I have done quite a few over the years, the only problem is when you try to either add another socket to an existing one or to fit a double and triple, as the frames require quite precisely located circular holes and one needs to make a template to locate the holesaw

 

[ghostlymoron]

Some socket outlets now have a USB socket built in. I'd try and find one of those if I were you.
I'd be concerned about the cause of the plug overheating in the first place.

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

Some socket outlets now have a USB socket built in. I'd try and find one of those if I were you.
I'd be concerned about the cause of the plug overheating in the first place.

Combination of bad contact and heavy load, I reckon. The use of an adaptor increases by 100% the possibility of bad contact.

 

[nigelmercier]

Take a look here, they do a wide range of Berker parts...

They do, but there is no need to pay the "marine tax", Berker sockets are also used in caravans and other industries. Find the type you want and Google it.

You may also find more info on the Bavaria forum, see my signature.

 

[David2452]

It certainly shouldn't be, I have done quite a few over the years, the only problem is when you try to either add another socket to an existing one or to fit a double and triple, as the frames require quite precisely located circular holes and one needs to make a template to locate the holesaw

Berker supply two gang and three gang templates for their products. I often replace Benny, Jenneau et all continental type with 13a version on even < one year old boats, why this is not done at production stage or at least during UK PDI is beyond me. The Berkers are a direct swap over for the origonals.

 

[nigelmercier]

I've often regretted replacing my euro socket with a 13A, then fitting more of the same around the boat. I detest 13A plugs, not least because they really hurt when you stand on them! Most of my devices only have two wires, so I could have used the slim and elegant 2-pin plugs.