Anyone fitted Smartplug for their shore power

[pcatterall]

HELP!! I cant follow this thread as I dont recognise any of the names ( being a pictures man!)
We have had the standard caravan socket and plug and have had no issues in 7 years. Recently the cover flap was pulled off and water can enter. I was just going to replace the flap which keeps rain out when the plug is in and spray out ( when the flap is closed) at sea.
Should I be looking at changing the whole unit ( after reading and re- reading this thread) for one of the fittings described here?

 

[prv]

Should I be looking at changing the whole unit ( after reading and re- reading this thread) for one of the fittings described here?

The ceeform or BS connectors being mentioned here as generally satisfactory are the type you already have. Just replace with the same unless you particularly like the look of one of the more expensive fancy ones (they can be a little neater than the ceeform because of not having to accommodate the lid).

Pete

 

[Red Panda]

I spent ages comparing the available shore power sockets before eventually opting for the Radius, for two main reasons:
the hole required is physically smaller than that required for the caravan style socket, and the lid closes securely to make it IP56 waterproof.
The plug has a locking ring, which keeps water out and reduces the risk of the cable being accidentally disconnected.

I also think it looks neat, and the small size allowed me to fit the socket on the end of the coaming so I don't have any cable trailing through the cockpit.

 

[rgarside]

I fitted a plastic Ratio socket, with the matching Ratio plug at the inboard end of the lead. It's very neat and compact in comparison with Commando inlets, and the safety of Ratio & Commando is way ahead of the Hubble. The SmartPlug looks a better design than the Hubble, but doesn't look as sensible as Ratio or Commando - the SmartPlug is a US solution to a US problem.

 

[Gumpy]

Ferrules are one solution, but you can strip the wire, fold the bared section back along the sleeved section and push that into the pin orifice then tighten the screw down onto sleeve. You then have a strong mechanical joint along with the electrical joint.

Might well give you a strong mechanical joint but the screw can still cut through the cable strands. Ferrules cost pence from eBay, just do the job properly.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

I have used the blue cform connectors for work and I would guess thousands have passed through my hands over the years. The main reason they burn out is loose/damaged connections where the cable has been made using stranded cable without a ferrule and the strands have been cut by the screw.

Indeed, I wonder how often those owners who carefully check oil levels, belt tightness, jubilee clips, etc. check for leaks etc. when the engine is running, check the tray/bilges underneath their engine when it's started and so on also check their shorepower cables and how thoroughly they check them?

 

[PaulRainbow]

HELP!! I cant follow this thread as I dont recognise any of the names ( being a pictures man!)
We have had the standard caravan socket and plug and have had no issues in 7 years. Recently the cover flap was pulled off and water can enter. I was just going to replace the flap which keeps rain out when the plug is in and spray out ( when the flap is closed) at sea.
Should I be looking at changing the whole unit ( after reading and re- reading this thread) for one of the fittings described here?

I have the Ceeform connector too Peter, that's the blue caravan/site type plug. I have a different style socket fitted to the boat, neater than the standard blue ones, still takes the standard blue plug.

https://www.tcschandlery.co.uk/shore-power-flush-mount-inlet-16amp/p14103

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ferrules are one solution, but you can strip the wire, fold the bared section back along the sleeved section and push that into the pin orifice then tighten the screw down onto sleeve. You then have a strong mechanical joint along with the electrical joint.

Sorry, but that's a terrible way to do it. Not only can you still cut through some of the strands with the screw, but you have a worse mechanical joint than just putting the wires in, your screw is pressing into the insulation, which will wear and make the connection loose.

Screw connections like these will also have poor electrical connectivity because not all of the strands will be firmly held in place, only those under the screw will be firmly gripped, those at the sides will not be making goo contact and this is the sort of thing that causes heat and leads to the burned out connectors we see.

Screw connectors that have tongues, or leafs, in them are different, they will grip all of the strands, but if the screw comes into contact with the strands ferrules should be used.

 

[UK-WOOZY]

I have the Ceeform connector too Peter, that's the blue caravan/site type plug. I have a different style socket fitted to the boat, neater than the standard blue ones, still takes the standard blue plug.

https://www.tcschandlery.co.uk/shore-power-flush-mount-inlet-16amp/p14103

im thinking about going that route, cheap too. buts its a big hole to cut.

what about this-

https://www.force4.co.uk/marinco-16a-non-metallic-shore-power-inlet.html

but the plug is another £40 on top

https://www.force4.co.uk/marinco-16a-shore-power-connector.html


or the sure power

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm?BOAT-SHORE-POWER-MAINS-LEADS--SOCKETS---PLUGS&l=0000000230

 

[PaulRainbow]

im thinking about going that route, cheap too. buts its a big hole to cut.

what about this-

https://www.force4.co.uk/marinco-16a-non-metallic-shore-power-inlet.html

but the plug is another £40 on top

https://www.force4.co.uk/marinco-16a-shore-power-connector.html

I'm not keen on those Marinco connectors. The Ratio ones discussed earlier are cheaper, look nicer and are better contacts, IMO.

https://www.es-store.co.uk/product_...Inlets-and-Accessories&cat_id=91&show_menu=19

 

[Red Panda]

I'm not keen on those Marinco connectors. The Ratio ones discussed earlier are cheaper, look nicer and are better contacts, IMO.

https://www.es-store.co.uk/product_...Inlets-and-Accessories&cat_id=91&show_menu=19

I was about to write exactly the same thing. The Marinco connectors are common in the US, but I find the plastic plug always gets mangled, and they're a pain to connect. With the Ratio you get a nice solid connection, and can then secure it with the locking ring.

 

[KompetentKrew]

im thinking about going that route, cheap too. buts its a big hole to cut.

what about this-

https://www.force4.co.uk/marinco-16a-non-metallic-shore-power-inlet.html

but the plug is another £40 on top

https://www.force4.co.uk/marinco-16a-shore-power-connector.html


or the sure power

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm?BOAT-SHORE-POWER-MAINS-LEADS--SOCKETS---PLUGS&l=0000000230

Are those not the same as in the Marine-Howto article that started this thread off?

https://marinehowto.com/shore-power-cords-smartplug-vs-1938/

 

[UK-WOOZY]

bought a Ratio connector.

Is it ok to mount on the scoop transom or would next to the manual bilge pump be better. Just thought on the scoop transom means no chance of tripping on the cable when connected.


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