x25dave
Well-Known Member
Hi all, I've recently purchased a French Beneteau, which has European style mains sockets. I'm using an adapter. I would like to change the sockets to English style. Is there an exchange socket available please.
Beneteau mains sockets conversion
- Thread starter x25dave
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nigel1
Well-Known Member
I could not find any sort of exchange socket, so opted for a slightly different solution.
The Beneteau socket accepts Type E and Type F plugs (see https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ ).
Purchased a few of these (enough for each socket) and then connected them via shortish flex to double UK extension socket (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Double-Extension-socket-without/dp/B002C00PYW)
The Beneteau socket accepts Type E and Type F plugs (see https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ ).
Purchased a few of these (enough for each socket) and then connected them via shortish flex to double UK extension socket (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Double-Extension-socket-without/dp/B002C00PYW)
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
Don't be fooled into thinking there's a European standard. I had the bright idea of buying a couple of French plugs from a DIY store on a visit out there. They don't fit the sockets on my German-built boat (different earth arrangements). You can have the French plugs for the cost of postage if you want.
jwilson
Well-Known Member
Berker in Germany make suitable sockets: you buy socket, frame and back box in whatever type you like - often used on caravans as well - see http://www.grassroutesleisure.co.uk/berker/b35
I intended to change all the French sockets on my Jeanneau but access to the back of one was absolutely non-existent without destructive dismantling - clearly wired up before the deck was put on the hull. The only time I have found a genuinely non-maintainable item on board: though some access to systems involves long thin arms, mirrors, and really awkward painful body positions.
cliveshelton
Well-Known Member
I managed to find direct replacements for my Jeanneau (probably the same) from a caravan parts supplier in Essex. It was about 7 years ago now and may no longer be relevant. However it’s worth a try.
I think it was these:
http://www.homesteadcaravans.co.uk/.../cbe-230v-mains-socket-with-back-box-grey.htm
I think it was these:
http://www.homesteadcaravans.co.uk/.../cbe-230v-mains-socket-with-back-box-grey.htm
BelleSerene
Well-Known Member
I plugged airport-purchase travel adapters into each socket on the boat. Like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LAS28G
and in a couple, I’ve used double sockets, a bit like these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EIISBPQ
[EDIT:] Or to answer the OP’s question more directly (he wanted replacement sockets, not an adapter), I think these are the trick - but don’t hold me to it. ‘Berker’ sockets, surrounds, cover flaps. http://www.furneauxriddall.com/acatalog/Berker_Sockets_Switches.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LAS28G
and in a couple, I’ve used double sockets, a bit like these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EIISBPQ
[EDIT:] Or to answer the OP’s question more directly (he wanted replacement sockets, not an adapter), I think these are the trick - but don’t hold me to it. ‘Berker’ sockets, surrounds, cover flaps. http://www.furneauxriddall.com/acatalog/Berker_Sockets_Switches.html
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Mistroma
Well-Known Member
Yes, Berker kit will just swap into place using the existing back sections. I found a fairly cheap source and swapped a few of ours but unfortunately can't remember the name of the company. Pretty certain I just searched for Berker sockets. I had no success at all until I found the magic word "Berker".
Adapters are OK but tend to break the cover flap hinges eventually.
Adapters are OK but tend to break the cover flap hinges eventually.
GregOddity
Well-Known Member
Actually there is an European standard Called Type F to bridge a few older plug types. Your German boat makes full use of it. https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/f/ theres a full list of socket types here https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Your Idea was good, you just bought the OLD French Type E or C. E can use any F but E is ONLY used for 2.5 amps (i.e. your toothbrush charger ) you will see that socket mostly in toilets due to Humidity.
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BelleSerene
Well-Known Member
Whereas some non-European countries such as France, where the OP’s boat is made, use Type E sockets instead?
https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/e/
GregOddity
Well-Known Member
maybe it's late but i don't get it. France IS in Europe and they use ony 2 types that are compatible Type E has a pin that Type F is designed to fit on, then they use the common low Amp standard, as most sockets on a boat are low Amp then he gets E sockets
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lpdsn
Well-Known Member
I think you're relying a bit too much on that web site. It's not a standards body just a handy guide for tourists. Then it's not helped by all the conclusions you're jumping to.
The NEW French plugs do seem to correspond to that website's type F. I tried finding them in my spare bedroom chandelry store just to make sure but no luck. The OLD German plugs (they'll have been fitted in 1993 in the last days of W Germany) don't match any of that website's photos. Slightly different earthing arrangements.
Anyway not really a problem for me as I've a few BS1363 sockets too. They seem to be called type A.
Anyway, my point still stands about not just going to 'Europe' and buying plugs and assuming they'll fit as there isn't a common type. It is still an alternate suggestion for the OP rather than fitting UK sockets.
I don't believe the EU ever got around to a common European standard as you state, but if you know of it a link to the standards body or appropriate directive would be interesting.
BelleSerene
Well-Known Member
To get a bit geeky about it, the NEW plugs are not Type F but 'CEE 7/7' which is an amalgam of the Type E and Type F plugs, so fitting the earthing arrangements of both Type E and Type F sockets. Like this: http://www.internationalconfig.com/icc6.asp?submit1=Go&item=70141
The sockets (as opposed to the plugs you stick into them) are still either Type E or Type F, and the problem is the lack of a pan-European standard. For example, you'll still find Type F in Germany and Type E in France.
Like the side of the road we drive on, it's a problem that's not going to go away in a hurry. For decades while consumer use built up and it might have been easy to standardise, there was little need to do so because cross-border use was very low. Now that use (of the road and of electrical plugs) is so high, the huge one-off inconvenience of making the change puts everyone off doing it.
You can either replace the sockets on your boat with UK-type Berker sockets, or else leave travel adapters permanently installed in the sockets (which I'm afraid is what I have done - but it works well when visitors from the Continent sail with me!)
Gymnopedie
Well-Known Member
A word of warning.
DO NOT use "travel style adaptors" to get from European 2-pin to UK 13-amp square pin sockets. The adaptors may be OK for an electric shaver but will overheat, potentially dangerously, if a heavy load (eg a 2KW heart or microwave) is applied.
DO NOT use "travel style adaptors" to get from European 2-pin to UK 13-amp square pin sockets. The adaptors may be OK for an electric shaver but will overheat, potentially dangerously, if a heavy load (eg a 2KW heart or microwave) is applied.
maby
Well-Known Member
If it is a recent Beneteau, then yes, they use a modular system as described by some of the responders above and it is possible to purchase 13A UK type modules that simply drop in in place of the continental style units that are fitted as standard. Do be aware, though, that UK 13A plugs are a bit wider than the continental plugs with the result that there is no point in replacing the modules in a double socket - you will not be able to insert two 13A plugs side by side - they foul each other.
We bought a Jeanneau some years ago from Clarke and Carter in Kent which was fitted with the same modular system as modern Beneteaus - they were able to source the replacement modules for me - may be worth checking with them.
We bought a Jeanneau some years ago from Clarke and Carter in Kent which was fitted with the same modular system as modern Beneteaus - they were able to source the replacement modules for me - may be worth checking with them.
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
You can't really discuss standards without getting a bit geeky.
Feels like I'm starting to hi-jack the OP's thread, but so far none of the links has shown my sockets. The French plugs, which do match the photos, have 'knobs' on the side. The W German sockets I have have the earth contacts in exactly the same place, so French plugs won't go in.
Not a major problem as I also have two UK sockets.
I use adaptors as necessary for the remaining sockets. No problem with heavier loads, despite what another poster has said, as I select an adaptor from my pile with the appropriate rating embossed on it. I have ones that go as high as 10A.
maby
Well-Known Member
I have not got round to replacing the sockets installed on the new boat yet. I purchased three conversion cables from eBay at about £10 each which are proving very successful. They consist of a proper Schuko plug connected to a two-gang 13A trailing socket by a length of decent quality cable. Because all the components are full power devices, there is no question that they can carry the load. When we tried running things like fan heaters through the standard continental-UK adaptors, they tended to warm up more than I like - with these adaptor cables, they run cold.
GregOddity
Well-Known Member
You can't really discuss standards without getting a bit geeky.
Feels like I'm starting to hi-jack the OP's thread, but so far none of the links has shown my sockets. The French plugs, which do match the photos, have 'knobs' on the side. The W German sockets I have have the earth contacts in exactly the same place, so French plugs won't go in.
Not a major problem as I also have two UK sockets.
I use adaptors as necessary for the remaining sockets. No problem with heavier loads, despite what another poster has said, as I select an adaptor from my pile with the appropriate rating embossed on it. I have ones that go as high as 10A.
Me likes geeky
I'll come back tonight, now i got to do some actual work on my boat. I have a link somewhere to the EU standard thing, just got to find it. But any way you look at it I do concede that it's a bit of a nightmare. I'm actually contemplating WHICH to install on Oddity as I will be doing a lot of sailing after she splashes and it will be for a start mostly in Europe. (and I do NOT like the Uk ones.. neither on my feet neither when I see people using even alu foil rolled into a fuse on them)
sealegsjim
Well-Known Member
I changed all the 'French' sockets on my new Beneteau Oceanis . Simply swapped the original for standard (double)
13amp sockets. Cut out the panelling to fit No problems at all
13amp sockets. Cut out the panelling to fit No problems at all
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
I use the UK sockets for things like fan heaters. But there's a German socket ideally sited for an electric kettle when in port, which gives me far more room to put the toolboxes on top of the stove cover.
Me likes geeky
Thanks. That would be interesting.
The UK sockets and plugs are far chunkier, which for the purpose used I consider good. You also commonly get switches on the socket which is very handy. Even in Ireland the same style of socket rarely comes with a switch. And if you do finish that boat and eventually come to sell it your most likely market to get rid of it is in the UK.
As for silver paper as a fuse. It's virtually impossible to outwit a fool so little point in trying.
maby
Well-Known Member
I shall be doing so too - as soon as I get round to replacing the continental things. Manufacturers never put enough power sockets on boats. I shall be replacing most, if not all, the continental sockets with UK 13A sockets, and will be adding several more at floor level to power fan heaters and dehumidifiers. I shall also be adding a couple of 13A sockets in the cockpit to power laptops. But, for now, I'm having to rely on adaptors and the combination of a proper Schuko plug with a proper 13A trailing socket seems to be far more successful than those little adaptors that you get in airport departure lounges.
