Fire Risk

[sona]

I would like to give a warning about a mains power socket fitted at the chart table on my boat, a continental boat imported new to the UK.
When I was disconnecting the dehumidifier (220W) and 60W tube heater yesterday that had been running all winter,I found the socket in this state.

The adaptor that came with the boat second hand 2 years ago ( built 2002) stated 110-250V and 7.5A. I do not know if this was supplied by the manufacturer or fitted by previous owner.
I accept responsibility as the adaptor also states "DO NOT USE IN UK" which I did not notice ( strange statement for item imported into UK )
The shorepower trip switch on the boat had not tripped.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Aren't Continetal style plugs (and switches) wonderful?!!!!

 

[StugeronSteve]

I very much doubt that the adapter came with the new boat, but a pretty grim picture none the less. Must get round to replacing my froggie socket with a good old fashioned British one and chuck that nasty plastic adapter away!

 

[PilotWolf]

What was the socket rated at - rather than the adapter? As by my calculations you were well with in the limits of it.

Presumably they are imported into the UK so we can 'export' them when on holiday? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

W.

 

[holly1]

I have seen this plenty of times normally caused by a loose wire or a poor fit between the plug pins, it then starts to ark gradually getting worse until a fire starts or it just fails .
But i guess you know this now

 

[LadyInBed]

Cheap adapter, probably not rated for the long term current drain.

 

[maxi77]

My caravan being German has a b*st*rd mains system, some 13A sockets and some Shuko. My solution has been to get some Shuko plugs and either fit these to the appliance, or to a 13A socket(s) with a short length of cable.

I get my plugs from http://cpc.farnell.com/

Try http://cpc.farnell.com/apsa/2029-ws/schuko-plug-top-entry-white/dp/CN07312, rated at 16A

 

[footsoldier]

ladyinbed

I think you're probably right. It's the crap adapter.

I have many years experience of french sockets/plugs and find them to be equally as robust as our idiosyncratic Brit system. There's no real need for people to rip out the original equipment.