Fitting isolator and broke something! implications? Help?

[RobWales]

Hi All,
Went to my boat to fit my new galvanic isolator today (see previous post) and on removing my shore power socket from the outside of the boat it seems while taking the housing off I have sheared what looks like an earthing strap that attatches from behind the chromed brass housing (shiny thing that you plug into) to somewhere at the back of the socket (unable to pull this all the way out to see)

Now as the chromed brass housing is totally insulated from the three pins why is there a need for this strap? and what would the implications be of me re-fitting it without it be?

socket is a "Hubbell 30a 125v grounding" what it says on the cover!,boat is a SS Portofino 34 91 vintage.
Thanks
Rob /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Sneds]

All the metal bits will be bonded together, a bit like the green/yellow cable attached to the copper pipe under your sink and bath.
Can you use a bit of flexible cable instead of the strap thingy?

 

[alan17]

The risk of a rather nasty shock should an electrical link occur from within the socket to the un earthed outer part.

Your RCD should save you from real harm if it works.

 

[nimbusgb]

Concur with Alan. The bonding strap is to tie the cover to ground in case something comes adrift and lies touching the metalwork. Replace it with a bit of green and yellow cable or similar if you can.