Homemade tools

[Bouba]

Err, that’s how it should be anyway.

Plugs should be IP44 at least so most rain would be fine, so long as the “flap” lid still intact (often broken off/removed to fit the boat connector easily). Higher IP rated version are available. However best practice would still be not to have the live end where it can be dropped in the water.

Many marinas and boatyards I’ve been in you don’t get allocated a specific charging point - I’ve seen boats leave a cable connected with the switch turned off when they leave - kind of like putting a traffic cone outside your house to reserve the space when you get back. Marinas don’t like that either because if there appears to be to no free connections other customers moan/don’t pay for overpriced electric.

And you are absolutely right....the cable has IP44(?) both ends....and the end nearest the boat will be female with a flap.
And as I said earlier, I will secure this end so it can’t be dropped in the water.....and the trip protection in the power supply should protect against this anyhow

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Err, that’s how it should be anyway.

Plugs should be IP44 at least so most rain would be fine, so long as the “flap” lid still intact (often broken off/removed to fit the boat connector easily). Higher IP rated version are available. However best practice would still be not to have the live end where it can be dropped in the water.

Many marinas and boatyards I’ve been in you don’t get allocated a specific charging point - I’ve seen boats leave a cable connected with the switch turned off when they leave - kind of like putting a traffic cone outside your house to reserve the space when you get back. Marinas don’t like that either because if there appears to be to no free connections other customers moan/don’t pay for overpriced electric.

It's the leaving of a live plug connected to the mains when he leaves that is the problem, the standard blue plug is not IP44 rated.

 

[ylop]

he standard blue plug is not IP44 rated.

they usually are, they are equivalent to the unit it plugs into, which frequently are left switch on out in the rain, at marinas, boatyards, campsites etc. The risk does increase when it’s on the finger and can be dropped in the water (it must surely have enough flex to do that if it reached the boat?). Relying on the RCD doesn’t seem like the wisest move to me, but if Boubas plan is to switch off when not in use (off before unplug, plug back on before on) it seems no worse than lots of other people.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

they usually are, they are equivalent to the unit it plugs into, which frequently are left switch on out in the rain, at marinas, boatyards, campsites etc. The risk does increase when it’s on the finger and can be dropped in the water (it must surely have enough flex to do that if it reached the boat?). Relying on the RCD doesn’t seem like the wisest move to me, but if Boubas plan is to switch off when not in use (off before unplug, plug back on before on) it seems no worse than lots of other people.

Not when they are left plugged in at one end and unplugged at the other they aren't

 

[Ribtecer]

....and the end nearest the boat will be female with a flap.

Good idea, although these days it pays to check before insertion

 

[ylop]

Not when they are left plugged in at one end and unplugged at the other they aren't

The status of the end at the switch box has no relevance to the female end being IP44 or not. Thats why it has the flap - to keep rain out - how is it different to the female socket with flap mounted on the switch/“fuse” box. Bouba could even mount a box with isolator switch on his pole, although I suspect that might raise some eyebrows from the marina.

 

[Bouba]

Ok….this is the scrap metal I am using….old hinges for exterior garden doors

 

[Bouba]

Step one
By measurement and experimentation I deduced that 3cm is the widest that can be inserted into the slot on the dock. This will be the captive part. So I cut a 3cm strip and drilled then tapped the holes to create a secure captive piece

 

[Fr J Hackett]

The status of the end at the switch box has no relevance to the female end being IP44 or not. Thats why it has the flap - to keep rain out - how is it different to the female socket with flap mounted on the switch/“fuse” box. Bouba could even mount a box with isolator switch on his pole, although I suspect that might raise some eyebrows from the marina.

Let's put this to bed once and for all:
The initial statement made no mention of changing the standard male end found on a cable for a female one, I did say that it would be marginally safer to exchange it for a female one which he now seems to be doing. It still leaves the live end of a trailing cable which he has now confirmed he will secure with a lock. However IP44 is a very basic splash proof rating which is OK for a fixed installation such as the pontoon distribution panel but it is not immersion proof and until I see evidence of a substantial foolproof arrangement for securing it I still maintain it's a liability. Then you ask the question, why? To save a minute for running out and then another minute when collecting your shore power cable either wearing a pair of gloves and or giving it a clean by running it through a cloth as you coil or wind it up if it gets that dirty.

 

[Seastoke]

Two things that are relevant , one you should not put a trailing socket on a plug whilst under load, second if you are hanging a live cable on a post should be earthed.

 

[Bouba]

Step two…the base. The base is tee shaped because I didn’t want the upright to be too close to the boat…so if the boat rocks it won’t make contact

 

[Seastoke]

Step two…the base. The base is tee shaped because I didn’t want the upright to be too close to the boat…so if the boat rocks it won’t make contact

At least it will match your fenders.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Your welding has improved.........slightly.

 

[Bouba]

At least it will match your fenders.

I will paint it.........in whatever color spray can that still works....

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I can picture it now that hair raising tingling moment that Bouba having come alongside reaches out to his edifice only to find that it is live and waiting for a suitable path to earth.

Or perhaps the mutt decides to use it as a pissing post.

 

[Bouba]

Every dog on the quay pizzes on the electric outlets

 

[Bouba]

With all the warnings I have been receiving...I am surprised that nobody has mentioned the obvious.....that by putting a rope loop on a pole....a low flying pilot doing a loop de loop upside down might accidentally hang themselves on my mooring rope

 

[colhel]

These are some tools I made, now I need to find a use for them.

 

[Bouba]

These are some tools I made, now I need to find a use for them.

I’ve made loads of tools.....I don’t have a machine shop...just a workshop. So I get a more rough and ready finish than your superb machine fit. My favorite method is to find two tools that almost fit the job...then cut and weld them together so they are perfect for the job at hand.
I think your nipple rings look great....I just don’t have the sausage fingers to do them justice

 

[KevinV]

With all the warnings I have been receiving...I am surprised that nobody has mentioned the obvious.....that by putting a rope loop on a pole....a low flying pilot doing a loop de loop upside down might accidentally hang themselves on my mooring rope

Don't joke - remember the stories of toddlers hanging themselves on blind cords

Toddler hanged by roller blind cord, inquest hears.