Locking 16A Blue plug

[Alpha22]

Does anyone know of a simple way to prevent a typical shore power plug (blue 16A) from being unplugged?

I have found locking sockets, but that's no good because I can't change the socket. It belongs to the marina.

I need some way of preventing the plug from being 'accidentally' unplugged.

 

[prv]

If you can't modify the socket, then I reckon the only way you'll be able to lock the plug in place is with a chain or wire right round the pole (assuming this is the sort of small bollard with sockets on the side commonly found in marinas). Best way to attach the chain to the plug is probably a suitable-size metal ring slipped over the tapered body of the plug, on the cable side (you'll have to take it off the cable to assemble this). I did think of putting a ringbolt right through the body of the plug (with ring-nut on the other end) but you run the risk of an internal short making the chain live, and while I'm sure that's tempting it's probably not a good idea

Pete

 

[nigelmercier]

If you can't modify the socket, then I reckon the only way you'll be able to lock the plug in place is with a chain or wire right round the pole ...

I was thinking exactly the same, for everything you said.

 

[VicS]

Does anyone know of a simple way to prevent a typical shore power plug (blue 16A) from being unplugged?

Loctite ?

 

[nigelmercier]

Thinking of another way: paint it yellow. Everyone will think its 110V.

 

[David2452]

Put a 3mm hole through the locator indent and lug then pop a split pin through it, not locked in a true sense but its round the back out of sight and should deter "accidental" unplugging, also non invasive so electrically safe. The only issue I can see with this or any "locking" concept is emergency disconnect should it ever be needed.

 

[awol]

Wire a dangling blue socket into your plug then there is no need for anyone to unplug you.

 

[lustyd]

Move to a marina where an automated system emails you when you get unplugged like Premier

More seriously though, just put a splitter on before you plug in so that people won't need to unplug you.

 

[SteveSarabande]

Move to a marina where an automated system emails you when you get unplugged like Premier

More seriously though, just put a splitter on before you plug in so that people won't need to unplug you.

But they can steal your electric.
I have the same problem, the socket doesn't have a hole for a padlock so anyone can steal my electric while I am away

 

[NormanS]

Wire a dangling blue socket into your plug then there is no need for anyone to unplug you.

That's a great idea. Then I'll be paying, from my metered supply, for anybody who cares to plug in. Not.
All I do is tape my plug in, so that it cannot be removed "accidentally ". But we're all honest in our yard anyway.

 

[lustyd]

But they can steal your electric.
I have the same problem, the socket doesn't have a hole for a padlock so anyone can steal my electric while I am away

On the premier setup they can't because it switches off when you unplug. On any other system, the marina can only charge you for what they can prove you used, most marinas require a meter on the wire for this reason when charging per unit. If they don't provide a system which switches off automatically then they can't reasonably use the meter on the dock to charge so speak to them about it before trying any wacky solutions as they will be aware of their responsibilities.

 

[PCUK]

Self tapper through the plug and socket.

 

[brownbloke]

Lockable plug

Self tapper through the plug and socket.

If your Marina, like mine, has the ability to lock the socket with a padlock when not in use, then you should be able to use this plug to lock the power cord in place. I hunted everywhere but have just found a fairly expensive option here (though may be cheaper than stolen electricity) at about £10.00 inc delivery

http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/4248-caravan-plug-padlockable-212306-walther.html

 

[Billjratt]

#1 the splitter socket / friendly extension is illegal according to the electrical rules for marina electrics - I know they help in congested areas, but if something stupid happened..... and of course if your supply is metered it's a giveaway.
#2 The blue plug goes into a socket with a spring-loaded cover which locks on to it. My security invention is a hinged metal sleeve (about the size of a V8 vegetable juice can) which can be locked over the inserted plug, holding the locking cover against it. The sleeve can then be secured with a padlock.

 

[Danbury]

I know that Premier at Southsea go around every few hours and record who's plugged in and where... I'm sure you could ask them to make sure you're plugged in at every 'walk-past'. I have no idea if your marina do the same thing...

 

[l'escargot]

If it is just to prevent being "accidentally" unplugged, a cable tie would do the job. You would have to "deliberately" cut the cable tie off to remove the plug. Most other solutions can be removed just as easily and would probably cause more damage to the fitting.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Wire a dangling blue socket into your plug then there is no need for anyone to unplug you.

That's what I do, but only when ashore laid up. I only use a small amount during the winter and it's a coin meter so if anyone plugs in they put a coin in.

 

[nigelmercier]

Old thread, resurrected by noob.

 

[charles_reed]

Old thread, resurrected by noob.

Seems to be a subject close to people's heart though.

However the plaints about "stealing electricity" are perhaps disingenuous, @ £0.16-0.18/kWh (which is all the marina should legally be charging for a metered supply), the intruder would need a very large electrical device, such as a space-heater, on board to make any great difference to a person's bill. In practice I suspect most are trying to keep their batteries topped up - on float charge it's difficult to imagine more than 1kWh a month being required for that.

 

[Gwylan]

Large cable tie, around the body of the plug that keeps the cover of the socket clamped to the plug.