Marina plugs/sockets abroad?

[Richard_Peevor]

A quick question:

1st trip across the channel this summer. What do I need to do for shore power over there? Do our UK marina leads fit? Do I need an adapter?

Thank you for your advice,

Best Wishes,

Richard

 

[steve_cronin]

Most are blue three pin 16amp site plugs but I remember one or two in smaller harbours being standard domestic continental two pin plus clip earth. You can buy an in-line adapter from any caravan accessory shop - the peoples' chandlers!

Steve Cronin

 

[howardclark]

I've found different ones in different places. I end up making an adaptor for each. You can always buy the connector locally - just be prepared to wire it up. Suggest you also carry a 3 pin plug type socket tester from B&Q (about £10) since positive/negative seems pretty random.

 

[steve_cronin]

[ QUOTE ]
... also carry a 3 pin plug type socket tester from B&Q (about £10) since positive/negative seems pretty random.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is bercause, unlike ours, continental set-ups are based upon a principle of "double insulation" and two pole RCD protection. So to them, in lightweight applications, an earth connection is unimportant, as is polarity.

We carry a "Polarity Reverser" which is a CLEARLY LABELLED adaptor consisting of a 16amp plug and socket on a short length of cable with the live and neutral reversed in one end.

Our input selector (which allows selection of one only of:- Shore, Inverter or Generator) has a reverse polarity warning lamp. When this lights we insert the Polarity Reverser into the line.

If not already present, a "Reverse Polarity" warning lamp can easily be installed by wiring a mains neon indicator between neutral and earth on the distribution unit. When it lights, the boat neutral is actually connected to shore live and so the adapter is needed.

It is quite likely that everything aboard a modern boat will not be bothered by reversed polarity but it is best to be safe.

Steve Cronin