No Shore Power

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oakleyb

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I currently have no shore power setup but would like it, what is the easiest safest way to achieve this, i'm not looking at leaving it on for any lengthy periods.
Could i just use long extension fused extension lead ?
 
Make sure you've got an RCD in line as well ...

Got a friend who just uses a long extension lead, whilst we have a 2 pole distribution box in the aft locker which then feeds an immersion heater and a few sockets inside. Both good solutions depending on your budget. I prefer the distribution box on our boat because it does drive the immersion heater as well, also it is neat and tidy - we don't have cables runing down the companionway. But if it is only occaisional use then a trailing lead is just as good.
 
Yes it depends on what power you want. You probably want a battery charger to boost the 12 v system for running lights and my guess is that you will want a heater of some sort. For this level an extension lead should be OK. Just make sure there is no connection -ve of the charger to the mains earth of its cable. A small blower heater should bge well insulated so no worries. But best do not leave anything connected when you leave the boat. olewill
 
We have no shore power, but going forwards will be living aboard at anchor. We have wind / solar to charge the batteries, so only need shore power for dehumdifier and heater in the winter. We have a trailing lead (the Suncamp camping supplies have a built in RCD - a good idea) and just use that. Cheap, and easy to remove when you don't want it (plus no wiring / drilling holes etc - ideal if you just want a temporary solution).

Jonny

Edit: If we were staying in the UK and planning on using marina's a lot we would install a proper system - probably a Dolphin combined shore power / charger unit from Merlin.
 
I have been looking at this and all the literature seemed to suggest just a shore power cable to domestic plug was asking for all sorts problems. I was going to install marine style socket linked to a budget sterling battery charger (10amp) then into the battery. I reckon the battery charger should provide reverse pole protection etc, top up the battery and provide through power to my minimal 12v needs.

The charger is about £69 so shouldn't be too expensive a set up. I'd welcome any thoughts on whether this a sensible set up. Its only a little boat and I really only use power for the VHF and depth sounder.
 
What problems do they suggest you'll get ??!

You can get reverse pole problems - less likely in the UK, more likely on the continent ... you could get a tester plug for this though.
I would always recommend your own RCD in the circuit - don't rely on the marina one - it is probably ok, but best to be certain.
 
We use one of these:

2005_Images_074.jpg


Has a built in RCD and socket. It is just the same as wiring in a consumer unit, 13A socket, and shore power plug and then running a lead to the pontoon.

We use one of these - didn't need to drill any holes, and don't worry about making waterproof connections for shore power sockets etc. We just run the cable through a small gap in the main companion way.

Jonny
 
You can pick them up on ebay for about £30 - if you go to a camping shop they are a little dearer, but only about £40 or £50.

They also do one with 3 sockets on it (or you could just buy a cheap 4 gang extension to plug into the single socket version!)

Jonny
 
Issues related to reverse polarity, risk of faulty marina circuits (although I think RCD might solve that) Risk of water ingress if left in a damp environment, eg condensation etc. The January PBO I think had all sorts of warnings and also my 12 volt bible book which I have been studiously studying.

In the end I would like a proper battery charger the question is whether I stick a domestic plug on it or wire it to a proper shorepower marine socket attached to the bulkhead in my stern locker. I suppose an RCD in the circuit to the battery charger would be a sensible idea? No additional drilling etc and I don't want to use anything other than 12v on board.
 
If you want a proper battery charger then I assume you're intending to go for the perm fixed one - in which case a fixed pannel with RCD onboard would be helpful ... we have ours in the stern locker - no problem there at all /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Don't you have a toaster, kettle and 240v light? That's what we've got on board ... oh - + the Nav laptop, but that doesn't matter too much ...
 
.... nope not on a 22ftr, I have got a kettle but its camping gaz powered /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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