Shore Power and in Boat RCD/MCBS?

[andythilo]

Is it really neccesary to have a consumer unit on board the boat for shore power? The land connection has a built in RCD (as do most I assume).

Mains wise, I would be running a charger, sockets for phone chargers etc.. and probably a smallish LCD TV.

This would be what i'd install if needed :

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/5175/mains-consumer-box

Whats the general opinion on this please?

Thanks

Andy

 

[Paulka]

Yesssss! Sir,
Never trust the electrical installation of the marina, any marina.
And yes again, the box you suggest looks quite OK.
Just make sure all cables enter (and leave) the box from underneath, to avoid - as far as possible - the water comming in.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[davidwf]

Consumer unit looks ok but cheaper at screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/prods/33248...nits/MK-Sentry-4-Way-RCD-Garage-Consumer-Unit

 

[andythilo]

Hi, thanks for the quick reply. Ok i'll go for the consumer unit then. 5A for the charger and 10A for the sockets and telly, should be fine. The cables will be coming in from behind and the unit sealed round the edges.

 

[andythilo]

Consumer unit looks ok but cheaper at screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/prods/33248...nits/MK-Sentry-4-Way-RCD-Garage-Consumer-Unit

I did look there, as I bought a garage one for my garage (funny that!). However the MCB ratings are different 5/10 and 6/16 for the screwfix. And as shorepower is only 16A rated.....

 

[misterg]

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/5175/mains-consumer-box

Whats the general opinion on this please?

70 Quid!! Shee-it that's expensive

MK (i.e. quality) one from Screwfix:

£38.22 inc vat here

(They used to sell one by Volex about a tenner cheaper, but the Volex ones they've got now aren't in a 'splashproof' case. Look for 'shed / garage consumer units')

Yes, get your own RCD - you can check it works, and you can change it if you're not happy.

Andy

Edit: Too slow! Must press 'post' before getting up for more beer!

You can get a 10A MCB for £4.89 if that's all that's stopping you

 

[andythilo]

Lol ok I'll get the MK one, and fit a 10A MCB .