Shore power connections

dgadee

dgadee

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I have a blue pastic shore power input in the anchor locker but want to shift this. I was looking at some of the waterproof SS power inlets (Marinco and Victron). Not cheap but the plugs & cables seem exhorbitantly priced. Eg. £250 for 25 metres:

https://www.cclcomponents.com/victron-shore-power-cord-25m-25a-250vac-3x4sqmm

What other options are there? My ideal was not to have a power inlet in a locker but that may be what I end up with.
 
Hello,

I would recommend the AC Marinco ss boat socket. I fitted mine over 10 years ago and it is a quality product.

Last year my shore power cable packed in and so I fitted a new one. For the shore connector go to Screwfix where you can get one for a fiver or less. For the cable go to a reputable caravan store. For the connector to the Marinco boat socket you can't avoid buying a Marinco connector.

http://www.tcschandlery.co.uk/marinco-16a-230v-female-shore-power-connector/p11660

Buy the waterproof boot as well.

I agree that the quoted prices for all-in-one Victron cables are unacceptable, to put it mildly.
 
PetiteFleur said:
I fitted a caravan style
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Caravan-M...012984?hash=item2cb8254bb8:g:QtsAAMXQlgtS0GNZ
with a sprung loaded lid in the cockpit under the sprayhood. Cheap as chips and been fine for 3 yrs, no problems at all. see
Click to expand...

That's exactly what our previous boat had, as factory fit. Was fully exposed on outside of cockpit locker. Worked fine electrically, though cover a bit flimsy and with UV needed replacing at 10years old - but five min job and a tenner to do.
 
Marinco products are good, but I think they're very expensive. For most boat owners, ordinary blue caravan 16A equipment is fine. Buy the cable separately, then fit your plugs and sockets. Screwfix is a good source for suitable arctic cable, which is flexible.

For the boat end of the cable, I've found this female connector....

View attachment 61942

... to be much more durable than this common type...

View attachment 61943
 
pvb said:
Marinco products are good, but I think they're very expensive. For most boat owners, ordinary blue caravan 16A equipment is fine. Buy the cable separately, then fit your plugs and sockets. Screwfix is a good source for suitable arctic cable, which is flexible.

For the boat end of the cable, I've found this female connector....

View attachment 61942

... to be much more durable than this common type...

View attachment 61943
Click to expand...

http://www.meteorelectrical.com/switches-and-sockets/industrial-plugs-and-sockets-2.html
 
Don't fit the Marinco ones - they tend to have poor contact and the resulting high resistance melts the connector. Happens a lot.

image3.jpg


The IEC one (caravan type) is fine, despite lower IP rating. You can get one with a stainless lid from SVB. Mine is on the transom and no problems other than the sealant around it needing renewing after 15 years. There is now also a newer (compatible) version of the IEC one with a waterproof locking collar. Would fit that if I were doing it from scratch. Receptacle link. Plug link. Available from 16A to 63A (where 16A is the sensible choice for most boats of reasonable size).
 
I looked at the various plastic options but couldn't see one which would be ideal for the location I wanted - not inset or too easy to kick and break. However, Ratio do a stainless one which (while more than a poor man would want to pay) looks suitable:

http://www.es-store.co.uk/product_d...-240v-16-A-&manufacturer=Ratio-Electric&mf=13

They do nylon filled sockets as well. £92 for stainless socket and plug. Free delivery in "UK" but £18 to post to NI (!!) so I'll get it brought over.
 
dgadee said:
I looked at the various plastic options but couldn't see one which would be ideal for the location I wanted - not inset or too easy to kick and break. However, Ratio do a stainless one which (while more than a poor man would want to pay) looks suitable:

http://www.es-store.co.uk/product_d...-240v-16-A-&manufacturer=Ratio-Electric&mf=13

They do nylon filled sockets as well. £92 for stainless socket and plug. Free delivery in "UK" but £18 to post to NI (!!) so I'll get it brought over.
Click to expand...

Just a caution, the website says that socket can only be used with their own overpriced plugs...
 
Caravan ones are fine, our caravan sits outside in all weathers and we have never had a problem with the electrics. It would have to flood to cause it any issues.
 
Tammany said:
Caravan ones are fine, our caravan sits outside in all weathers and we have never had a problem with the electrics. It would have to flood to cause it any issues.
Click to expand...

My worry is more from a welly boot than the rain. I plan to have it low down in the cockpit (where a damaged plastic caravan style water outlet currently sits).
 
I changed an Osculatis shore power inlet with the blade type contacts because it was awkward to connect and displayed signs of overheating. The replacement unit is manufactured by Ratio and is secure and positive when the shore power plug is connected, also rated to IP 56. For my shore power cable I use the Ratio female connector on the boat side and a basic caravan style for the shore side and just bought blue outdoor cable. I am pleased with the unit and in 4 years it has not shown any signs of deterioration or water ingress. The lid is very secure and sturdy, as is the whole unit.

Some before and after pictures below. My experience validates Yngmar's comments about the poor contact and overheating. The rest of my 240v system remains unchanged, hence the issue was with the Osculatis socket.

31360643773_bbdcc788bc_k.jpg

32170698695_bd23bdd501_k.jpg

32132564006_03ee408d6a_k.jpg

31360605423_8b06f277ff_k.jpg


All images hosted on Flickr

IP56 Protection


Protection for the enclosed equipment from dust and other materials such as dirt, oils and non-corrosives. Small quantities of dust can enter the enclosure, but the quantity of dust cannot impact the operation of the equipment.
Protection from voltage and moving parts for people who come in contact with the enclosure
Protection from splashing water, hose-driven water, rain, sleet, snow and corrosion.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A bulkhead socket which is angled down can often be less instrusive in the cockpit than one sticking horizontal as in normal camper van sockets, we changed ours last year and have never caught it since. The one I fitted was £15 including spring cover. It's a normal industrial fitting so priced accordingly.
 
An interesting article. I'll certainly be taking a look at my shorepower plug/socket, but I wonder if this problem is restricted to the NMEA L5-30 standard or whether it is of wider concern?
 
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