Shore Power Leads & Connectors?

CaptainBob

CaptainBob

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www.yacht-forum.co.uk
Hi,
My marina hasn't got any power outlets in the vicinity of my current berth so I'm going to have to sort out an extension - a long one!

I've got a 25m metered shore power lead now, and I think an additional 50m will get me to a vacant mains outlet.

Can I just buy 50m of cable and stick one of these on the end: http://www.towsure.com/category/6993-Caravan_Mains_Plugs_and_Sockets and leave that out in the elements? Or do I need to replace the female end of the metered cable I have, and stick on some special waterproof connectors?

Is a 75m total extension length actually going to lose me a lot of energy in heating the marina pontoon!?!

Thank you!!!
 
Should be ok .. Try to keep it dry by putting it near a wall or if you can put something over the joint .. Dont wrap it up as you will get condensation inside .. Our Beneteau has a similar system .. The boat has its on cable which is about 20m and we have an extension 30m for when we go in a marina .. Works ok even if you leave it out in the rain which we have done .. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Reckon you'd be fine with the regular plugs and sockets - if you were concerned about water ingress you could always wrap some tape around the plug/socket once joined up. You won't lose energy. However, I'd be keen to find some way of making sure the extension lead stayed on the pontoon; maybe you could screw some pipe clips on to the pontoon?
 
It does not say anything about being waterproof. Unless you can protect it with a water proof enclosure, and that does not mean an old plastic carrier bag, get one which complies with at least IP55. or you'll be forever tripping the RCD on the supply.

Take a look at whats on offer from Merlin Power-Store

use Arctic cable because the ordinary stuff is horribly inflexible when its cold. If you are likely to be coming anywhere near the limit for 1.5mm² use 2.5mm².
 
[ QUOTE ]
It does not say anything about being waterproof. Unless you can protect it with a water proof enclosure, and that does not mean an old plastic carrier bag, get one which complies with at least IP55. or you'll be forever tripping the RCD on the supply.

[/ QUOTE ]I'm not sure this is the case. The shorepower outlets on the pontoons in most marinas are basically similar to standard plugs/sockets in design, and they don't seem to suffer enough water ingress to trip out.
 
When at HYCO - before they fitted power stands along the main pontoons - we all had trailing leads. Like many - I measured and made up a lead to suit my berth from the power shed. Then I got moved ! I then joined cables using standard caravan plug / socket gear. I used to wrap joint in plastic bag and tape up- but condensation collects and becomes a risk. When I found my joint "warm" - I dispensed with the bag and left it to "air" ....

The cables were lashed with light line to pontoon sides ... with care to not have it drop into finger joint and get snagged with movement. Some people used cable clips or plastic ties.
 
Down to the tool shop/caravan centre for cable - use round continental type plugs for security. Expect to pay £1 per meter incl plugs.

Noticeable power loss only occurs over much greater distances than you are contemplating.

If the power source does not have a RCD, and it should, then fit one in line yourself. Just in case a live end falls in the drink.

PWG
 
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