Shore power mains inlet location

LadyInBed said:
Also, if fitted in the cockpit, when the shore cable is plugged in it doesn't stick out so far.
For the same reason, I prefer to have mine in a locker with a cutout in the lid for the cable.
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I think that's what I'd prefer, but due to routing cable it might not be a quick job.
Being able to lose any spare cable in the locker seems tidy.
 
lustyd said:
Those look really nice. Do they work with standard power cable connectors though? Looks like there's nowhere for the flap to go, and the flaps don't usually fold back that far in my experience. I notice they have their own connectors without flaps, hence the question.
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You need the matching plug and socket, on the page i linked to. The socket has a cover that hinges fully back, there is an O-ring in the body, so it is sealed when it's closed or when the plug is fitted. The plug has a cover, shown on the web page. The plug pushes in, the same as the standard CEEform style and has a screw on locking collar to retain the plug and maintain the seal. It is sealed well enough to withstand the marina hose at full pressure, directly on it from any angle.

OP, bear in mind you'll (technically) need a switch near the inlet. I didn't fit one on my old small boat, choosing to just unplug instead but technically there should be a main switch. My new boat has both of these in a cockpit locker with the cable entering under the lid in a small cutout.
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This is incorrect.

There is not, and never has been, a requirement to fit a switch "near the inlet".

Current regs for new boats require that a circuit breaker be fitted within 0.5m of the inlet, but this can be waived if the cable is fitted in a conduit etc. This does not apply to used boats, but it would be wise to take suitable precautions.
 
Wing Mark said:
I think that's what I'd prefer, but due to routing cable it might not be a quick job.
Being able to lose any spare cable in the locker seems tidy.
Click to expand...

You do know you should not use a coiled up shore power cable ?

If you only need a short cable for the home berth, make one of of the correct length, use the long one when you need to.
 
I don't often use shore power, but my boat has a fixed cable with a standard blue marina plug on the end. It is wired to a circuit breaker in a small consumer unit behind the switch panel. The only thing it currently (no pun intended :) ) is powers is the battery charger. There are spare circuit breakers, should I decide to fit 240v sockets in the cabin. The cable lives in the cockpit locker coiled up in a handy recess above the current small wet locker which originally housed the fuel tank, and exits the cockpit locker near the transom where the locker lid also covers the moulded in gas locker.
If I need to use appliances or tools requiring 240v sockets I have a normal 4-gang extension lead with a blue marina plug on the end. For situations where I might require a longer cable I have cable reel fitted with blue cable and a marina plug. For safety when using the trailing extension lead I can use a plug-in ELCB (I think), that came with a garden socket.
 
LadyInBed said:
It sets up an electromagnetic field which causes heat.
Figure of 8 coiling counteracts this and has the benefit of the cable pulling out without loops or kinks in it.
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I think the EM field of the live will be cancelled by the current in the neutral?
Yes it might get warm due to resistance if heavily loaded and tightly coiled.
I was thinking of losing the 2 or 3 metres that makes an untidy trip hazard rather than tens of metres.
But a good reminder.
 
cherod said:
standard industrial blue 3 pin in the cockpit ,,, ok gets wet and shorts out in heavy rain when left for a few days but hey ho , just pour the water out , swing it around a bit and back in ,, hey presto .(y)
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..
 
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On ROV systems offshore, we have 1000's of metres of cable wound around a drum, providing 3kV to the ROV.
They don't get hot.
 
I have caravan/motorhome inlet in the cockpit under the spray hood, with a spring loaded flap. Works fine with the standard marina blue plug.
 
PaulRainbow said:
If i think of buying a ROV i'll bear it in mind Jamie. But for long shore power or extension cables i'd still suggest not coiling them up and refer to my link in post #33 as evidence.
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Why is it that so many people argue and dispute the point. Those of us who have years of experience in the electrical trade , one way or another, know that a coiled cable, can heat up, act as an impedance and indeed in some cases, catch fire. Why not just be safe and not do it!
 
Alex_Blackwood said:
Why is it that so many people argue and dispute the point. Those of us who have years of experience in the electrical trade , one way or another, know that a coiled cable, can heat up, act as an impedance and indeed in some cases, catch fire. Why not just be safe and not do it!
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It's very frustrating on here at times.
 
PaulRainbow said:
Where you put it will depend on your boat and how/where you moor it, to a degree. I moor stern to, so i fitted mine on the outside of the cockpit coaming, so no lead in the cockpit etc.

I don't think you'll find a better plug and socket than the Ratio range: Inlets and Accessories | Energy Solutions
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I bought a lovely stainless Ratio Inlet 3 years ago. I'm still trying to work out where/if to install it!
I rarely use shore power and have a camping block with long lead for when I do. I just don't like drilling holes in my boat ?‍♂️
 
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