shore power plug wiring

[andsarkit]

I would refer the Hon. Gentlemen to my previous answers. Also having worked with 3phase systems ranging from 110 v to 6Kv . In various configurations, with and without neutrals and earthing, I would suggest that 3phase is not limited to 415 v 50Hz.!

Quite correct. I had thought of mentioning 240V 3 phase systems in USA but there is enough spurious information causing confusion in the thread already.
This not so honourable gentleman is trying to keep it simple .
As always, it is wise to consult an expert if in any doubt but it seems likely that the marina has been badly advised already if they are recommending downsized distribution cables without adequate protection.

 

[Kerenza]

No that people don't understand English.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Quite correct. I had thought of mentioning 240V 3 phase systems in USA but there is enough spurious information causing confusion in the thread already.
This not so honourable gentleman is trying to keep it simple .
As always, it is wise to consult an expert if in any doubt but it seems likely that the marina has been badly advised already if they are recommending downsized distribution cables without adequate protection.

Agreed, I likewise tried not to speculate on what may or not be with regards to the marina and concentrate on advising the OP to seek local professional guidance, which I understand he is doing. Problem is that some people cannot stick to the point!!

 

[thinwater]

The breaker is to protect the wire. You cannot use a 15- or 30-amp wire/cord with a 50- to 63-amp on a pedestal safely. Any electrician worth his salt should refuse the task.

Step-down amperage adapters are for temporary, attended use only. Period. Not for use at a permanent berth.

The solution, mentioned above, is to change the breaker in the pedestal.

(Same problem is common in the US) (I would not chose to describe AC wiring on a forum--too easy to misunderstand)

 

[PaulRainbow]

My previous marina used 4 pin connectors on the pontoon for 16a supplies. They supplied ready made cables for visitors (unmetered) or metered cables for permanent berth holders. This was presumably done to stop people from using normal shore power cables and getting free electricity. Those connectors were obviously not wired in the "normal" way and i suspect that's true of the OP's marina, it's extremely unlikely that his supply is 3 phase. Although the plug says L1, L2 and L3 that is not a 3 phase plug. 3 phase should be red.

I would suggest, as others have said, that the OP gets an electrician to sort this.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

My previous marina used 4 pin connectors on the pontoon for 16a supplies. They supplied ready made cables for visitors (unmetered) or metered cables for permanent berth holders. This was presumably done to stop people from using normal shore power cables and getting free electricity. Those connectors were obviously not wired in the "normal" way and i suspect that's true of the OP's marina, it's extremely unlikely that his supply is 3 phase. Although the plug says L1, L2 and L3 that is not a 3 phase plug. 3 phase should be red.

I would suggest, as others have said, that the OP gets an electrician to sort this.

Only if it is 415/440 v. Paul. Just being pedantic!

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

The breaker is to protect the wire. You cannot use a 15- or 30-amp wire/cord with a 50- to 63-amp on a pedestal safely. Any electrician worth his salt should refuse the task.

Step-down amperage adapters are for temporary, attended use only. Period. Not for use at a permanent berth.

The solution, mentioned above, is to change the breaker in the pedestal.

(Same problem is common in the US) (I would not chose to describe AC wiring on a forum--too easy to misunderstand)

I refer the honourable Gentlemen to my previous answer. Post #25

 

[PaulRainbow]

Only if it is 415/440 v. Paul.
Just being pedantic!

But:

The connector shown is blue and only has 3 pins, therefore it cannot possibly be 3 phase of any description. The small pin is a pilot pin, it cannot be used for PE as it's diameter is too small. The pin opposite the pilot pin is PE.

 

[capnsensible]

It's Spain. Why not ask a neighbour to unplug theirs, take back off and copy how it's wired? Simple.

 

[thinwater]

I refer the honourable Gentlemen to my previous answer. Post #25

Exactly.

 

[VicS]

It's Spain. Why not ask a neighbour to unplug theirs, take back off and copy how it's wired? Simple.

He already has one on loan from the marina see #6. I already suggested copying that
He says that the plug he has bought is the same
It has 4 pins .... he says the L2 pin is also marked earth !

.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Just to be clear... Worldwide standards are:

Yellow connectors = 110V single phase....They come in 16A & 32A ...there may be a 63A one too, but never seen it as the cable would be huge!
Blue connectors = 240V single phase...they come in 16A, 32A & 63A
Red connectors = 415V three phase...available in 16A, 32A, 63A and 125A and in either 3P+E or 3P +N+E (also called 4P+E)

All are known as CeeForm or Commando plugs/sockets

All varieties are available in IP44 and IP67 ratings.

Having the plug on a cable does NOT mean the system is designed or rated for the max rating on the plug/socket...only that it is "up to" that...with the correct RCD/breaker AND the correct size cable.

A blue (or yellow) connector can NEVER be 3-phase and a red connector SHOULD never be single phase.

The original picture shows the plug wired incorrectly as the earth is on the wrong terminal.

No it isn't. The small pin is a pilot pin, it cannot be used for PE because it's too small.

 

[PaulRainbow]

If this is a this is a two pole and Earth 63A Single Phase Plug why are the terminals marked L1 L2 and L3 ? ( In #1 the Op says "The connectors of the 63 Amp plug are marked L1 L2 L3 )

What he needs is a plug with the 3 phases + neutral + earth, of which he will need to use one of the phases, the neutral and the earth.

That's wrong, the plug is 240v single phase with a pilot pin

 

[PaulRainbow]

He already has one on loan from the marina see #6. I already suggested copying that
He says that the plug he has bought is the same
It has 4 pins .... he says the L2 pin is also marked earth !

.

Still wrong Vic. It has 2 pins (live and neutral), one PE pin and a pilot pin. It's 240v single phase.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The markings on this plug are very clearly L1, L2 and L3 - these are the standard harmonised phase markings for a 3 phase 400 vac supply, and this is an EU wide harmonisation, established when the UK was still a Member state.

If it was 3 phase 400vac it would be required to be red.

None are marked neutral and only an idiot would manufacture an item with a pin marked both for L2 and PE (protective earth). The extended connector is commonly used for the PE on other similar Commando plugs.

This one was clearly made by an idiot then Trev, look closely, top left of the neutral wire and you can see the Earth marking.

When I issued my first response I did click the Report icon because my fear the OP was about to kill himself, and I entirely stand by my original comments.

I do wonder how many that make comments on here actually work on a day to day basis with three phase 400vac power, or indeed ever.

I would say, looking again closely this plug, it is not suitable for a 400vac supply because it is only rated for 500v, whereas a 400vac plug must be rated to at least 600v. If someone does not understand why then they are simply not qualified to comment here.

It's marked 400vac because it's a 240vac connector

 

[capnsensible]

He already has one on loan from the marina see #6. I already suggested copying that
He says that the plug he has bought is the same
It has 4 pins .... he says the L2 pin is also marked earth !

.

That's an adaptor. As usual in Spanish marinas coz every marina has different sockets to the last one you were in.

It's so easy to copy a neighbours. Give back marina adaptor. Save rent. Often charge well over 100 euro deposit too. Been caught out by non returns, I suppose.

 

[Bilgediver]

Quite correct. I had thought of mentioning 240V 3 phase systems in USA but there is enough spurious information causing confusion in the thread already.
This not so honourable gentleman is trying to keep it simple .
As always, it is wise to consult an expert if in any doubt but it seems likely that the marina has been badly advised already if they are recommending downsized distribution cables without adequate protection.

This was my concern. The 63 amp plug is usuaky used on 3 phase 440v and I doubt if that is what is being supplied to pontoons. Seems the marina are using this to supply one or more 240 v phases to bigger boats and smaller boats picking up 1 phase???

I was also concerned re USA etc and others as this means delta or star


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[thinwater]

Quite correct. I had thought of mentioning 240V 3 phase systems in USA but there is enough spurious information causing confusion in the thread already....

240V is not approved for recreational boats in the US. Too great shock hazard around water. 120V only, 30A and 50A. Yes, that results in heavier cabling.