Strange marine mains plug design

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I went to hook my new yacht up to mains power on Sunday and found that the plug mounted in the cockpit did not match the classic 3 round pin design of the marine extension lead.

So I am now looking for a matching replacement socket to fit on the lead. The pins on the fixed boat plug look like 3 slightly bent rectangles. Will I be able to find a matching plug in a UK chandlery?
 

snowleopard

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i have a plug that i bought for 220v power in an american yard. the pins are thickish flat plates that are bent into a curve so they form parts of a circle. the plug is inserted then twisted to lock the pins in place. it set me back $US95

i can't imagine where you would find one this side of the atlantic but would start with one of the big electrical wholesalers like WF Grant.
 

Lee_Shaw

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[ QUOTE ]
i have a plug that i bought for 220v power in an american yard. the pins are thickish flat plates that are bent into a curve so they form parts of a circle. the plug is inserted then twisted to lock the pins in place. it set me back $US95

i can't imagine where you would find one this side of the atlantic but would start with one of the big electrical wholesalers like WF Grant.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same as mine. Plugs are readily available, I got mine from seascrew.com only because they're efficient and I like them. I've seen them in lots of chandlers. It only cost a few quid.

The rotating locking aspect is actually on a seperate waterproof cover that is available. They're a good arangement. I don't know whether they're american though. Aren't they 110v?
 

pvb

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Please don\'t...

Please don't ever leave a live shorepower lead lying on a pontoon. Always unplug it from the marina supply when it isn't needed.
 

Lee_Shaw

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Re: Just like this

Just like that.

Yep that's them - sure power plug and cover. When that screw ring is screwed the whole plug and socket is weatherproof and secure, supposedly.

I recently filled up my cockpit like a bath (deliberately of course /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ) to test my new cockpit drains, their seacocks, new cockpit floor and access hatches and left the shorepower plugged in but disconnected at the mains, it was dry inside afterwards as billed even with water sloshing all round it and partialy submerged for a while.
 
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Re: Please don\'t...

I have no intention of doing this, I was just speculating about why this water proof cap was developed in the first place.
 

Paragon

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Yep, I'ver got plug and socket, socket is smart stainless fitting and plug has screw on collar to stop plug being pulled out accidently or weatherproofing, not sure what. I think you'll find they're called Hubbell Plugs and are used outside of the marine industry too.

HTH
 

brianhumber

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Sounds like my connector on Ronhilda, which is the Hubbard from the US which was a common connector 10-15 years ago on computer equipment. The earth is slightly larger with a side lug. Doubt if you will be able find one in a chandlery as they have been replaced by the more common ICE/EN 60309 BS 4343 Commando type 3 or 4 pin that marinas use.

You could try people like Maplins.

Brian
 

brianhumber

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I must be losing my marbles - JDB is right it is Hubbell not Hubbard. I agree with others above with its screwed lid it is better than the Commando for keeping water out of the pins which is why I've kept mine.
 
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