Marina Electrics

Paul Beaurain · 15 March 2010, 20:25

Hi
I wish to cover all bases and be in a position to get mains power, if needed from a marina hook-up.

What plug type do they use? are they all the same? presumably they are 240V. Do they have an earth leakage breaker built in at the supply post, or do I need to factor something in at the boat end?

Thanks
Paul

SeaSkills · 15 March 2010, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Beaurain

Hi
I wish to cover all bases and be in a position to get mains power, if needed from a marina hook-up.

What plug type do they use? are they all the same? presumably they are 240V. Do they have an earth leakage breaker built in at the supply post, or do I need to factor something in at the boat end?

Thanks
Paul

Yes 240V. Yes RCCB at the post (and it's usually another boat on the same post that trips everyone!!). Yes, fit a breaker on the boat too

NautiSeacrets · 15 March 2010, 20:55

These are standard UK, and more commonly used in France too now.

There are 16amp and 32amp. (16amp more common)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/camping-outd.../dp/B001F44OK2

The marina post will have a trip/RCD, I'd still have something at the boat end as well.

Your local electrical wholesaler will have the sep. plugs and sockets.

I might have plugs/sockets already made up, but will be on 2.5mm sq cable for 32 amp.
NB Try not to use standard PVC cable - get "Arctic" grade, which has a greater temp range.

willk · 15 March 2010, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by NautiSeacrets

NB Try not to use standard PVC cable - get "Arctic" grade, which has a greater temp range.

There's very nice stuff available in yellow for use in freezers. Stays supple at -20.

NautiSeacrets · 15 March 2010, 21:20

Yep, that'll be the stuff, also comes in blue, possibly orange too - but then it'll look like you've got the lawnmower out!

Paul Beaurain · 16 March 2010, 16:40

Good info so far
thanks for that.
Have I understood it right that the 16amp and 32amp plug are differnt physical sizes?
I would only need 16amp but may need to connect to a 32amp supply

NautiSeacrets · 16 March 2010, 16:59

Yep, spot on.

All you'll need is a 32a to 16a adapter lead..Male 32amp-Female 16amp...........then the "normal " 16a m-f.......I have some, all or one all of those available too!

This is what happens when we move from one type of boating to another!

Searider · 16 March 2010, 20:46

I wouldn't bother with a 32amp plug. Most marinas have mainly 16amp sockets with only a few 32amp ones if they cater for larger boats.

Simplest way to rig a system is to get a pre-wired distribution box which includes an RCCB and two breakers usually. Some chandleries will stock them as well as B&Q and caravan shops.

Galvanic isolator in the earth would be advisable.

willk · 16 March 2010, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Beaurain

Hi
I wish to cover all bases and be in a position to get mains power, if needed from a marina hook-up.

You planning a big trip, Paul?

IBWET · 17 March 2010, 11:51

As i have just been charged £200

for keeping batteries on trickle I would be interested in hearing how much other people are charged per unit....

The time period was 3 months.

the unit price was 18p.

The correct number of units were registered on my in line meter to justify the price...

It's the unit price..I'm interested in;apparently it's illegal for a marina to charge more than they are charged for electricity..not sure on that one as the info came from a competing marina.

9D280 · 17 March 2010, 12:01

That sounds like a good argument for solar panels to me! :o)