SHORE ELECTRICAL PLUG

[RHC]

All this time (when boat is in slip which is not that often), I've been using a cheap ($20 ACE hw) 20amp twist plug adapter w/ 15Amp outlet in other end.
With pressure wahser plugged in, power quit after about an hr. Trouble shooting traced to open in one of the lines in teh adapter. Went to west marine to pick up a marine version. Holy Moly, did I get sticker schock--$75! What's the difference? Does it have built in gfi? But I use the ACE HW special at home in the garden w/ proximity to water too? Is it better protected from salt water corrosion? Is it unsafe for me to continue using non-marine version??

thanks,
RHC

[Kelly Hanson East]

The Ace one is fine for attended, occasional use. At my old marina, if you used a non-marine plug or cord unattended, Tony would cut it in two and leave the pieces on the dock to make the point (he had some anger management issues too)

This has been hashed out in some other threads IIRC

[RHC]

what's the topic title? i'd like to read up.
thanks,

[c130king]

Shore Power Installation - Opinions Please.

Shore Power Amp Service?

Here are two I found. Do an "advanced search" (upper right corner of this screen) on "shore" and "cord"...click on the bubble to display the results as "topics". There were several others that will probably offer you some good info...these two seemed to be on topic.

Good Luck,
Jim

[Kelly Hanson East]

To summarise - this was the post from a PE on the marine vs the non-marine

Caveat - If you are using a cord for attended, 110VAC use while you are working on the boat, you can use a standard extension cord,etc.

For long term, unattended, permanent installation...read on.



Sorry to rain on your parade, but there's a reason all those other yellow cords at the marina are "overpriced". They're sealed at both ends and waterproof when mated properly, covered in UV resistant vinyl, thicker, padded against chafe damage, and reinforced to withstand a substantially higher pull than a standard duty cord.

Water and electricity are not good companions, and the last thing you place you want to save a few bucks is on a cheap extension cord. Even if you don't electrocute yourself or one of your dockmates, stray current leakage due to inadequate electrical systems is a major cause of galvanic corrosion damage in marinas.

Our yacht club has had a rule prohibiting these for some time, but has not enforced the rule. One of the new members who is a licensed code inspector pointed out that kids (and adults for that matter) swim off the docks and that he considered it unsafe as long as there were standard duty cords being used. He also stated that it was at least a code violation and made both the club and the owner liable for a hefty fine. The rule is now enforced. I understand some marinas in our area are doing the same.

West Marine had these on sale for $40 last week. Do ourself and the rest of us a favor and either get the right cord or don't plug in.