Better 120V AC outlet

[Utahsailor]

Several of the Beneteau AC outlets have been damaged on our B49, with a burnt look around the plugs. The biggest load has been a 1500W heater. Is there a better AC outlet available?

[skipmac]

Don't know of any "marine" AC outlets.

I bought a backup generator that came with cheap, Chinese outlets on it. Did some online research and based on recommendations from a couple of pro electricians I replaced them with the more expensive brand sold at Home Depot. If I recall they are Leviton.

Just get the pro grade outlets instead of the cheap model. $5-$6 each instead of $2-3. Had them on the generator now for 4-5 years, under cover but sitting outside and used several times /week and no trouble since.

[jeepbluetj]

I'd go for a commercial grade over the super cheapies at the hardware store. I've had good luck withe the Hubbell's I've used.

Generally, elect supply houses carry better lines than the big-box hardware stores.

I _know_ this was discussed before, but the only thread I found was:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ty-118100.html

(Granted, I didn't look too hard)

[dave948]

Hubble does indeed make a full line of marine grade outlets and switches.
GFI, 20 amp, 15 amp and built in USB are available in many colors.
My local supply house only carries the 20 amp straight blade in brown.

If you know what you need I can send you the part number.

[Scott Berg]

Opting for commercial grade 20amp outlets makes the most sense; expect to pay $10 per or so

[patrick brooks]

I would suggest replacing with a spec grade GFIC 20amp Receptacle, might require larger box and can be used to protect receptacles down stream . ask for 20 amp spec. grade I use a Electrical supply house in my area.

[dave948]

I wouldn't install a 20 amp device unless your existing wiring is rated at 20 amps. The 20 amp device has a different blade configuration than the 15 and will allow items requiring over 15 amps to be plugged into this circuit. It also sends the wrong message to people looking at the device.


If you do go with a "spec" or commercial grade device make sure its WR rated, this is very important if you use a GFCI outlet. The electronic circuitry in a standard GFCI is not water or corrosion resistant.

[zboss]

Hubbell Marine just introduced a new 2015 compliant 120 marine electrical outlet. However I have yet to find a place selling it.

"The new 2015 UL 943 requirements apply to all permanently installed GFCI devices. Each device must
automatically monitor GFCI functionality every (3) hours or less. If the device can no longer provide GFCI
protection it must deny power and provide a visual and/or audible indication for end of life. All GFCIs
manufactured prior to June 29th, 2015 are grandfathered from these new requirements."

[hellosailor]

skip-
Even the electricians at my local Home Depot agree that Leviton has become the cheapest possible vendor in every way. Their quality and customer service are both examples of how not to do things. fwiw.
If I was looking to upgrade anything, even a Lucas electrical system, I wouldn't use Leviton.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

skip-
Even the electricians at my local Home Depot agree that Leviton has become the cheapest possible vendor in every way. Their quality and customer service are both examples of how not to do things. fwiw.
If I was looking to upgrade anything, even a Lucas electrical system, I wouldn't use Leviton.

Whoops. I was confused and stand corrected. Wasn't Leviton but Lutron. Similar names, especially to an old, half senile boat bum.

By the way, duck tape and baling wire would be an upgrade to a Lucas electrical system.

[Sailorbob8599]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Whoops. I was confused and stand corrected. Wasn't Leviton but Lutron. Similar names, especially to an old, half senile boat bum.

By the way, duck tape and baling wire would be an upgrade to a Lucas electrical system.

In the automotive world, we often refer to Lucas electrical systems on older British cars as The Prince of Darkness ... for very good reason
Is it possible they have improved over the years?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Sailorbob8599

In the automotive world, we often refer to Lucas electrical systems on older British cars as The Prince of Darkness ... for very good reason

Years ago a good friend drove an old Jaguar Sedan that he loved, except for the electrical system. He complained that parts made in a country with more rainfall than any country outside the tropical rainforests would short out in a heavy fog.

Originally Posted by Sailorbob8599

Is it possible they have improved over the years?

Do they still use them in British cars? I worked with a guy that bought a new Jag in 2007 and never had a single problem with it, electrical or otherwise. His boss bought one of the C serious Mercedes and had it in the shop every month.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Utahsailor

Several of the Beneteau AC outlets have been damaged on our B49, with a burnt look around the plugs. The biggest load has been a 1500W heater. Is there a better AC outlet available?

Go to an electrical supply store and buy the best 20 amp outlets they sell. The 20 amp outlets have a stronger pressure on the pins of the plug and make better contact. It is harder to insert the plugs though.

Make sure when plugging or unplugging appliances that you turn them off first. Plugging in a 1500 watt heater that's already turned on will create an arc at the outlet and burn it.

[Lepke]

I have been switching all my outlets to 20 amp as needed. When using a 1500 watt heater you are close to capacity and over capacity if receiving lower voltage.
On Amazon, they're about $25 for 5.

[chris95040]

Originally Posted by dave948

I wouldn't install a 20 amp device unless your existing wiring is rated at 20 amps. The 20 amp device has a different blade configuration than the 15 and will allow items requiring over 15 amps to be plugged into this circuit. It also sends the wrong message to people looking at the device.

+1, its confusing to other people.

I could see a future owner wondering why their 20 amp appliance keeps blowing the breaker when plugged into their 20 amp outlet. They notice the 15 amp breaker, install a 20 amp breaker while cursing the previous owner for "installing the wrong one", and now unwittingly have a 20 amp circuit running on a 15 amp wire. Fire hazard!

Sure, it'd be dumb of them to do that without verifying the wire size, but so is installing the wrong type of outlet. Its like putting up a sign that says "I'm a 20 amp circuit!"