Shore power connectors – bringing 230 V shore power safely on board
The shore connection links a boat or yacht in harbour to the 230 V grid on the dock. In this category you will find the connectors for it: inlet plugs for the hull, coupling sockets, ready-made shore power cables and accessories – from Ratio (MP range), MENNEKES (CEE) and philippi.
In brief: A shore connection on board consists of three parts: the inlet plug on the hull, the shore power cable to the dock and the shore power unit with RCBo inside the boat. This category covers the first two. How everything works together is explained on the topic page Shore power on boats.
The range
Ratio MP range – compact inlet plugs
Inlet plugs with 16 A (MP 16-10 K, MP 16-10 SQ, MP CCS 10 with hinged cover), 32 A (MP 32-16) and 50 A (MP 50-10) with matching MPS coupling sockets, the MP16-230 waterproof socket and the Type 2 inlet plug (MP T2). Plus ready-made cables with moulded CEE plug (MPC 2.5, MPC 4/6/10-25, MP-CEE) and the Marinco CEE cable MCP.
MENNEKES CEE – standard shore connection
CEE inlet plugs, coupling plugs and coupling sockets to IP X4 as well as the waterproof CEE-GS wd (IP X7) with matching CEE-KD wd coupling socket – for boats that use standard CEE cables.
philippi and accessories
Shore power connectors, a protective bracket against mechanical damage, the SPC rail hook and the MPB carrying bag for the shore power cable.
Standard and safety
According to DIN EN ISO 13297, the 230 V shore connection on board requires double-pole circuit protection and a residual current device with a 30 mA tripping current. A display device that detects reversed polarity of line and neutral and an interrupted protective earth is also recommended. These tasks are performed by the shore power unit; the connector provides a safe, waterproof connection up to that point.
Frequently asked questions about shore power connectors
Which current rating do I need for the shore connection?
Most harbours in Europe offer CEE sockets with 16 A, larger berths also 32 A or more. The size of the inlet plug on board therefore depends on the dock and on your power demand. The range includes inlet plugs with 16, 32 and 50 A; shore power cable and coupling socket must match the same rating.
Does the inlet plug have to be waterproof?
Yes. An inlet plug with protective cap or hinged cover protects the contacts while no cable is connected. Depending on the location, IP X4 against spray is enough; on deck or at the stern, a waterproof version such as the MENNEKES CEE-GS wd to IP X7 or the stainless steel housing of the Ratio MP range makes sense.
Do standard CEE couplings fit the Ratio MP plugs?
No. The Ratio MP inlet plugs are matched to their own MPS coupling sockets; conventional CEE couplings do not fit. The matching shore power cables are available ready-made with a moulded CEE plug for the dock pedestal. For standard MENNEKES CEE inlet plugs, on the other hand, the usual CEE coupling sockets fit.
What must be installed behind the shore power plug on board?
According to DIN EN ISO 13297, the shore connection on board needs double-pole circuit protection and residual current protection with 30 mA, usually as an RCBo in a shore power unit. A display for reversed polarity and interrupted protective earth is also recommended. Suitable units can be found in the AC shore power units category.
