Shore Power cables questions

Apr 13, 2015
157
Catalina 309 Port Charlotte
Hey Folks - have a new (to me) 309, but this question is generic. My boat has 30 amp fittings and 30 amp cables. how do I add locking ring to connect 2 shore power cables together to make the connection waterproof? The female connector has a ring. the male side does not (see pics of male connectors). Is there a way to add on a locking ring like in the second pic to an already made up cable?

not sure what to get?

thanks much, Dave S - Tampa
 

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Feb 26, 2004
23,047
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Have you checked the Marinco website? You should be able to purchase those locking collars, sometimes they just slip off (I know, my son pulled too hard on ours at the shorepower inlet on the boat - the male end - and almost ripped it off!!!:)).

You can find the parts on Marinco and buy them elsewhere like WM or Defender.

Good luck.
 
Apr 13, 2015
157
Catalina 309 Port Charlotte
Hey Stu, thanks. The pic above of the collar was from the Defender site - I can see multiple places to purchase. What I guess my question truly is, can a collar like that be put onto a male plug like I have in the picture? These plugs came to me used and never had (in my time) a locking ring.

Or is there some other method preferred to make a connection weathertight?

Thanks, Dave
 
Dec 2, 2003
392
Catalina 350 Seattle
Yes. Rings fit on both male and female ends of the cord and the threaded "barrel" section covers and "waterproofs" the cable connection.
 
Apr 13, 2015
157
Catalina 309 Port Charlotte
Thanks, I just wasn't sure. Bought two collars and worked them on and "done"...it's all watertight.

Thanks, Dave
 
Feb 8, 2014
1,300
Columbia 36 Muskegon
I don't think they're all that waterproof. More to keep the cord from getting unplugged.
 
Oct 29, 2012
353
Catalina 30 TRBS MkII Milwaukee
I don't think they're all that waterproof. More to keep the cord from getting unplugged.
Capt jgw is absolutely correct. This connection is not considered waterproof or watertight. The locking ring only ensures a tight connection.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Capt jgw is absolutely correct. This connection is not considered waterproof or watertight. The locking ring only ensures a tight connection.
Watertight or not please don't splice cord sets............ These "twist-lock" cords and inlets are already a fire waiting to happen & the more connections you have the more chances for a fire you create.....

The best practice is to use one cord and preferably one that is a better quality than the old twist-lock standard, such as a Smart Plug....