What is this electrical connector?

[TropicalSeattle]

Want to add another 110v outlet, inside a cabinet (is that ok?) and I wanted to splice this from an existing circuit. They use these connectors (see the blocky square plugs in the center of the picture). In this case it is a 3 way with one of them going to an outlet. Wanted to find out if I can find these connectors somewhere for my own install, any ideas? Also, are marine outlets different from regular home outlets in any way? Seems they are waterproof from the back, not open. I couldn't find them at defender or anywhere else, would you have any pointers? Thanks!

 

[Bill Roosa]

Well, if you use a standard outlet box and "goop" the rear openings (don't really think this is needed but can't hurt either) you should be fine.
Of course you would not want to place the outlet where it can get wet. If you need a waterproof outlet use the outdoor boxes with covers.

 

[Jackdaw]

Want to add another 110v outlet, inside a cabinet (is that ok?) and I wanted to splice this from an existing circuit. They use these connectors (see the blocky square plugs in the center of the picture). In this case it is a 3 way with one of them going to an outlet. Wanted to find out if I can find these connectors somewhere for my own install, any ideas? Also, are marine outlets different from regular home outlets in any way? Seems they are waterproof from the back, not open. I couldn't find them at defender or anywhere else, would you have any pointers? Thanks!

Are you 100% sure that that wire and snap connector are carrying 120VAC?

That seems very unlikely to me. Every beni (or AYBC!) setup I've seen has quality marine grade triplex running unbroken between outlets and breakers. That looks like part of your stereo.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Are you 100% sure that that wire and snap connector are carrying 120VAC?

That seems very unlikely to me. Every beni (or AYBC!) setup I've seen has quality marine grade triplex running unbroken between outlets and breakers. That looks like part of your stereo.

While I'm not personally familiar with B's, that was exactly my thought when I saw the OP.

 

[Maine Sail]

Follow those wires and see where they go as they appear to be stereo related.... Could be for a heater or AC harness too...

 

[TropicalSeattle]

You guys already answered part of my query, if you don't know what it is, it's not common. Thanks!

Pretty sure this is 110v, I am talking about the black connectors, not the white/red rca connectors. You can make out a black, white and green wires coming out of the connectors in the original picture. Here's a better picture, the same black connectors seen from above, the round black cable leaving the connectors goes straight into the ac outlet (inside the round sawed out hole in the cabinet).



I am still not sure what people do to add a 110 outlet properly. I know it's not with these connectors. I suspect I can run a new wire, awg 14 from a circuit junction box and plug into any home electrical box and outlet?

How about using an outdoor extension cord properly crimped and with rings, heat shrink etc. is that a bad idea?

 

[mitiempo]

How about using an outdoor extension cord properly crimped and with rings, heat shrink etc. is that a bad idea?

Better to use tinned 14/3 boat cable (600 volts, 105 degrees). I doubt a tinned extension cord exists.

 

[Ron20324]

...I am still not sure what people do to add a 110 outlet properly. I know it's not with these connectors. I suspect I can run a new wire, awg 14 from a circuit junction box and plug into any home electrical box and outlet? How about using an outdoor extension cord properly crimped and with rings, heat shrink etc. is that a bad idea?

Yeah, that's a bad idea. It sounds to me like you should call a marine electrician.

 

[Apex]

forget about the extension cord. Tinned wire is needed in the marine environment.
On my first boat, I found the battery charger plugged into an extension cord, which was scabbed onto the 120V outlet in the boat. With the plug laying in the hull loose, the wire was worn through the outer and inner insulation, leaving bare wires against the hull!@)(#$)(*#

Fortunately I never connected shore power until checking out the systems fully.

Maine is the elec systems guru on this and many other sites: follow the wire. Could it be a communication network? Certainly not 110v power.

 

[woodster]

Better to use tinned 14/3 boat cable (600 volts, 105 degrees). I doubt a tinned extension cord exists.

ditto that ...those big yellow cords that everyone runs from dock power to their boat is not even tinned....one would think that being for marine use and so expensive they would be though

 

[Ron20324]

...Pretty sure this is 110v, I am talking about the black connectors, ...You can make out a black, white and green wires coming out of the connectors in the original picture. ...

Ya know, maybe his connectors are the new way of mass production, like "plug 'n play"? Don't know how old his 41 is, but I've seen Beneteau make a number of changes in mid-production. Have you tried a Beneteau dealer's service man?

Thay came up with a new AC shore power connector, so why not AC outlets?

 

[TropicalSeattle]

It sounds to me like you should call a marine electrician.

I have a need to learn. When I call someone, I usually have a good idea of what the job actually entails, and that I can't, shouldn't or don't want to do the job. When I'm well informed, I can recognize and appreciate a job well done, I can contribute with suggestions, and I can learn even more from that. Please bear with my ignorance! Thanks.

 

[mitiempo]

Assuming the wire through the connector goes to the AC outlet, it just looks to me that the builder pre-wired the outlets with a pigtail and it's mate was wired to the AC panel. After installation the 2 were just connected. While I certainly would not do it this way it does make some sense in an assembly line situation.

 

[peter_ms]

You guys already answered part of my query, if you don't know what it is, it's not common. Thanks! Pretty sure this is 110v, I am talking about the black connectors, not the white/red rca connectors. You can make out a black, white and green wires coming out of the connectors in the original picture. Here's a better picture, the same black connectors seen from above, the round black cable leaving the connectors goes straight into the ac outlet (inside the round sawed out hole in the cabinet). <img src="http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85242"/> I am still not sure what people do to add a 110 outlet properly. I know it's not with these connectors. I suspect I can run a new wire, awg 14 from a circuit junction box and plug into any home electrical box and outlet? How about using an outdoor extension cord properly crimped and with rings, heat shrink etc. is that a bad idea?

This looks like the same style connector Doc used in Back to the Future to get the 1.21 gigawatts of lightning from the clock tower to the Delorean...

 

[woodster]

how about separating the connection and meter it with a vom set to acv and see what you get