1 November 2012

A supply of electricity is often necessary to enable repairs and maintenance to be carried out on a pleasure vessel which is berthed on a marina.

Q. Is the use of a portable socket-outlet assembly (PSOA) acceptable on a pleasure vessel on a semi-permanent basis?

A. While not being compliant with the expectations of the standard AS/NZS 3004 parts 1 & 2, we consider such an arrangement as not being unsafe under the following conditions:

• The supply arrangement is only used on a temporary basis that would be determined by Marina Management.
• The supply arrangement uses a PSOA which is compliant with the requirements specified in the standard AS/NZ 3012 - construction and demolition sites, with the exception of the restriction of the cord length. – The PSOA incorporates overload protection at the rating of the supply plug and RCD protection against electric shock.
• The cord is continuous and its method of attachment between the pier and the vessel is secured in the appropriate method in accordance with the marina shore power supply arrangements in AS/NZS 3004 parts 1 & 2.
• The PSOA must only be for use inside a cabin and where the cord enters the cabin it must be installed in a manner to prevent it from damage.
• The PSOA must be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 prior to being connected and then at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

These images are a typical example of a PSOA and incorporate a 16 amp round pin plug: