QCYC Power Pedestal Upgrade

QCYC volunteer work crews were hard at it this week installing 162 upgraded power pedestal connection faceplates.  This Phase 1 of the upgrade project focused on pedestals with weather exposure.

The upgraded faceplate has a threaded snout, which allows a locking ring to secure the power cord's plug end to the pedestal. Using the locking ring provides two significant advantages over the original faceplate.

1. A weather tight connection is established with the locking ring secured to the threads. This significantly lessens the chance of water intrusion leading to corrosion and/or electric shock.
2. The locking ring removes the strain of the heavy power cord off the pedestal’s socket. Thus providing a secure electrical connection, without having to resort to bungee cords, line, etc to keep things tight.

Captains are encouraged to utilize the locking rings if they still have it on their power cords. (Note: Locking rings were a QCYC requirement for the marina electrical connections prior to the remodel.) If you don’t have locking rings, following are links to two manufacturer’s products which both retail for less than $10 ea. Other sources such as Amazon, West Marine, etc also carry them. A little full strength dish soap on the inner circle of the locking ring and the power cord lip makes it much easier to slide on.

Marinco 100R Locking Ring: https://www.fisheriessupply.com/marinco-30-amp-sealing-ring-standard-threaded-ring-100r

Hubbell RPL30P Locking Ring: https://marinepartssource.com/sealing-ring-for-30-amp-cable-sets-and-boots-hubbell-rpl30p/

Captains that utilize a “reverse smart Y adapter” will need one of the above for each pedestal connection. Please note, that when purchasing one of these, be sure to get the threaded ring and NOT the twist-lock type.

Many, many thanks to Tom Wilson, P/C Dick McGrew, Eric Lindbeck, Tom Schultz, Duane Engle, Miguel Suarez, Pete Collins and Commodore Terron Lindholme for investing the time and effort in this wonderful accomplishment.

From the QCYC Vessel Electrical Safety Committee