Hubbell HBL26CM13 Marine Grade 30A Female Connector with Insulgrip®
The Hubbell HBL26CM13 delivers professional-grade connectivity for 30-ampere marine shore power applications. Featuring the innovative Insulgrip® design with rugged nylon housing and advanced cord grip technology, this female connector provides secure, weather-resistant connections that withstand the demanding conditions of marine environments.
Key Marine Benefits
- Insulgrip® Technology: Rugged nylon housing with ribbed design provides superior grip and impact resistance
- Advanced Cord Grip: Unique offset jaws arrangement ensures secure strain relief across wide range of cable sizes
- Chemical Resistance: Corrosion-resistant construction withstands marine chemicals, fuel, and saltwater exposure
- Dust Protection: Integral dust shield protects wiring chamber from contamination
- Secure Locking: Twist-lock design prevents accidental disconnection in marine conditions
Technical Specifications
| Current Rating: | 30 Amperes |
| Voltage Rating: | 125V AC |
| Configuration: | 2-Pole, 3-Wire Grounding |
| NEMA Type: | L5-30R |
| Housing Material: | Rugged Nylon (Insulgrip®) |
| Color: | High-Visibility Yellow |
| Cord Grip Range: | 0.360" to 0.930" (9-24mm) |
| Wire Range: | #16 AWG to #8 AWG Stranded Copper |
| Terminal Type: | Screw Terminal |
| Protection Rating: | IP20 Moisture Resistance |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C to +75°C |
| Weight: | 0.4 lbs |
Marine Applications
- Shore power extension cables and adapters
- Boat-to-dock electrical connections
- Marina power distribution systems
- Marine service technician portable equipment
- Emergency power transfer cables
Insulgrip® Technology Advantages
Superior Grip Design: The ribbed nylon housing of the Insulgrip® system provides a secure, comfortable grip even when hands are wet or when wearing gloves. This is critical for safe operation in marine environments where wet conditions are common.
Impact and Chemical Resistance: The rugged nylon construction resists impact damage from drops or collisions while providing excellent resistance to marine chemicals including fuel, oil, cleaning solvents, and anti-fouling compounds.
Enhanced Safety: The bright yellow color provides high visibility for safety awareness, while the ergonomic design reduces operator fatigue during repetitive connection operations.
Advanced Cord Grip System
Wide Cable Range: The cord grip accommodates cables from 0.360" to 0.930" diameter (9-24mm), providing flexibility for various installation requirements and cable types commonly used in marine applications.
Offset Jaws Design: The unique offset jaws arrangement distributes clamping force evenly around the cable circumference, preventing damage to cable insulation while providing superior strain relief protection.
Termination Protection: Superior cord grip design protects electrical terminations from excess strain that could cause loosening or failure over time, particularly important in marine environments with constant motion and vibration.
Installation and Safety Features
Easy Wiring Access: The transparent wiring chamber allows for quick visual inspection of connections, making troubleshooting and maintenance more efficient.
Dust Shield Protection: The integral dust shield prevents contaminants from entering the wiring chamber, maintaining connection integrity in dusty marine environments like boatyards and dry storage areas.
Secure Terminations: Screw terminals accommodate #16 AWG to #8 AWG stranded copper wire, providing secure connections for standard 30-amp marine electrical installations.
ABYC Compliance and Marine Standards
When used as part of a complete shore power system, the HBL26CM13 helps meet ABYC E-11 requirements for marine electrical installations. The connector's design supports proper grounding and current-carrying requirements essential for safe shore power operations.
The twist-lock configuration provides positive retention required by marine safety standards, preventing dangerous disconnections that could result in arcing, fire, or electrocution hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Insulgrip® technology superior for marine applications?
A: Insulgrip® provides superior grip when wet, impact resistance for harsh handling, and chemical resistance to marine fuels and cleaning compounds. The ribbed design ensures secure handling even with gloves.
Q: How does the cord grip prevent cable damage?
A: The unique offset jaws arrangement distributes clamping force evenly around the cable, preventing pinching or cutting of insulation while providing excellent strain relief across a wide range of cable diameters.
Q: Can this connector handle continuous 30-amp loads?
A: Yes, the HBL26CM13 is rated for continuous 30-amp operation at 125V AC when properly installed with appropriate wire sizes and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
Q: What cable sizes work with this connector?
A: The cord grip accommodates cables from 0.360" to 0.930" diameter, while the terminals accept #16 AWG to #8 AWG stranded copper wire, covering standard marine shore power cable specifications.
Q: Is the dust shield removable for maintenance?
A: The integral dust shield is designed to protect the wiring chamber while allowing access for installation and maintenance. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance procedures.
Q: How does this connector compare to non-locking types?
A: The twist-lock design provides positive mechanical retention that prevents accidental disconnection, which is critical for marine safety. Non-locking connectors can separate under load, creating dangerous arcing conditions.
Q: What maintenance is required for marine use?
A: Regular inspection of cord grip integrity, terminal tightness, and housing condition. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure and ensure proper storage in dry conditions when not in use.
Q: Is professional installation recommended?
A: While the connector can be field-installed, proper wire selection, termination techniques, and system integration should be performed by qualified marine electricians familiar with ABYC standards.