Power Inlets

Power Inlets UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Fit Them Safely

Why a power inlet can transform your home and outdoor spaces

If you’ve ever wished for an easier way to feed power to a garden shed, camper, or backup generator, a power inlet is the unsung hero you need. Think of a power inlet as a one-way door for electricity — it gives you a neat, weatherproof place to plug mains or generator power into your building without trailing extension cords through windows or doors. That’s tidy, safer, and often legally required for permanent installations.

Common types of power inlets and where they shine

Mains / shore power inlets

These are designed to accept a standard shore or mains lead and are great for garden offices, workshops, and outdoor kitchens. They usually accept a three-pin or multi-pin connector and are rated to carry household voltages and currents. If you’re powering a garden studio 30 ft from the mains box, a shore power inlet makes life simple.

Generator inlets

Generator inlets are built to handle the higher currents and rugged use associated with backup power. They often have twist-lock mechanisms or weatherproof lids and are commonly rated at 30 A or 50 A. Use these when you want a secure feed from a portable generator into your home’s transfer switch or consumer unit.

RV, caravan and marine inlets

Designed to withstand salt spray and outdoor exposure, marine and caravan inlets (shore power) are typically sealed and corrosion-resistant. They come with specific pin arrangements and are intended for 30 A or 50 A shore power leads used by boats and motorhomes. If you own a caravan or a small boat, look for marinised materials and IP-rated seals.

Weatherproof and recessed inlets

If your inlet will sit on an exterior wall, choose a weatherproof model with a high IP rating and a protective lid. Recessed options give a tidy finish and help protect connectors from knocks and the elements, much like a recessed light switch versus one that sticks out in the rain.

Top UK retailers where you can buy power inlets

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers alike. They stock a wide range of domestic and generator inlets from brands that include marine-style connectors and industrial-grade options. Their product pages usually include clear technical specs and customer reviews, which helps when you’re comparing amperage and IP ratings. If you need the inlet fast, many branches let you click and collect within hours.

RS Components and Farnell

RS Components and Farnell cater to both professionals and electronics hobbyists. Expect a broad selection of industrial-grade inlets, high-amperage connectors, and specialist mounting accessories. If you’re doing a technical install and need unusual pin configurations or higher voltage/inrush ratings, these suppliers are worth a look.

Toolstation

Toolstation is similar to Screwfix in product range but often shines on price for basic inlets and weatherproof accessories. They stock practical solutions suitable for many home installs, and their stores are handy for picking up materials on short notice.

B&Q and Wickes

Big-box DIY retailers like B&Q and Wickes carry entry-level power inlets and outdoor electrical accessories aimed at homeowners. Their offerings are usually aimed at common domestic needs — garden sheds, outbuildings, and small workshop feeds — and are often the simplest option if you want straightforward products without industrial complexity.

City Electrical Factors (CEF)

CEF is a UK electrical wholesaler focused on professional electricians. Their inlets are typically higher-spec and backed by knowledgeable staff. If you want a branded inlet and accessories that match wiring regulations, CEF can point you toward the right amperage and certification for permanent installations.

Amazon UK and eBay

Online marketplaces have huge ranges, including niche marine inlets and branded industrial parts. Shop carefully: check IP ratings, certifications like CE or UKCA, and seller ratings. Amazon is convenient for next-day delivery and broad choice, while eBay can be useful for discontinued or specialist items if you know exactly what you need.

Key features to check before buying

Amperage and voltage rating

The most important spec is the amperage rating — common values are 13 A for light domestic use, 30 A for many generators and caravans, and 50 A for heavier equipment. Always pick an inlet rated at or above the maximum current you expect; it’s like using a thicker water pipe to avoid a pressure bottleneck.

IP rating for weather resistance

IP ratings tell you how well the inlet stands up to dust and water. For outdoor inlets, look for IP44 at minimum, but IP65 or higher is preferable for exposed spots. An IP65 inlet keeps out jets of water, which is ideal for garden walls and exterior hookups.

Mounting style and cut-out size

Decide whether you want a surface-mount or recessed inlet. Surface-mounts bolt to a wall face and are easier to install, while recessed units sit flush. Check the cut-out size — you’ll often be working with a hole around 2 to 4 inches depending on the model — and plan for a neat finish by measuring twice and cutting once.

Material and corrosion resistance

Plastic housings are lightweight and affordable, but metal or marinised finishes resist impact and corrosion better. For seaside properties or boats, choose materials rated for salt exposure; otherwise the connector can corrode like an old tin can left by the sea.

Approvals and certifications

Look for CE (or UKCA post-Brexit) markings and any industry-specific approvals. Certification is your safety net — it’s the stamp that says the product was tested and won’t turn into a fire hazard when under load.

Installation scenarios: examples and practical advice

Garden office or workshop feed

For a garden studio 20 to 50 ft from your fusebox, a 16 A or 32 A inlet paired with an appropriately sized cable is common. Mount the inlet at about head height for easy access, and route the cable neatly in conduit. If the building houses heating or heavy tools, increase the amperage accordingly.

Generator to house hookup

When connecting a generator to a household distribution system, use a dedicated generator inlet of the correct amperage and a transfer switch to prevent backfeed into the grid. Backfeeding without isolation is dangerous and illegal — think of it like opening a valve that floods the wrong pipes.

Caravan or boat shore power

Marine and caravan inlets typically come in 30 A or 50 A formats. Fit them at a height that’s easy to reach from the shore lead, and make sure the inlet has a sealing cap to keep out rain and muck. Use marinised connectors and stainless fasteners near saltwater to avoid rapid corrosion.

Outdoor kitchens and pool equipment

Outdoor kitchens often need a dedicated feed for appliances. Choose an IP65-rated inlet and run the cable through a buried conduit or along a protected route. Pool pumps and heaters are moisture-prone, so using suitably rated inlets is not optional — it’s essential.

DIY tips and a quick safety checklist

Turn off the supply and test before you touch

Always isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and verify dead circuits with a reliable tester. If you’re not comfortable doing that, call a qualified electrician — DIY is great for painting, less so for live wiring.

Use the correct cable gauge

Pick the right conductor size for the distance and amperage. For example, a heavier 32 A feed over 50 ft will need a thicker cable than a short 13 A run. Undersizing cable is a common mistake and effectively invites overheating under load.

Seal and weatherproof every entry point

Use silicone or a gasket to seal around the inlet, and run cables through grommets or gland fittings. Water and electricity don’t mix, and even a small drip can cause corrosion that leads to failure down the road.

Label the inlet

Mark what the inlet powers (e.g., “Generator Inlet — Do Not Connect to Grid”) so future users understand how it’s wired. A little label saves confusion and prevents dangerous mistakes.

Brands and models worth considering

MK Electric and Legrand

These established brands offer a range of domestic inlets with good build quality and standard finishes. They’re widely available from mainstream retailers and are a safe bet for household installs.

Marinco and Hella for marine use

If you need shore power for a boat or caravan, Marinco and Hella make rugged, marinised inlets designed for harsh environments. Think of them as the all-weather boots of power inlets.

Bals and Mennekes for industrial strength

For higher-amperage or industrial setups, consider Bals or Mennekes. These manufacturers specialise in rugged connectors and novel pin configurations for heavy-duty applications.

Price expectations and budgeting tips

Power inlets range from inexpensive 13 A plastic units under a small amount up to several tens of pounds for branded, weatherproof units. Industrial or marinised 30 A to 50 A inlets often cost more — typically between moderate and premium price points. Factor in extra costs for glands, cable, conduit, and any electrician time if you’re having the job certified. A little spare budget prevents you from cutting corners on safety-critical elements.

Final thoughts before you click “buy”

Choosing the right power inlet is about matching the rated current, environmental protection, and mounting style to your use case. Measure twice, pick an inlet with the right IP and certification, and don’t skimp on cable thickness. Whether you’re powering a shed, hooking up a generator, or connecting a caravan, the right inlet keeps power flowing safely and tidily — like a good doorstep that welcomes electricity in, without letting trouble in with it.

Conclusion

Power inlets are a small investment that can make a big difference in safety, convenience, and the longevity of your outdoor or backup power setup. UK retailers from DIY superstores to specialist wholesalers carry a wide selection, so you can find everything from basic domestic inlets to rugged marine and industrial connectors. Prioritise amperage, IP rating, and proper installation, and you’ll have a tidy, code-compliant feed that works reliably for years.