hi guys ,i know you may have seen my tent thread in the main forum
but thought id post a tech q here..
i know when we had the tardis ,motor home at the caravan parks we pluged the big 15 amps (i think that was the ones) into the power inlet on the van,
but when your tenting and you want power for your laptop,tv, fridge etc
what do do you plug those into, can you just plug a normal power board into the lead from the cp power?
how does this work , thanks guys..
ozjohn said
03:26 PM Nov 16, 2011
Yep! 10amp leads will fit the 15amp outlets. Ozjohn.
jimricho said
04:40 PM Nov 16, 2011
Make sure the power board is inside the tent or at least protected from the weather to avoid he possibility of electric shock due to water getting into the board.
oldtrack123 said
11:19 PM Nov 16, 2011
Hi
Now I know THIS will stir up another hornets nest BUT AS3001 states
Sect 4"Elecrical installations in TENTS & non rigid annexes"
Cl 4.2.1"where only ONE item of elecrtical equipment is used an extension lead or an OUTLET BOX maybe used"
Cl.4.2.2 "If more than ONE item is to be used these SHALL be supplied by ONLY by means of an OUTLET box"
Cl.4.4.1 "Portable elecrical outlet devices complying with AS3105 SHALL NOT BE USED"
So Cl.4.4.1 rules out most of the Clipsal/ Arlec type epods & certainly the plain power board
Those are the rules, each should make their own decision as to if they wish to comply or not
Peter
milo said
12:10 AM Nov 17, 2011
this only applies for power leads right?
-- Edited by milo on Thursday 17th of November 2011 12:17:01 AM
jimricho said
07:30 AM Nov 17, 2011
Use one of these..... It's what I used when camping before I bought the Goldstream (in my avatar picture)... They cost more than a simple indoor-only power board but is worth it for peace of mind.
This one is from HPM but similar units are made by other manufacturers. They are approved for use on building sites so would be fine to use in a tent. Check out Bunnings or your local electrical wholesaler
(Use of HPM image is acknowledged)
jimricho said
07:32 AM Nov 17, 2011
oldtrack123 wrote:
Hi
Now I know THIS will stir up another hornets nest BUT AS3001 states
Sect 4"Elecrical installations in TENTS & non rigid annexes"
Cl 4.2.1"where only ONE item of elecrtical equipment is used an extension lead or an OUTLET BOX maybe used"
Cl.4.2.2 "If more than ONE item is to be used these SHALL be supplied by ONLY by means of an OUTLET box"
Cl.4.4.1 "Portable elecrical outlet devices complying with AS3105 SHALL NOT BE USED"
So Cl.4.4.1 rules out most of the Clipsal/ Arlec type epods & certainly the plain power board
Those are the rules, each should make their own decision as to if they wish to comply or not
Peter
Peter, mate,
Can't we answer a simple question with a simple answer that can be understood and digested by those without a technical or legalistic background?????
cheers,
Jim
PeterD said
10:35 AM Nov 17, 2011
jimricho wrote: Peter, mate,
Can't we answer a simple question with a simple answer that can be understood and digested by those without a technical or legalistic background?????
The way forum members argue the toss you are better off trying to answer the question once instead of having to return continually to justify your position.
I thought the piece "So Cl.4.4.1 rules out most of the Clipsal/ Arlec type epods & certainly the plain power board Those are the rules, each should make their own decision as to if they wish to comply or not" was too simple. What's an epod? Can we have an example of some approved devices.
milo said
12:27 PM Nov 17, 2011
jimricho wrote:
Use one of these..... It's what I used when camping before I bought the Goldstream (in my avatar picture)... They cost more than a simple indoor-only power board but is worth it for peace of mind.
This one is from HPM but similar units are made by other manufacturers. They are approved for use on building sites so would be fine to use in a tent. Check out Bunnings or your local electrical wholesaler
(Use of HPM image is acknowledged)
where can you get those ?
milo
oldtrack123 said
02:45 PM Nov 17, 2011
Hi Jim
Sorry but
IF you check it out ,the devise you have shown is specically NOT APPROVED!!
AS determined by various state ESOs
THEN there is the additional problem of joined leads!!
Thanks PeterM'
I always put the relevant rules, now, because one is usually asked for proof by some when the apple cart is upset
RE :"What are EPODS "
stands for "electrical portable outlet devises" usually to AS3105 which Sect 4.4 CL 4.4.1 specificaly refers to "EPODS conforming to AS3105 SHALL NOT BE USED"
Cl 4.4.1.<4.4.7 outline the requirements of an "approved""outlet box
with specific references to :
mechanical& moisture protection.[IP rating]
Cable anchorage & support
ETC
Peter
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 17th of November 2011 02:59:58 PM
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 17th of November 2011 03:08:16 PM
oldtrack123 said
03:05 PM Nov 17, 2011
milo wrote:
this only applies for power leads right?
-- Edited by milo on Thursday 17th of November 2011 12:17:01 AM
HI milo
I assume THAt is what you were asking about ,
"power to your tent AND appliances in it"
IF so YES it does apply
Peter
PeterD said
03:53 PM Nov 17, 2011
So where does that leave us Peter? Which models do you know of are approved for use in tents?
oldtrack123 said
04:56 PM Nov 17, 2011
PeterD wrote:
So where does that leave us Peter? Which models do you know of are approved for use in tents?
Hi PeterD
Well actually that is the hard part ,there are few if any of the shelf units that comply FULLY .
However I have seem some@ Bunning which seem to go a fair way to meeting the requirments
THEY are not the ones illustated above
There is ONE model, not sure If it Clipsal that goes a long way to being ok but still does not fully comply according to ESOs contacted some time ago ,even tho advertised for the purpose.'
There is also a new brand @ Bunnings
They do appear to meet the requirements of protection [IP rating},cable strain relief , RCD ,OLCB etc
I do not recall the specific names but they are relatively new on the shelves.
But have not gone as far as purchasing to check
Will have to check closer next time I am there
The situation is a bit like the Amp fib .the rule was in but nothing was available off the shelf until the Amp fib came onto the market
DeBe said
05:27 PM Nov 17, 2011
Basicly you do what you have to do. Or go back to candles in your tent (Make sure you have a fire extiquisher handy) Just in case you set the tent alight.
jimricho said
05:53 PM Nov 17, 2011
DeBe wrote:
Basicly you do what you have to do. Or go back to candles in your tent (Make sure you have a fire extiquisher handy) Just in case you set the tent alight.
Good idea Daryl, let's do something that's really unsafe! . (it's ok I do get your point). At least you won't run foul of some pettifogging installations Gestapo...they lurk around every tent in every campground waiting to pounce! (not).
I give up!
Jim
PS: Milo, as mentioned in my earlier post you can try Bunnings first, if not any electrical wholesaler (where electricians buy their stuff) will have one. There would be a number of these in Nowra.
If you're looking for a safe way to run some power into your tent you won't do better than one of these. As I mentioned these are OHS approved for use on building sites, a fairly hazardous environment for running power cords.
PPS: Reference to the Amp-Fibian is quite irrelevant as we are not talking about plugging a 15amp caravan cord into a 10 amp outlet...It's the other way around here, ie plugging a 10amp cord into a 15amp outlet. It is perfectly legal and safe to do so and 10 amp plugs fit 15 amp outlets (to state the bleeding obvious)
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 17th of November 2011 06:01:25 PM
DeBe said
05:57 PM Nov 17, 2011
Thats what i basicly did when we had a camper trailer (Tent on wheels) & we actualy survived!!!
jimricho said
06:09 PM Nov 17, 2011
DeBe wrote:
Thats what i basicly did when we had a camper trailer (Tent on wheels) & we actualy survived!!!
Likewise I used a gas lamp and even a kero pressure lamp at one stage.
One of those self contained battery fluoro or better still LED lamps is the way to go for a tent light. Keep it simple! I think Milo want's to run some of his techie stuff, where he's going to find room to pack it in a car with a tent and all the other camping gear I have no idea.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 17th of November 2011 06:10:18 PM
oldtrack123 said
06:20 PM Nov 17, 2011
Hi Jim
Re :'PPS: Reference to the Amp-Fibian is quite irrelevant as we are not talki" about plugging a 15amp caravan cord into a 10 amp outlet...It's the other way around here, ie plugging a 10amp cord into a 15amp outlet. It is perfectly legal and safe to do so and 10 amp plugs fit 15 amp outlets (to state the bleeding obvious)"""
PERHAPS you misunderstood that part
To state the bleeding obvious
I WAS INDICATING THAT SOMETIMES the market lags behind what the standards require, especially if it is not a high demand product
A Outlet box that meets the requirements is
Clipsal 56C310EL2P
Yes it is a problem but it seems you like to play down the dangers
To even suggest a simple power board amazes me
The Standards , confirmed by several ESOs have clearly made the point THAT "epods conforming to AS 3105 are not approved" for use in the transportable structures situationas perAS/NZS3001:2008
They are not approved & FOR LOTS OF GOOD REASONS
SO lets get that clear
What people do is up to them , but surely those who no better should put the correct facts forward for them to consider
Peter
jimricho said
06:34 PM Nov 17, 2011
He's persistent isn't he!
milo said
08:18 PM Nov 17, 2011
ok, i am getting a camper trailer now ,not a tent.. ive made up my mind also i want power to power a latpop , fridge and maybe a small tv, not planet earth.. and also do i need a 15amp lead like we have for dads motor home or can i use a safe water proof lead that to plug into at the cp , and use one like you would at home.
im trying to keep things simple...
not blow up the world...
jimricho said
09:08 PM Nov 17, 2011
Is the Camper Trailer pre-wired for connecting to the mains power?
milo said
09:13 PM Nov 17, 2011
no power in the camper trailer at the moment i gather i can do this later at some time??
jimricho said
09:22 PM Nov 17, 2011
That being the case the suggestions regarding the tent generally still apply.
Slightly off topic I know but you'll find the camper trailer much more convenient than a tent. As a solo traveller make sure you practise setting it up and pulling it down by yourself before you commit to a purchase.
milo said
09:40 PM Nov 17, 2011
how do u do that jimricho?
goinsoon said
09:42 PM Nov 17, 2011
milo wrote:
how do u do that jimricho?
Ask the seller, would be my guess
milo said
02:01 AM Nov 18, 2011
is the power from a caravan park the same as your house power or is it different or is it that the motorhomes and caravans are wired differently they need the different amps to normal house power??
jimricho said
06:58 AM Nov 18, 2011
Mate, just get one of those power blocks suggested in the previous posts and an extension cord that fits it. Plug it into the caravan park outlet (either 10 or 15 amp cords will fit). It's all you need to get up and running with power to the camper trailer. Make sure that where you join the extension to the short cord on the power block is up off the ground and out of the weather. An extension cord similar to the one your Dad uses with his motorhome would be suitable.
Any permanent wiring installation in the trailer must be done by a qualified electrician and would not be worth the expense.
-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 18th of November 2011 07:38:48 AM
milo said
11:36 AM Nov 18, 2011
thanks jimricho... sometimes we can over complicate things..
Bosshog said
12:47 PM Nov 18, 2011
jimricho wrote:
Good idea Daryl, let's do something that's really unsafe! (it's ok I do get your point). At least you won't run foul of some pettifogging installations Gestapo...they lurk around every tent in every campground waiting to pounce! (not).
The electrical sheriff lurks around all forum preching the gospel so be careful
milo said
03:06 PM Nov 18, 2011
so what if i got 240 installed into the camper, like you do with a caravan, would that be better? ie thru a proper auto elctrician
this pic below is like the one im thinking of..
-- Edited by milo on Friday 18th of November 2011 03:14:04 PM
hi guys ,i know you may have seen my tent thread in the main forum
but thought id post a tech q here..
i know when we had the tardis ,motor home at the caravan parks we pluged the big 15 amps (i think that was the ones) into the power inlet on the van,
but when your tenting and you want power for your laptop,tv, fridge etc
what do do you plug those into, can you just plug a normal power board into the lead from the cp power?
how does this work , thanks guys..
Yep!
10amp leads will fit the 15amp outlets.
Ozjohn.
Hi
Now I know THIS will stir up another hornets nest BUT AS3001 states
Sect 4"Elecrical installations in TENTS & non rigid annexes"
Cl 4.2.1"where only ONE item of elecrtical equipment is used an extension lead or an OUTLET BOX maybe used"
Cl.4.2.2 "If more than ONE item is to be used these SHALL be supplied by ONLY by means of an OUTLET box"
Cl.4.4.1 "Portable elecrical outlet devices complying with AS3105 SHALL NOT BE USED"
So Cl.4.4.1 rules out most of the Clipsal/ Arlec type epods & certainly the plain power board
Those are the rules, each should make their own decision as to if they wish to comply or not
Peter
this only applies for power leads right?
-- Edited by milo on Thursday 17th of November 2011 12:17:01 AM
Use one of these..... It's what I used when camping before I bought the Goldstream (in my avatar picture)... They cost more than a simple indoor-only power board but is worth it for peace of mind.
This one is from HPM but similar units are made by other manufacturers. They are approved for use on building sites so would be fine to use in a tent. Check out Bunnings or your local electrical wholesaler
(Use of HPM image is acknowledged)
Peter, mate,
Can't we answer a simple question with a simple answer that can be understood and digested by those without a technical or legalistic background?????
cheers,
Jim
The way forum members argue the toss you are better off trying to answer the question once instead of having to return continually to justify your position.
I thought the piece "So Cl.4.4.1 rules out most of the Clipsal/ Arlec type epods & certainly the plain power board
Those are the rules, each should make their own decision as to if they wish to comply or not" was too simple. What's an epod? Can we have an example of some approved devices.
where can you get those ?
milo
Hi Jim
Sorry but
IF you check it out ,the devise you have shown is specically NOT APPROVED!!
AS determined by various state ESOs
THEN there is the additional problem of joined leads!!
Thanks PeterM'
I always put the relevant rules, now, because one is usually asked for proof by some when the apple cart is upset
RE :"What are EPODS "
stands for "electrical portable outlet devises" usually to AS3105 which Sect 4.4 CL 4.4.1 specificaly refers to "EPODS conforming to AS3105 SHALL NOT BE USED"
Cl 4.4.1.<4.4.7 outline the requirements of an "approved""outlet box
with specific references to :
mechanical& moisture protection.[IP rating]
Cable anchorage & support
ETC
Peter
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 17th of November 2011 02:59:58 PM
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 17th of November 2011 03:08:16 PM
HI milo
I assume THAt is what you were asking about ,
"power to your tent AND appliances in it"
IF so YES it does apply
Peter
Hi PeterD
Well actually that is the hard part ,there are few if any of the shelf units that comply FULLY .
However I have seem some@ Bunning which seem to go a fair way to meeting the requirments
THEY are not the ones illustated above
There is ONE model, not sure If it Clipsal that goes a long way to being ok but still does not fully comply according to ESOs contacted some time ago ,even tho advertised for the purpose.'
There is also a new brand @ Bunnings
They do appear to meet the requirements of protection [IP rating},cable strain relief , RCD ,OLCB etc
I do not recall the specific names but they are relatively new on the shelves.
But have not gone as far as purchasing to check
Will have to check closer next time I am there
The situation is a bit like the Amp fib .the rule was in but nothing was available off the shelf until the Amp fib came onto the market
Basicly you do what you have to do. Or go back to candles in your tent (Make sure you have a fire extiquisher handy) Just in case you set the tent alight.
Good idea Daryl, let's do something that's really unsafe!
. (it's ok I do get your point). At least you won't run foul of some pettifogging installations Gestapo...they lurk around every tent in every campground waiting to pounce! (not)
.
I give up!
Jim
PS: Milo, as mentioned in my earlier post you can try Bunnings first, if not any electrical wholesaler (where electricians buy their stuff) will have one. There would be a number of these in Nowra.
If you're looking for a safe way to run some power into your tent you won't do better than one of these. As I mentioned these are OHS approved for use on building sites, a fairly hazardous environment for running power cords.
PPS: Reference to the Amp-Fibian is quite irrelevant as we are not talking about plugging a 15amp caravan cord into a 10 amp outlet...It's the other way around here, ie plugging a 10amp cord into a 15amp outlet. It is perfectly legal and safe to do so and 10 amp plugs fit 15 amp outlets (to state the bleeding obvious)
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 17th of November 2011 06:01:25 PM
Thats what i basicly did when we had a camper trailer (Tent on wheels) & we actualy survived!!!
Likewise I used a gas lamp and even a kero pressure lamp at one stage.
One of those self contained battery fluoro or better still LED lamps is the way to go for a tent light. Keep it simple! I think Milo want's to run some of his techie stuff, where he's going to find room to pack it in a car with a tent and all the other camping gear I have no idea.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 17th of November 2011 06:10:18 PM
Hi Jim
Re :'PPS: Reference to the Amp-Fibian is quite irrelevant as we are not talki" about plugging a 15amp caravan cord into a 10 amp outlet...It's the other way around here, ie plugging a 10amp cord into a 15amp outlet. It is perfectly legal and safe to do so and 10 amp plugs fit 15 amp outlets (to state the bleeding obvious)"""
PERHAPS you misunderstood that part
To state the bleeding obvious
I WAS INDICATING THAT SOMETIMES the market lags behind what the standards require, especially if it is not a high demand product
A Outlet box that meets the requirements is
Clipsal 56C310EL2P
Yes it is a problem but it seems you like to play down the dangers
To even suggest a simple power board amazes me
The Standards , confirmed by several ESOs have clearly made the point THAT "epods conforming to AS 3105 are not approved" for use in the transportable structures situationas perAS/NZS3001:2008
They are not approved & FOR LOTS OF GOOD REASONS
SO lets get that clear
What people do is up to them , but surely those who no better should put the correct facts forward for them to consider
Peter
He's persistent isn't he!
also i want power to power a latpop , fridge and maybe a small tv, not planet earth..
and also do i need a 15amp lead like we have for dads motor home or can i use
a safe water proof lead that to plug into at the cp , and use one like you would at home.
im trying to keep things simple...
not blow up the world...
Slightly off topic I know but you'll find the camper trailer much more convenient than a tent. As a solo traveller make sure you practise setting it up and pulling it down by yourself before you commit to a purchase.
Ask the seller, would be my guess
or is it that the motorhomes and caravans are wired differently they need the different
amps to normal house power??
Mate, just get one of those power blocks suggested in the previous posts and an extension cord that fits it. Plug it into the caravan park outlet (either 10 or 15 amp cords will fit). It's all you need to get up and running with power to the camper trailer. Make sure that where you join the extension to the short cord on the power block is up off the ground and out of the weather. An extension cord similar to the one your Dad uses with his motorhome would be suitable.
Any permanent wiring installation in the trailer must be done by a qualified electrician and would not be worth the expense.
-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 18th of November 2011 07:38:48 AM
so what if i got 240 installed into the camper, like you do with a caravan, would that be better? ie thru a proper auto elctrician
this pic below is like the one im thinking of..
-- Edited by milo on Friday 18th of November 2011 03:14:04 PM