My van with 12v lights and gas fridge would draw 1 amp at the most, the only reason it has a 15 cord is to plug into the "standard" outlets used in caravan park to provide a standard outlet to all vans some of which may need 15 amps.
I believe it would be better to provide 10 amp only, if you need to run an air con, then you have and pay for another another cct. When you think of it my van is plugged into my home for 10months a year drawing an amp and maybe to months a year in a caravan park still drawing an amp. Hardly a need for a 15amp cct.
Hi Grahamg,
I was very surprised when I tested a 1 meter run of LED lights (12VDC). The current draw was 800mA which is close to an amp. We have LED lighting throughout our caravan and a 15A inlet (standard I believe) the current draw on the full lighting (all on) is 5A. We do tend to underestimate the current draw.
To enter the amphibian discussion, I dont like them, they are way too expensive and only add a RCBO to the dongle I have built... I will put an RCBO in mine to satisfy the "experts"
Cheers and safe travels.
-- Edited by grahamg on Friday 26th of September 2014 07:11:04 PM
PeterD said
03:51 PM Sep 27, 2014
marto1944 wrote:
3 Due to this problem I am in the process of making my own device as I may need one when I finally take off and for powering the van at home on my normal 10amp socket outlets also I think it should cost about $100 less than the one that is on the market which I think is a tad bit expensive
To get their device approved Ampfibian had to redesign their unit so that its Ingress Protection met IP55. I hope you can build your unit to also meet those requirements. If you can not then your unit will not be an approved device.
PeterD said
03:59 PM Sep 27, 2014
Russue wrote:
We bought one of these, good and has circuit breaker as well and great price.
Jaycar were promoting these for caravan use when they first introduced them. They were swiftly ordered to cease promoting them as caravan devices as they do not have a high enough Ingress Protection rating to meet the standards for caravan use. You have purchased a unit that is not approved for your intended purpose.
The Phantom said
06:24 PM Sep 27, 2014
Phil C wrote:
Hi Phanto
I sorta agree with you but there is one problem. If the powerpoint is wired correctly and the length of the circuit is not too long (that is 2.5mm square TPS and allowance made for voltage drops) then a change of powerpoint is OK (please get a sparky to do it).
Having worked with electrics for years, I would strongly urge anybody contemplating this to get a sparky for expert options. The dongle sounds fine but its illegal (meaning it doesnt hit the standard) if you get a fire and the cause is the "crossover" you will get zippo from the insurance company. Thats slightly hypocritical of me to say that, as I have made myself the very same crossover, never been used, just be careful mate. Mind you im being the devil's advocate here.
BTW I agree. Some of the experts here who quote standards and have little practical sense annoy the crap out of me as well. There are many of my posts boo hoood by certain nomads who have set themselves up as the technical gods.
Safe travels
-- Edited by Phil C on Friday 26th of September 2014 05:47:12 PM
Hi Phil
The are many people who use the fire and no insurance excuse as a reason not to use a crossover lead. i always have trouble envisioning this scenario. I assume that the crossover lead is 10amp male and 15amp female which means that the crossover lead is at the house or shed, where the 10amp supply is located, and the van is served by it's usual 15amp lead.
How does this cause a fire at the van?
This is something that has always mystified me when this same discussion comes along here and on other forums. I am not wishing to dispute your obvious qualifications but it is something that has always intrigued me.
The Phantom.
Phil C said
07:36 PM Sep 28, 2014
Phanto,
I made one of these 2 years ago, had a mate at the OTR (office of the technical regulator) take a peek and his words were "technically its OK, legally its bad.
I am of the same opinion as you, the bloody thing works, yes its not legal but it works.
I have drawn a great deal of flack because of these comments but I still maintain it works.
Frankly I have no idea how it can cause a fire unless you run welder, aircon and fridge all at once, I dont believe prudent use can cause a problem.
Unfortunately there are a number of puritans on this blog (all good blokes) that will not bend to opinion despite the standards. I have a code I live by "rules are made for the guidance of the wise and the blind obedience of others" Interpret others any way you wish.
Safe travels
KFT said
07:43 PM Sep 28, 2014
I like your code Phil
sums the general situation up very nicely
frank
Phil C said
07:12 PM Sep 30, 2014
Thanks KFT
We live in a world where we do what we can with what we have, if that includes an illegal (standard wise) chunk of cable then so be it. Its MY choice and my A**se if it fails.
I hope you are all well.
Blue said
11:34 PM Sep 30, 2014
JackoFJR wrote:
15amp male earth can be turned into a 10amp with a file or even a 4'' angle grinder .
now I will duck for cover , with The Phantom
The Phantom said
10:15 AM Oct 1, 2014
Just a note for those that are not aware.
The Australian Standards are NOT a legal document and any references to practices not being legal because they do not comply with the Standards is just grandstanding on behalf of the person posting.
ALL Australian Standards are advisory and have no legal status unless specifically referred to in relevant legislation.
For instance, AS 2865 sets out recommendations for Safe Working in a Confined Space but unless it is referenced in a relevant Mines Act and its Regulations (or other act which is industry specific or general), it has no legal standing. AS 2865 defines a confined space but it is Regulation 4.2 of the WA Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 that gives the definition a legal standing on WA minesites.
There are many parts of AS 2865 that are explanatory and have no legal standing in WA.
This is also the case with the electrical standards and any person who comes onto a forum and makes blanket statements about a device or a wiring method that "does not conform to AS 3000:2007" or "AS 3001" is just trying to fool people with pseudo knowledge. The standards should never be blindly followed as being the electrical 'bible".
Australian Standards also exist for children's nightwear (AS/NZS 1249) but it doesn't mean all kids must wear what Standards Australia recommends.
I hope this clears away some of the bullsh!t I have been reading on this forum.
To get their device approved Ampfibian had to redesign their unit so that its Ingress Protection met IP55. I hope you can build your unit to also meet those requirements. If you can not then your unit will not be an approved device.
Jaycar were promoting these for caravan use when they first introduced them. They were swiftly ordered to cease promoting them as caravan devices as they do not have a high enough Ingress Protection rating to meet the standards for caravan use. You have purchased a unit that is not approved for your intended purpose.
Hi Phil
The are many people who use the fire and no insurance excuse as a reason not to use a crossover lead. i always have trouble envisioning this scenario. I assume that the crossover lead is 10amp male and 15amp female which means that the crossover lead is at the house or shed, where the 10amp supply is located, and the van is served by it's usual 15amp lead.
How does this cause a fire at the van?
This is something that has always mystified me when this same discussion comes along here and on other forums. I am not wishing to dispute your obvious qualifications but it is something that has always intrigued me.
The Phantom.
I made one of these 2 years ago, had a mate at the OTR (office of the technical regulator) take a peek and his words were "technically its OK, legally its bad.
I am of the same opinion as you, the bloody thing works, yes its not legal but it works.
I have drawn a great deal of flack because of these comments but I still maintain it works.
Frankly I have no idea how it can cause a fire unless you run welder, aircon and fridge all at once, I dont believe prudent use can cause a problem.
Unfortunately there are a number of puritans on this blog (all good blokes) that will not bend to opinion despite the standards. I have a code I live by "rules are made for the guidance of the wise and the blind obedience of others" Interpret others any way you wish.
Safe travels
sums the general situation up very nicely
frank
Thanks KFT
We live in a world where we do what we can with what we have, if that includes an illegal (standard wise) chunk of cable then so be it. Its MY choice and my A**se if it fails.
I hope you are all well.
Just a note for those that are not aware.
The Australian Standards are NOT a legal document and any references to practices not being legal because they do not comply with the Standards is just grandstanding on behalf of the person posting.
ALL Australian Standards are advisory and have no legal status unless specifically referred to in relevant legislation.
For instance, AS 2865 sets out recommendations for Safe Working in a Confined Space but unless it is referenced in a relevant Mines Act and its Regulations (or other act which is industry specific or general), it has no legal standing. AS 2865 defines a confined space but it is Regulation 4.2 of the WA Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 that gives the definition a legal standing on WA minesites.
There are many parts of AS 2865 that are explanatory and have no legal standing in WA.
This is also the case with the electrical standards and any person who comes onto a forum and makes blanket statements about a device or a wiring method that "does not conform to AS 3000:2007" or "AS 3001" is just trying to fool people with pseudo knowledge. The standards should never be blindly followed as being the electrical 'bible".
Australian Standards also exist for children's nightwear (AS/NZS 1249) but it doesn't mean all kids must wear what Standards Australia recommends.
I hope this clears away some of the bullsh!t I have been reading on this forum.
The Phantom