How to connect the power from a house and a generator to a caravan
Ge said
05:10 PM Jan 1, 2017
Hi
Im back again have searched google and can find no ref to using a gennie on a fixed wired caravan that makes it illegal.
that bought me to finking what about ice cream vans, mobile food vans, emergancy service opps rooms that need gennie power in the bush.
Maybe this is another urban/forum myth, this has got to me so when i get a chance i will ask some electric caravan repairers.
Regards Ge
Please i do not intend to upset any forum member or insult anyone. The truth is out there some where just have to find it.
Ge said
05:12 PM Jan 1, 2017
Hi
Im back again have searched google and can find no ref to using a gennie on a fixed wired caravan that makes it illegal.
that bought me to finking what about ice cream vans, mobile food vans, emergancy service opps rooms that need gennie power in the bush.
Maybe this is another urban/forum myth, this has got to me so when i get a chance i will ask some electric caravan repairers.
Regards Ge
Please i do not intend to upset any forum member or insult anyone. The truth is out there some where just have to find it.
Ge said
05:14 PM Jan 1, 2017
Hi Im back again have searched google and can find no ref to using a gennie on a fixed wired caravan that makes it illegal. that bought me to finking what about ice cream vans, mobile food vans, emergancy service opps rooms that need gennie power in the bush.
Maybe this is another urban/forum myth, this has got to me so when i get a chance i will ask some electric caravan repairers.
Regards Ge
Please i do not intend to upset any forum member or insult anyone. The truth is out there some where just have to find it.
Izabarack said
05:36 PM Jan 1, 2017
sandsmere wrote:
Here we go again!
It would be nice if people would just answer the original question. Dribbling on about what is illegal or not spoils it for everyone.
Iza
KFT said
05:55 PM Jan 1, 2017
Ge wrote:
Thanks Frank, the bloke down the road showed me his 15amp cord and I could see the different sized pins on the plug.
Frank I have seen your reply's to other threads and as they are always sensible without smugness I ask why is a van not wired in the same way as a house, 10amp 240 ect. Gets confusing to me. Maybe this should be put in the techie sect.
Thanks again Frank, kind regards to yourselve and your wife. Happy new year.
thank you and a happy new year to you and yours too.
Vans are wired for 15 amp to permit the multitude of electrical appliances that are now fitted such as water heaters, airconditioners etc that draw much power while also allowing such things as a fridge freezer, battery charger, TV, Lights etc to also continue to be used.
There is a calculation that electricians use called "Maximum demand" and this is used to theoretically determine what the maximum power draw is likely to be based on what appliances are fitted.
With this is mind 15amps covers it pretty well (3600 watts) and that is why vans are wired for 15 amp leads and input sockets.
Generators
There are no restrictions on what size genny you use but a preference is always for an inverter style unit as they are the quietest and produce quality sine wave power.
There is a recommendation that you only use one earthed appliance at a time but if your van and wiring are in very good condition you can ignore this. Most gennies in the 2kVA range are current limited to around 7.7 amps anyway (or 1600 watts) so unless you are using a 3.6kVA genny you will not be able to run the aircon with anything else. Aircon off you can run most things in the van but likely not at the same time due to the genny not being able to produce sufficient power.
If you have any further questions please ask. I am happy to help where I can.
Frank
PeterD said
06:30 PM Jan 1, 2017
tenpro wrote:
I hope this forum is a bit more helpful than the The Caravaners Forum.
From what I saw in the first few replies on the other forum, if you can't understand the explanations there you need someone to do the connection for you not more confusing explanations
marto1944 said
06:53 PM Jan 1, 2017
Phillipn
Because of the fact that you operate it manually there lies the problem if this is the way it should be done why do commercial installation use special control and interlocking equipment so that under no condition can the gen be connected to the grid manual control is not acceptable I do not know what state you are in but did this licensed contractor issue you with a compliance certificate I suspect not I would be interested to know if the 3 phase main switch is on and the gen circuit breaker is on is there voltage at the pins of the wall socket. I in no way have a concern how you choose to maintain your installation but after being in the electrical industry for over 50 years I feel I have a moral obligation to express my view in regard to an electrical installation if I believe it to be unsafe and you. Have posted an installation I am of the opinion is so
Peter
Aus-Kiwi said
07:23 PM Jan 1, 2017
Who said 3 phase ? Man that complicates things !! On a van !
marto1944 said
08:04 PM Jan 1, 2017
The 3 phase relates to the pix posted by Phillipn
Ge said
08:29 PM Jan 1, 2017
Frank thanks for answering my questions makes things clearer now. Stuff the aircon if gets to hot I will take all my kit off and just admire the wrinkles.
Regards Ge
Phillipn said
10:47 PM Jan 1, 2017
marto1944 wrote:
Hylife, where did you get that you cannot connect a genny to fixed wiring well how do they get emergency supply in supermarkets banks etc when they have a power failure the emergency generator starts up when the power fails and supply certain equipment but this requires special control gear and interlocking mechanisms so both supplies cannot be connected at the same time ,so phillipn with your arrangement it has no interlocking mechanism just relies on the person switching off the main switch to me its an accident waiting to happen both supplies can be on at the same time
peter
Please have a GOOD look at the photo. When the switch is in the up position it is mains power only, in the centre all power is off, in the down position it is generator power only. " an accident waiting to happen, no way"
Phillipn said
10:53 PM Jan 1, 2017
marto1944 wrote:
The 3 phase relates to the pix posted by Phillipn
Single phase, not 3 phase. Is that of any help to you???
iana said
12:19 AM Jan 2, 2017
Are you sure that this thread is not just a hoax to see how many fish bite?
kiwijims said
11:03 AM Jan 2, 2017
iana wrote:
Are you sure that this thread is not just a hoax to see how many fish bite?
YEP.
That cost me $100 Supplied\installed by registered sparky.
(Mate works in mines) Cash job.
Hello Mr Pointer.
Nice tonsils you have there. Clean toofie pegs too.
Been that close and closer to SMALLER versions,when we fished for them
and Hammers down in SA.
4 to 6ft Hammer, Bronzie, are beautiful eating. (45 yrs ago). Wouldn't do it nowadays.
We didn't realise. Just fish. Same as shooting.
Hylife said
05:26 PM Jan 2, 2017
Consider this re the generator connection.
Both your house and your caravan's 230V AC are considered by the electrical authorities to be "Fixed Wiring".
The connection of a generator is considered to be prescribed electrical installation work requiring a certificate of electrical safety based on AS/NZS 3010:2005
KFT said
05:45 PM Jan 2, 2017
Hylife wrote:
Consider this re the generator connection.
Both your house and your caravan's 230V AC are considered by the electrical authorities to be "Fixed Wiring". The connection of a generator is considered to be prescribed electrical installation work requiring a certificate of electrical safety based on AS/NZS 3010:2005
I don't think that is quite correct.
The connection to the caravan/motorhome wiring is via an already installed and approved connection point.
the requirements under the standard you quote are for a permanent connection of a fixed Genset.
Aus-Kiwi said
10:51 PM Jan 2, 2017
Pfft .I better take my Onan genie out of my motorhome . !!
sandsmere said
08:41 AM Jan 3, 2017
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Pfft .I better take my Onan genie out of my motorhome . !!
Don't worry about it AK.
If you need your gennie just start it up and plug it in.
I've been doing that for over 30 years. Works every time.
Ge said
10:11 AM Jan 3, 2017
Izabarack wrote:
sandsmere wrote:
Here we go again!
It would be nice if people would just answer the original question. Dribbling on about what is illegal or not spoils it for everyone.
Iza
Well if you don't like the way the tread is going don't keep comming back and reading it.
Aus-Kiwi said
10:51 AM Jan 3, 2017
keep in mind fault safety . Earth protection is not the same as at home ! Modern electronic safety devices help big time ..
Happywanderer said
11:21 AM Jan 3, 2017
No wonder people get so confused with all this info whether it's right or wrong.
Get a 15 amp lead from Bunnings. Plug one end into the van. The other to the house. If you already have a 15amp setup in the house go for it.
If not, get one installed or use an anphibian? Spelt wrong, one of those orange things, to get the connection.
How is that hard???
aussie_paul said
12:06 PM Jan 3, 2017
sandsmere wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Pfft .I better take my Onan genie out of my motorhome . !!
Don't worry about it AK.
If you need your gennie just start it up and plug it in.
I've been doing that for over 30 years. Works every time.
Mine too.
Aussie Paul.
tenpro said
03:04 PM Jan 3, 2017
Thank you so much for the expert information. I also ended up getting some more information from a caravan owning Bunnings staff member. I now know what to do. Much appreciated.
It is always useful to know about what one comments on before one comments on it.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Tuesday 3rd of January 2017 03:24:29 PM
madaboutled said
12:02 AM Jan 4, 2017
Note to self.... direct people to bunnings before trying to give advice.
Aus-Kiwi said
12:42 AM Jan 4, 2017
Tool, electrical or cafeteria ??Lol
TheHeaths said
07:12 AM Jan 4, 2017
Peter,
seeing some of the contention here with respect to connecting the generator, what was the Bunnings man guidance with respect to that?
Also, did he pass on any information re use of the Amphibian?
It would be nice for us all here to get some up to date guidance, especially if it differs from that which has been provided here.
sandsmere said
07:36 AM Jan 4, 2017
Ge wrote:
Izabarack wrote:
sandsmere wrote:
Here we go again!
It would be nice if people would just answer the original question. Dribbling on about what is illegal or not spoils it for everyone.
Iza
Well if you don't like the way the tread is going don't keep comming back and reading it.
The h is between the g and the j.
-- Edited by sandsmere on Wednesday 4th of January 2017 07:37:28 AM
Im back again have searched google and can find no ref to using a gennie on a fixed wired caravan that makes it illegal.
that bought me to finking what about ice cream vans, mobile food vans, emergancy service opps rooms that need gennie power in the bush.
Maybe this is another urban/forum myth, this has got to me so when i get a chance i will ask some electric caravan repairers.
Regards Ge
Please i do not intend to upset any forum member or insult anyone. The truth is out there some where just have to find it.
Im back again have searched google and can find no ref to using a gennie on a fixed wired caravan that makes it illegal.
that bought me to finking what about ice cream vans, mobile food vans, emergancy service opps rooms that need gennie power in the bush.
Maybe this is another urban/forum myth, this has got to me so when i get a chance i will ask some electric caravan repairers.
Regards Ge
Please i do not intend to upset any forum member or insult anyone. The truth is out there some where just have to find it.
Hi
Im back again have searched google and can find no ref to using a gennie on a fixed wired caravan that makes it illegal.
that bought me to finking what about ice cream vans, mobile food vans, emergancy service opps rooms that need gennie power in the bush.
Maybe this is another urban/forum myth, this has got to me so when i get a chance i will ask some electric caravan repairers.
Regards Ge
Please i do not intend to upset any forum member or insult anyone. The truth is out there some where just have to find it.
It would be nice if people would just answer the original question. Dribbling on about what is illegal or not spoils it for everyone.
Iza
thank you and a happy new year to you and yours too.
Vans are wired for 15 amp to permit the multitude of electrical appliances that are now fitted such as water heaters, airconditioners etc that draw much power while also allowing such things as a fridge freezer, battery charger, TV, Lights etc to also continue to be used.
There is a calculation that electricians use called "Maximum demand" and this is used to theoretically determine what the maximum power draw is likely to be based on what appliances are fitted.
With this is mind 15amps covers it pretty well (3600 watts) and that is why vans are wired for 15 amp leads and input sockets.
Generators
There are no restrictions on what size genny you use but a preference is always for an inverter style unit as they are the quietest and produce quality sine wave power.
There is a recommendation that you only use one earthed appliance at a time but if your van and wiring are in very good condition you can ignore this. Most gennies in the 2kVA range are current limited to around 7.7 amps anyway (or 1600 watts) so unless you are using a 3.6kVA genny you will not be able to run the aircon with anything else. Aircon off you can run most things in the van but likely not at the same time due to the genny not being able to produce sufficient power.
If you have any further questions please ask. I am happy to help where I can.
Frank
From what I saw in the first few replies on the other forum, if you can't understand the explanations there you need someone to do the connection for you not more confusing explanations
Because of the fact that you operate it manually there lies the problem if this is the way it should be done why do commercial installation use special control and interlocking equipment so that under no condition can the gen be connected to the grid manual control is not acceptable I do not know what state you are in but did this licensed contractor issue you with a compliance certificate I suspect not I would be interested to know if the 3 phase main switch is on and the gen circuit breaker is on is there voltage at the pins of the wall socket. I in no way have a concern how you choose to maintain your installation but after being in the electrical industry for over 50 years I feel I have a moral obligation to express my view in regard to an electrical installation if I believe it to be unsafe and you. Have posted an installation I am of the opinion is so
Peter
Regards Ge
Please have a GOOD look at the photo. When the switch is in the up position it is mains power only, in the centre all power is off, in the down position it is generator power only. " an accident waiting to happen, no way"
Single phase, not 3 phase. Is that of any help to you???
HMMMMM......................
Could be right there. iana
K.J.
Jim, Jaws of life???
YEP.
That cost me $100 Supplied\installed by registered sparky.
(Mate works in mines) Cash job.
Hello Mr Pointer.
Nice tonsils you have there. Clean toofie pegs too.
Been that close and closer to SMALLER versions,when we fished for them
and Hammers down in SA.
4 to 6ft Hammer, Bronzie, are beautiful eating. (45 yrs ago). Wouldn't do it nowadays.
We didn't realise. Just fish. Same as shooting.
Both your house and your caravan's 230V AC are considered by the electrical authorities to be "Fixed Wiring".
The connection of a generator is considered to be prescribed electrical installation work requiring a certificate of electrical safety based on AS/NZS 3010:2005
I don't think that is quite correct.
The connection to the caravan/motorhome wiring is via an already installed and approved connection point.
the requirements under the standard you quote are for a permanent connection of a fixed Genset.
Don't worry about it AK.
If you need your gennie just start it up and plug it in.
I've been doing that for over 30 years. Works every time.
Well if you don't like the way the tread is going don't keep comming back and reading it.
Get a 15 amp lead from Bunnings. Plug one end into the van. The other to the house. If you already have a 15amp setup in the house go for it.
If not, get one installed or use an anphibian? Spelt wrong, one of those orange things, to get the connection.
How is that hard???
Mine too.
Aussie Paul.
Thank you so much for the expert information. I also ended up getting some more information from a caravan owning Bunnings staff member. I now know what to do. Much appreciated.
It is always useful to know about what one comments on before one comments on it.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Tuesday 3rd of January 2017 03:24:29 PM
Note to self.... direct people to bunnings before trying to give advice.
seeing some of the contention here with respect to connecting the generator, what was the Bunnings man guidance with respect to that?
Also, did he pass on any information re use of the Amphibian?
It would be nice for us all here to get some up to date guidance, especially if it differs from that which has been provided here.
The h is between the g and the j.
-- Edited by sandsmere on Wednesday 4th of January 2017 07:37:28 AM
Tool I think covers it.