G'day Boothie,

Mate the question really is should you even try it? it is illegal for many very good reasons which can be quite technical.

I would suggest the best way to do what you are looking to do is to plug a 10 amp lead directly to the battery charger which should be plugged in somewhere near the battery. You can use a normal 10 amp lead to do that and all is quite legal.

Try that and see how you go.

frank

The battery management system plugs into a normal power point in a nearby cupboard (you're probably aware of this) so Frank's solution is simple, legal, safe, and involves no more expense than a standard 10 amp extension which I dare say you have anyway.

If you wish to connect the whole van to the power an alternative to the Ampfibian is have a licensed sparky install a 15 amp outlet, maybe in the meter box if this is practical.

Why the hell am I helping someone who joined the metre plus snapper club! No, I'm not the jealous type! (Not Half!!  )

Boothie wrote:

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I have done searches and read all posts I could on recharging 12 volt batteries and running my fridge on gas whilst I have my van plugged into 10 amps.  Set the scene, retiring later this year, bought a van before Christmas, went interstate over Christmas, wife and her family thing.  For those fishos, I joined the metre plus club on Snapper fishing Tapley Shoal, SA.

Got home with a couple of weeks to go before that dreaded 4 letter word, work.  I want to give the van a shakedown run and I need to charge the battery.  Now the  question is, not running anything else but the battery management system in a Jayco Sterling apart from the fridge on gas, can I get away with a 10 amp circuit.

I have done the basic sums and everything says that the amps and ohms and as long as the air conditioner is not turned on will not trip anything.  Yes, I know it is illegal, but can I get away with it?

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 Hi Boothie, as you state "yes, I know it is illegal, but can I get away with it"? No, you cant, but the simplest way to meet your needs and keep it legal but more importantly safe for you and your family is to install a 15amp plug.

To buy a Amphibian 10/15amp plug at Bunnings is around $150. I have just 3 weeks ago had a sparky install 2 new generation smoke detectors and wire a 15amp power point with circuit breaker to meter......all up cost $275.00

My insurer has been notified and all is accepted as meeting their criteria; I can run the van normally from home if I so desire.

Do it right and sleep with peace of mind.

cheers

ozi2

I got a great tshirt for xmas- It says "old fishermen never die- they only smell that way!"..............

jimricho wrote:

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Just leave the bloody door open for crissake! it only takes a few hours or less to top up a battery!

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 Hi Jim

That  same excuse could be used for the illegal adapter

But in those few hours the door / window may be slammed on it

Simply NOT A SAFE way

and is  the SAME situation  of running a lead from  a power point IN THE van to the outside which should not be done

IF IT MUST BE DONE care should be taken to protect the cable from damage by a rigid surround in that area

What I do not understand is the reluctance of some to do it the SAFE way

It is hardly likely to be only a one of occasssion

 So the Ampfibian has an ongoing use whenever only a 10A source is available

 The rules cannot be expected to cover EVERY situation SOMTIMES  the overal INTENT needs to be understood

Of course some look for every possible loophole to avoid the intent

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Monday 7th of January 2013 10:27:48 PM

jules47 wrote:

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bill12 wrote:

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Have you got a pic of the snapper?

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 Oh, Bill12 - stay on topic You have a one track mind!

 

A dirt track maybe?

I thought fishing was the topic, The OP mentioned a metre long snapper! that alone makes fishing the topic! What's the stuff about power cords doing here!

(for those who hid behind the door when sense of humour was being handied out I'm only joking)

 

I am sorry that I have obviously opened a can of worms, and that yes electrical standards need to be obeyed.  I have now discovered that I have a 15 amp oulet in my garage, the place used to be owned by a sandblaster, answers my question about the built up garden beds filled with sandy soil.  And before anyone gets on and tells me that it is actually 15amp as there should be no space between the numbers and description of the unit of measurement, I would like to point out that I have a picture of snapper that may be the metre long fish caught but I can't upload it, keeps telling me it is not a picture!

The battery is on charge, the airconditioner is on and I am like a kid cause this is going to be the first night I get to sleep in the van, sort of like that first time in a tent, even though it was in the backyard, and even though the caravan is the driveway.  I am starting to feel young again

The shakedown will occur if I can get the missuss geed up!  A few days at Colac Colac or there abouts.  But the Peter Pan in me is camping out tonight! 

 

Well I am guilty, I have been charging the battery with a 10 amp lead for a few months , I switched it off after reading this topic. Now I push the battery charging plug through the little flap to the out side.( A Van ) I hope that this is legal'

 

Hans

 Peter, to put it simply ,yes.

Hans