I still ask how does the mug punter know which to buy except for reputation of the retail store & reading the labels.......so come on you smart guys give with your wisdom, how do we know ??
]1] If you're talking about knowing whether it is a 15 amp lead or just a heavy duty 10 amp one, then look at the plug top.
[2]If it is 15 amp, then it will have the larger earth pin, if it doesn't have that larger earth pin then it is not 15 amp.
[3]Incidentally, a 15 amp lead should have either 1.5mm² (30 x 0.25mm dia strands) if metric, or 70 x 0.0076" dia strands(actually about 2mm²) if imperial
[4]If only 10 amp, then it will have either 1.0mm² (20 x 0.25mm dia strands) if metric, or 40 x 0.0076" dia strands if imperial.
[5]A 1.5 mm² wire is rated at 16 amps, a 1mm² wire is rated at 13 amps. Not a lot of difference is there.
[6] If it is smaller than the above then it is likely only a 7 amp lead, and if heavier, would possibly be a 20 amp one ( a 20 amp plug top has all of the pins larger)
HI
[1]
Yes the FACTORY FITTED plug top AND socket shows the intended use
[2]
Yes, best indication IF it is factory made.
[3]
1.5mm2 is approved for a 15A lead up to 25metres [ STANDARD duty]
Above 25metres needs to go to 2.5mm2 for up to 40metres[standard duty]
[4]
1mm2 is approved for 10A leads up to 25metres long[standard duty]1.5mm2 for 25 to 35metres[standard duty]
0.7mm2 is not approved for ANY lead fitted with a 10A plug or socket [OR higher rated!!]
The cable size for any lead has to be correct for BOTH LENGTH AND fitted PLUG /SOCKET rating.
AS/NZS 30001 'Transportable structures & their POWER supplies "states:
"EXTENSION LEADS SHALL NOT BE JOINED"
OF course, IF you but from Ebay It could be anything but compliant & approved, even though it may look the same!
That is where some of those with 0.7mm2 cable have turned
PeterQ!!!
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 26th of October 2013 01:45:53 PM
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 26th of October 2013 02:05:43 PM
I still ask how does the mug punter know which to buy except for reputation of the retail store & reading the labels.......so come on you smart guys give with your wisdom, how do we know ??
Hi Hako, I have used CRC 2-26 which is an electrically safe version of WD40. we use it to lubricate things like switch mechanisms, flouro lampholders and the threads on big 3 phase plugs and sockets.
I always let it dry before connecting the plugs and it does do a good job.
frank
__________________
Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Whiteman, in this day and age of global shopping it is not as easy as it once was.
I try to buy aussie made if I can- if not I look for things like aussie approvals, compliance with aussie standards and buy from a local who has a reputation to uphold in order to stay in business.
I have found leads made by HPM are usually pretty good especially the heavy duty ones.
Make sure you buy a "caravan lead" or you may have to cut the shroud off the socket end to get it to fully engage the power inlet socket.
frank
__________________
Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
I still ask how does the mug punter know which to buy except for reputation of the retail store & reading the labels.......so come on you smart guys give with your wisdom, how do we know ??
If you're talking about knowing whether it is a 15 amp lead or just a heavy duty 10 amp one, then look at the plug top.
If it is 15 amp, then it will have the larger earth pin, if it doesn't have that larger earth pin then it is not 15 amp.
Incidentally, a 15 amp lead should have either 1.5mm² (30 x 0.25mm dia strands) if metric, or 70 x 0.0076" dia strands (actually about 2mm²) if imperial
If only 10 amp, then it will have either 1.0mm² (20 x 0.25mm dia strands) if metric, or 40 x 0.0076" dia strands if imperial.
A 1.5 mm² wire is rated at 16 amps, a 1mm² wire is rated at 13 amps. Not a lot of difference is there.
If it is smaller than the above then it is likely only a 7 amp lead, and if heavier, would possibly be a 20 amp one ( a 20 amp plug top has all of the pins larger)
Common on guys...give us a bit of credit for knowing the difference between 10 A & 15A leads/lugs etc....the problem is how to recognise heavy duty 15 A for caravan use other than reading the signage contained on the packaging. However will check the shrouding on all 3 leads to make sure the pins go all the way home, so thanks to all for the advice.