10 or 15 amp power at home,

OMD · Senior Member

10 or 15 amp power at home,

KFT · Guru

If you want to be able to connect your van to power and it has a 15 amp inlet there are two safe and legal ways to do this

1. Get a 15 amp outlet installed near where the van will be used
2. Use an approved 15/10 amp adaptor to limit the load to 10 amps.

please do not be tempted to use an illegal 10/15 amp modified extension lead as this will only lead to problems like burnt out outlets or constantly tripping circuit breakers.

frank

oldbobsbus · Guru

KFT wrote:
If you want to be able to connect your van to power and it has a 15 amp inlet there are two safe and legal ways to do this

1. Get a 15 amp outlet installed near where the van will be used
2. Use an approved 15/10 amp adaptor to limit the load to 10 amps.

please do not be tempted to use an illegal 10/15 amp modified extension lead as this will only lead to problems like burnt out outlets or constantly tripping circuit breakers.

frank

Anytime I am at home I only ever plug into a 10amp point as thats all I have smile

After 10yrs I still haven't had any problems..

Just as a matter if interest .....

Why do caravans have 15amp inlets..

Even IF I turned everything in our M/H on at the same time I would be flat out drawing 5 or 6amps..

KFT · Guru

G'day Bob,

The 15 amp is to make allowance for what could be used in the van and is a theoretical "maximum demand"

Having this rating means a higher level of safety from overloaded wiring such as extension leads and power outlets.

It also gives headroom for starting currents such as with aircons and big battery chargers.

frank

marto1944 · Senior Member

Hi OMD

That is the $64 question, being an electrical contractor of over 5 decades and a keen member of this forum this is my advise and in no way is intended to be the only options, you as the customer must make up your own mind due to considerationof your particular circumstances

1 What will the guests require in the van as far as power useage all the bells and whistles i.e. aircon,microwave,fridge etc (what will the total load be ? no more than a 10amp supply or maybe up to 15amps. If greater than 10amps you will need a 15amp supply, but that introduces maybe more problems because your mains supply to the house from the point of supply (i.e. where the street wires join your mains cable) may not be big enough to carry the extra load and is your existing switchboard ok along with the Earthing system or do they need to be upgraded the electrican would need to do a maximum demand calculation on you installation and check it out for all load capacities ,even if the installation can carry the extra load then you have the cost of a seperate power circuit from the switchboard to the point where you will plug the van in

2 If the load is not above the normal 10amp socket outlet then you can buy a 15amp to 10amp adaptor with circuit protection these are available at around $249, but you then have this lead if you go to a CP that only has 10amp outlets which in the past I have seen people on this forum speak of,what ever you do please "DO NOT" allow any one to talk you into using a lead with a 10amp plug on one end and a 15amp socket on the other not only is it illegal its down right dangerous and I dont know how your insurance may view its use if some thing happened

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

hope this helps you see things a little clearer and if you need some help please PM me and I hope I can sort it for you

regards

peter

oldbobsbus · Guru

KFT wrote:
G'day Bob,

The 15 amp is to make allowance for what could be used in the van and is a theoretical "maximum demand"

Having this rating means a higher level of safety from overloaded wiring such as extension leads and power outlets.

It also gives headroom for starting currents such as with aircons and big battery chargers.

frank

Yep 100% agree with that Frank,

Just as a forinstance in Dougwe's mini den ya couldn't find enough room to put appliances to draw 15amps but it still has a 15amp inlet plug biggrin biggrin

I know that we need to protect the multitude just to cover the one or two idiots out there, but why when they make these rule dont they make provision for times when 10amps would more than suffice..

I have noticed lately that 10amp inlet sockets are also available.. (maybe they have been available all along and I haven't noticed them).. cry

maybe by putting a 10amp circuit breaker inline ...

Anyway so much for hijacking the thread...

Dougwe made me do it smile smile smile smile

Redlander · Veteran Member

I had a 15amp point installed just for the van at home. Cost approx $150 when electrician on site doing other works. Safety is the big issue with me.

Cheers

Bryan · Guru

I use an Ampfibian.

I think if using 10amp and something did happen insurance may be a problem.

Umpie1 · Senior Member

At around $250.00 for an adaptor, I feel that we are being ripped off. If there are other cheaper adaptors out there please let us know. If there are no others perhap a few companies should get their act into gear and produce a much cheaper item.

Russue · Senior Member

We bought one of these, good and has circuit breaker as well and great price.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MS4044

2foot6 · Senior Member

I had a 15 amp outlet installed in the meter box at the front of the house,the motor home is parked in the front yard,so the cable reaches easily,the cost was $85.00.Being involved occasionally over my working life with insurance companies as an independent adviser and installer/repairer,I would hesitate on having illegal wiring /fittings on any electrical circuitry in the home or motor home,don't give insurance companies a way out of paying claims.At the end of the day,whether it's electrical ,plumbing or gas ,rules regarding installations and fittings used are there for your safety.(and mine) cheers Peter.

Mike196 · Senior Member

G'day All,

Another "Subject that gets people going" when it comes up. ) Just rang Jaycar and am on my way out to buy one of their 15-10 Amp RCD unit's, they're about 1/3rd the price of the Amphibian. Cat No MC4044

I (as do a lot of others have a 10-15Amp fly lead in the boot, and it has got me out of trouble a couple of times. We've only ever needed it when staying at someone's house and they don't have a 15A outlet, just to be able to run the lights and boil the kettle etc. It's amazing how many Tradies have one in their kit as well. The first time I needed one, a Sparkie pulled one out of his kit to loan me for the weekend.

Regards,

Mike.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

oldbobsbus wrote:
KFT wrote:
G'day Bob,

The 15 amp is to make allowance for what could be used in the van and is a theoretical "maximum demand"

Having this rating means a higher level of safety from overloaded wiring such as extension leads and power outlets.

It also gives headroom for starting currents such as with aircons and big battery chargers.

frank
Yep 100% agree with that Frank,
Just as a forinstance in Dougwe's mini den ya couldn't find enough room to put appliances to draw 15amps but it still has a 15amp inlet plug
I know that we need to protect the multitude just to cover the one or two idiots out there, but why when they make these rule dont they make provision for times when 10amps would more than suffice..
I have noticed lately that 10amp inlet sockets are also available.. (maybe they have been available all along and I haven't noticed them)..
maybe by putting a 10amp circuit breaker inline ...
Anyway so much for hijacking the thread...
Dougwe made me do it

How,

Gee fanks Bob. I have the 15amp plug cos I'm a bright spark biggrin

I use the Ampfibian as it is safer and still covered by insurance. Not much outlay for safety really.

OMD · Senior Member

Thanks very much for replys everyone.all been very helpful.
OMD.

Radar · Guru

Hi All

It would be about 10 years ago we had the big double power point installed by a Professional I think around the $100 mark and a couple of lights after having visitors with there caravans and not being able to give them power.

Then not long after this I had a experience with a welder tripping the power and need to keep switching it back on, Ok I realize this was not the sparkiest of ideas but it got the truck back on the road out in the boon docks waiting for a portable welder to turn up in a couple of days time all for sake of a small bracket.

A big yes it a good investment, I can probably out do Tom the Tool Man with Xmas lights if I need to. Ralph.

The Phantom · Guru

It may surprise the "experts" but the wiring for a 15 amp outlet is identical to that for a 10 amp. It's only the earth pin that is different.

My van is currently hooked into my shed with a 10/15 amp crossover lead that is about 300mm long.

No problems with the air con or microwave or electric jug.

Most of the comments above are crap.

The Phantom

KFT · Guru

There has to be at least one in every bunch. would you agree?

Pete49 · Senior Member

Check with a sparky as to the cost to supply and fit a weather proof 15A outlet outside. So handy for so many other uses as you will find once fitted. Cheaper than the fancy adapters etc. and perfectly legal.

Pete

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Best to plug into a separate 15amp circuit if you can .. Like air conditioning wall unit ..
Check the size of the lead .. .? No point fitting a 15amp plug on 1mm cable !!

The Phantom · Guru

KFT wrote:
There has to be at least one in every bunch. would you agree?

Sarcastic comments are no proof of being right.

They just demonstrate that you believe you are the only person in step.

The Phantom

JackoFJR · Senior Member

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

tonyd · Guru

Have to agree with the Phantom. I've used a 10/15amp lead for about 15 years with no trouble at all.

Some years ago, I asked a sparky to install a 15amp plug in the garage. He asked what I would use it for, and when I said the van fridge and maybe a couple of lights. He said to save my money, as I did not need it.

With no TV, no microwave, no aircon and no electric kettle you just don't need a 15amp plug.

Cheers, Tony

natue · Newbie

howmany generaters have 15 amp plugs my honda 500w does not what should i do

Wizardofoz · Guru

Russue wrote:

We bought one of these, good and has circuit breaker as well and great price.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MS4044

I have one of these units and they are very good....I was recently at a mates property in Bundaberg and hooked up to his 10 amp PowerPoint, I found that if I had both the Jug and the microwave on it was OK but if a third PowerPoint was simultaneously in use the power conversion switch would 'cut out', which proves that it it did work and switched off when overloaded.

marto1944 · Senior Member

I am a great fan of the phantom,but this one is an imposter it just shows his lack of knowledge and what is that saying ' A LITTLE BIT OF KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS ' its only crap because you have know idea regarding AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules

peter

grahamg · Senior Member

Think about how many devices you are running on your 10amp ccts in your home. Take away the air con and you can run everything on 10
amps.

The Phantom · Guru

marto1944 wrote:
I am a great fan of the phantom,but this one is an imposter it just shows his lack of knowledge and what is that saying ' A LITTLE BIT OF KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS ' its only crap because you have know idea regarding AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules

peter

Another one who likes to trot out the Australian Standards as a substitute for knowledge. I see this many times on forums where the final word in a discussion is a reference to the standards. It appears to be done as a method to show superiority and end further discussion.

The Phantom

Delta18 · Guru

The Phantom wrote:
marto1944 wrote:
I am a great fan of the phantom,but this one is an imposter it just shows his lack of knowledge and what is that saying ' A LITTLE BIT OF KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS ' its only crap because you have know idea regarding AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules

peter
Another one who likes to trot out the Australian Standards as a substitute for knowledge. I see this many times on forums where the final word in a discussion is a reference to the standards. It appears to be done as a method to show superiority and end further discussion.

The Phantom

I have to agree with you Phantom, there is no doubt the rules are there but more to protect the colour blind half-wit that would connect an Active wire to the Earth pin without knowing it wasn't a good idea.

My 10/15A short lead served me well to run the van battery charger & fridge prior to a trip without the "the van will blow up & no insurance" ever happening. I am wise enough though to not try to run the A/c, toaster, kettle, fridge, microwave and arc welder at the same time through it.

I wouldn't try to encourage anyone else to do this and I now don't need the adaptor at home since we built a new home 3 years ago & had a 15A point fitted in the garage. I know, I know, running the long 15A lead out the garage under the (manual) roller door will probably kill me but, what the heck, something is going to do that sometime.

Cheers Neil

Phil C · Guru

The Phantom wrote:
It may surprise the "experts" but the wiring for a 15 amp outlet is identical to that for a 10 amp. It's only the earth pin that is different.
My van is currently hooked into my shed with a 10/15 amp crossover lead that is about 300mm long.
No problems with the air con or microwave or electric jug.
Most of the comments above are crap.

The Phantom

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. biggrin

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

grahamg · Senior Member

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.

-- Edited by grahamg on Friday 26th of September 2014 07:11:04 PM