Ho hum... I might do it in particular circumstances but I'd advise you not to.
Not least is the problem of different earth potentials between the earth your caravan may find through its legs et al to the earth from the supply point.
Also 60m is a *long* way to run an extension cable and be sure no one is going to drive over it or lawnmower it or whatever - they are not intended for runs of that length.
pinballpat said
12:43 PM Oct 4, 2018
Doug Another thing to consider you will not be drawing 15amps due to the amphibian and also no doubt you will very aware of your situation and be very conservative in current consumption also Mike brings up a good point abt the usefulness. Of the earth over that distance
Dougwe said
02:29 PM Oct 4, 2018
Thankyou all for your replies.
They are exactly what my thoughts were. It was a happy hour discussion last night to try and get family and visitors that bring their CV with them to stay for a while in a different spot. My mate and I were saying how it takes up a bit of parking space around the house so had 3 options.
I ruled option 1 out early today due to steep slope but had close power and bore water supply. The second was needing a 60mt approx, lead run from power supply and also on a slope. I reckon once the van was levelled there would be at least 1mt clearance at one end with both option 1&2. Way too much for my liking, anyway. Option 3 is level and near bore water supply but no power.
I have no problem as I have heaps of solar and battery power. I also can fill my 200lt tanks with tank water from the farm (it is a massive tank and full) and top up when needed as would other visitors.
Both of us will check it out together again tomorrow as he is away today.
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:38 PM Oct 4, 2018
There is no legal problem with having and using a 60m 15A extension cord that I can see.
It is simply a matter of cost and looking after it.
Cheers,
Peter
Dougwe said
02:57 PM Oct 4, 2018
I agree Peter. I have read nothing either to say it is 'illegal'. Option's 1&2&3 have no safety problems either as cars etc don't need to go in those areas near leads once set up and grass cutting would take place prior to any arrivals. It's just the big slope that concerns me more than anything else. My mate has mentioned he could get the tractor out and level a spot but I don't think it's needed as option 3 is fine by me.
I have plenty of Solar and a 20i Generator so power supply is not a problem for me and I'm sure others will be fine too. Still, a good project tomorrow.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 4th of October 2018 02:58:54 PM
hako said
03:12 PM Oct 4, 2018
As long as it's not for an airconditioner why not! Fridge and lights at night will only be less than 5 amps so there would be minimal voltage drop. Suck it and see I reckon. Many people have done stick welding at the end of a 20m 15amp lead and this draws a full 15amps when striking an arc.
Good Luck.
oldtrack123 said
04:19 PM Oct 4, 2018
hako wrote:
As long as it's not for an airconditioner why not! Fridge and lights at night will only be less than 5 amps so there would be minimal voltage drop. Suck it and see I reckon. Many people have done stick welding at the end of a 20m 15amp lead and this draws a full 15amps when striking an arc.
Good Luck.
IF it is a single length, as required under the Standards, using 4Mm Sq cable, current & voltage drop, unless using an air cond, should not be a problem.
With one exception, that being the one raised by Mike, possible "earth voltages" resulting in ground currents overheating "cable earthing conductor " especially if the ground is damp.
Or, if the van feet are not in direct contact with the ground, a voltage difference between the van & ground, perhaps giving a slight shock, when touching both van & ground
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 4th of October 2018 04:27:58 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
06:41 PM Oct 4, 2018
Earth is an issue if theres a fault in the first place !! Assume theres a safety device ? At van . Dreaded VD over that distance !!
oldtrack123 said
06:45 PM Oct 4, 2018
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Earth is an issue if theres a fault in the first place !! Assume theres a safety device ? At van . Dreaded VD over that distance !!
An RCD will not detect that sort of problem
Dougwe said
07:15 PM Oct 4, 2018
One thing I didn't mention and has been mentioned above is it will be 2 leads joined and aircon will more than likely need running.It's not gunna happen!
blaze said
07:48 PM Oct 4, 2018
Dougwe wrote:
One thing I didn't mention and has been mentioned above is it will be 2 leads joined and aircon will more than likely need running.It's not gunna happen!
for aircon, ya better join 3 leads doug
cheers
blaze
Dougwe said
08:50 PM Oct 4, 2018
Makes sense to me Blaze. Three leads...three times the power
STRETCH ARMSTRONG said
08:57 PM Oct 4, 2018
Shocking idea Doug!
Dougwe said
03:38 PM Oct 5, 2018
I thought I was a bit of a bright spark really but never mind.
All sorted. The teepee is set up in a lovely spot with late afternoon shade but full sun during the day. Power is coming from the solar panels and batteries and water is hooked up to van via a tap connected to nice clear bore water via two BEST filters before entering van. Fridge is running on gas.
No need for long or short leads at all.
I now have neighbours up the hill (friends) and I will go to their place for happy hours
Morn'n all, hope all are well on this well, overcast coolish day here in down town Young NSW, anyway. Yep, still here.
Just after your thoughts on running a 15amp lead via an Amphibian 10 - 15amp, from a power supply approximately 60mts to a van. Power loss etc
I am pretty sure I know what is coming my way in the way of replies
Have a good one everyone.
yeah, good luck with that one Doug
See page 13.
To get a 60m long 15A extension lead, the conductors must be 6mm2.
I have a 4mm2 extension lead that is 30m long. The cable cost about $100, so you will be up for at least double that I reckon, plus plug fitting.
Cheers,
Peter
Ho hum... I might do it in particular circumstances but I'd advise you not to.
Not least is the problem of different earth potentials between the earth your caravan may find through its legs et al to the earth from the supply point.
Also 60m is a *long* way to run an extension cable and be sure no one is going to drive over it or lawnmower it or whatever - they are not intended for runs of that length.
They are exactly what my thoughts were. It was a happy hour discussion last night to try and get family and visitors that bring their CV with them to stay for a while in a different spot. My mate and I were saying how it takes up a bit of parking space around the house so had 3 options.
I ruled option 1 out early today due to steep slope but had close power and bore water supply. The second was needing a 60mt approx, lead run from power supply and also on a slope. I reckon once the van was levelled there would be at least 1mt clearance at one end with both option 1&2. Way too much for my liking, anyway. Option 3 is level and near bore water supply but no power.
I have no problem as I have heaps of solar and battery power. I also can fill my 200lt tanks with tank water from the farm (it is a massive tank and full) and top up when needed as would other visitors.
Both of us will check it out together again tomorrow as he is away today.
It is simply a matter of cost and looking after it.
Cheers,
Peter
I agree Peter. I have read nothing either to say it is 'illegal'. Option's 1&2&3 have no safety problems either as cars etc don't need to go in those areas near leads once set up and grass cutting would take place prior to any arrivals. It's just the big slope that concerns me more than anything else. My mate has mentioned he could get the tractor out and level a spot but I don't think it's needed as option 3 is fine by me.
I have plenty of Solar and a 20i Generator so power supply is not a problem for me and I'm sure others will be fine too. Still, a good project tomorrow.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 4th of October 2018 02:58:54 PM
Good Luck.
IF it is a single length, as required under the Standards, using 4Mm Sq cable, current & voltage drop, unless using an air cond, should not be a problem.
With one exception, that being the one raised by Mike, possible "earth voltages" resulting in ground currents overheating "cable earthing conductor " especially if the ground is damp.
Or, if the van feet are not in direct contact with the ground, a voltage difference between the van & ground, perhaps giving a slight shock, when touching both van & ground
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 4th of October 2018 04:27:58 PM
An RCD will not detect that sort of problem
for aircon, ya better join 3 leads doug
cheers
blaze
Makes sense to me Blaze. Three leads...three times the power
Shocking idea Doug!
I thought I was a bit of a bright spark really but never mind.
All sorted. The teepee is set up in a lovely spot with late afternoon shade but full sun during the day. Power is coming from the solar panels and batteries and water is hooked up to van via a tap connected to nice clear bore water via two BEST filters before entering van. Fridge is running on gas.
No need for long or short leads at all.
I now have neighbours up the hill (friends) and I will go to their place for happy hours