Power Cords

ChiChi1 · Guru

Power Cords

ozjohn · Guru

"It has been said that I will need to have an electrician install a 15amp socket on the house to do this? Please what can I do and not do? Thanks a lot"
Chi,

Mate, the only legal way is to have a 15 amp GPO fitted or purchase an "AmpFibian" at considerable expense.

Many vanners have a 'Cheat Lead" to join the original leagal 15 amp lead to a 10 amp GPO. These are a a peice of 15amp cable around a Foot long with a 15amp female outlet (to suit van) at one end and a 10amp male inlet at the other.
I couldn't for one moment however condone the use of these 'Cheat Leads" as they are illegal and deamed dangerous.

Cheers, ozjohn.

-- Edited by ozjohn on Thursday 24th of March 2011 03:45:15 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

Totally agree with what you've been told Chichi. My van Myrtle comes with an electical cord to plug in at caravan parks. I asked my S. in L. the same question as he is an electrician and he said no, just for the C/P.
But you can have things done, which I won't as my unit is too far from my carparking spot to bother.

ChiChi1 · Guru

I wouldn't like to use a "cheat lead" so I think may have to get gpo fitted

Thanks VM Ozjohn for your advice

blaze · Guru

I would get one of those do ma clackies oz john mentioned and then you can legally plug in where ever you are. If you get an electrion to upgrade your socket at home you can plug into that fine but what happens if you park up at a friends house for a while, I thing the electrian would also be dearer

cheers

blaze

ChiChi1 · Guru

Thing about that Blaze. You are quite right. Will check out. Thanks

tonyd · Guru

I recently asked a sparky if he would put a 15 amp power point in my garage. He asked me what I would use it for. When I replied that it would be used to run the fridge in the van and nothing else, he said it was not necessary, as the fridge would not draw anywhere near enough power to need the 15 amp lead. Cheers, Tony

gold dandelion · Senior Member

i have been using a so called cheat lead for a long time now. no problem with it, and you can take it with you, and use it any where if you meet some one and they offer you a place to stay. As some one said you will probably on be using it for your fridge and maybe a light. as with the law most of us do something illegal every day. JUST DO IT!!!! ever been into town doing 70 in a 60 zone.
cheers.

patrolst · Senior Member

gold dandelion wrote:
i have been using a so called cheat lead for a long time now. no problem with it, and you can take it with you, and use it any where if you meet some one and they offer you a place to stay. As some one said you will probably on be using it for your fridge and maybe a light. as with the law most of us do something illegal every day. JUST DO IT!!!! ever been into town doing 70 in a 60 zone. cheers.

Not very good advice to be giving to someone who has asked a sensible question.
Jim

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

They are illegal because they are dangerous.
Advising someone to do something illegal and dangerous could potentially get you charged with manslaughter if things went pearshaped and a death occured.
This forum could also share some legal responsibility if that advise were allowed to remain.

Cheers,
Peter

gold dandelion · Senior Member

getting a bit excited aren,t yous. you don,t have to do these things you know.

oldtrack123 · Guru

tonyd wrote:
I recently asked a sparky if he would put a 15 amp power point in my garage. He asked me what I would use it for. When I replied that it would be used to run the fridge in the van and nothing else, he said it was not necessary, as the fridge would not draw anywhere near enough power to need the 15 amp lead. Cheers, Tony

HI Tony

I suggest you do not employ that electrician for ANY work

He is obviously not up to date with the standards

As said by others , the omly legal way ,@ this time, IS THE "Amphibian" adaptor

Many may /do use a cheater cord,It is illegal. & problems could occur with misuse & insurance etc.

Peter

P.S. Take heed of what P&M has said!

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 31st of March 2011 12:32:27 PM

Father Ted · Senior Member

Hello Peter.The advice you have given is well worth listening to.In these days of cheque book litigation it is well worth the time and trouble to think about the item put forward for public gaze and comment.

-- Edited by Father Ted on Thursday 31st of March 2011 06:49:22 PM

PeterD · Guru

Tonyd

Ask your electrician friend if he has a copy of AS/NZS 3001. Then ask him if he understands it.

There are a lot of electricians out there that are no aware of AS/NZS 3001.

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi PeterD

He should also ask him if he understandsAS3199 "extension cords sets"

Sad to say but there are a lot of electricians whose only experience is with house wiring,

& have no idea on anything else

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Friday 1st of April 2011 10:24:30 AM

ChiChi1 · Guru

Purchased an AmpFibian today. RV-01. Would you believe they only fit leads up to 9mm Diameter. They expect to have a modification within three months and you can send it back to be fixed. Son is considering fix for the time being.

oldtrack123 · Guru

ChiChi1 wrote:
Purchased an AmpFibian today. RV-01. Would you believe they only fit leads up to 9mm Diameter. They expect to have a modification within three months and you can send it back to be fixed. Son is considering fix for the time being.

Hi Chi CHi

LEAD with 9mm diameter??

It must be fitted with the correct sized lead for current rating & cable length & 9mm OD is about right

Or do you mean 9metres long ??

Peter

tonyd · Guru

OK, as we speak I have the fridge in my van running through a 10amp extension cord because we are going away on Sunday. The cord is plugged into a standard outlet in my garage. It is working perfectly well, as it has done for about 10 years. No other electrical items are connected to this outlet.
When travelling, I also carry a 15amp cord with appropriate plugs. At most caravan parks I have stayed at, I can use either lead, probably favouring the 15amp jobbie.
Obviously, if I wished to run airconditioners, microwave ovens or heaters, I would not use the 10amp lead.
And if I wanted to run airconditoners, microwave ovens and heaters, I would stay home and use the ones installed in my house. If you insist on using any of these appliances in an RV, why on earth do you bother going bush in the first place?
Cheers, Tony (ducking for cover!)

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi Tony

One simple question, are you running your fridge directly plugged into the lead or are you plugging the lead into the van power inlet ??

If plugging into the van what sort of extension lead do you use??

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Friday 1st of April 2011 11:39:25 PM

mneedham · Newbie

Gday I have worked in the electrical industry for awhile now and have to laugh at this one. All the experts that say just do it we do something illegal every day. Ask the guy whos house burnt down and he lost everything and they traced it to an electrical fault and further traced it to the van cord and in consequence lost all insurance claims and then charged for doing illegal electrical work. What was the illegal electrical work. A cheat cord. Go to Camec or shop online at www.caravansplus.com.au and they sell the legal cheat cord its about $250

tonyd · Guru

Oldtrack123, I have the lead plugged into the van's power inlet. The lead I inherited from my neighbour when I bought my first Jayco from him about eight years ago. It could well be a 15amp lead (seems thicker than an "ordinary" extension.) I can't seen any markings on it.
Cheers, Tony

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi Tony

Then I assume it must have a 10amp plug or a filed down earth pin on the other end

That Lead has problems

[1]It is not an "APPROVED " lead As such the various state electrical safety acts forbid it's use

[2]It does not comply with the requirements of AS3119 "cord extension sets

[3]It use does not does not comply with the requirements of AS 3000 wiring rules

[4] It does not comply with the requirements of AS 3001 transportable buildings & their supply[which includes vans /motor homes /tents.]

[5]It was made up by or modified by a non qualified person[or some electrician who did not know his rules] & who could leave themselves open to SERIOUS CHARGES & FINES!

Peter

blaze · Guru

every forum I seem to go on eletrians or ex electrician seem to argue amongst them self or get that technical that the average joe dosnt follow the thread, the original post was answered and sorted. I know electrcity is deadly but so are lots of other things but dont bring the same intensty of arguements. How many of the electrians have done substanard work on their vehicle, by substandard I mean not up to my stardards of a mechanic with over 30 years experience, for that matter how many have taken a short cut in there own trade, I have seen it
cheers
blaze
ps
we dont need the standard numbers just the simple answer
flame had on. I have broad shoulders and can take a hit

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi Blaze

Your 1st post was correct in advising to get the Amphibian

It does seem though that many non electricians know better,& wish to in some way justify the use of a non approved ,illegal , potentially dangerous lead .

It does seem to be hard to get SOME to understand they are banned for good reasons!!!

I quoted Standards to emphasise the fact that it is not just personal opinions, but binding requirements under various state regulations .[ electrical safety acts]

Just as you as a mechanic are bound to do your work in a safe manner & can be held liable if a defect causes death, so are electricians .. but to a much more rigid regime

Stick to what you said & all will be well WITH YOU

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 3rd of April 2011 12:03:48 AM