15 amp power in Caravan Parks
Submitted: Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 08:51
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nev e
Hi all,
Have beeen given some conflicting advice about the need to have a 15amp power lead in Caravan parks. Is it necessary or can one use an ordinary 10 amp houeshold extention cord. There are differnet cords on the market eg 15amp cord with 10 amp plugs, 15amp with 15 amp plugs and special earth.. HELP what do I need? Thanks to all who helped with my previous request re bookings - we are locked in Eddie.
Reply By: Member - Wim (Bris) - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 10:18
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 10:18
nev e
You need a 15amp lead. A 10amp lead will not be protected by the circuit breaker.
Regards
AnswerID:
52375
Follow Up By: nev e - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 10:25
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 10:25
Thanks Wim Sorry for being dumb but do you need 15amp lead AND connections or just a 15amp lead with 10 amp connections. Have seen both in shops.
FollowupID:
314143
Follow Up By: Member - Wim (Bris) - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 11:37
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 11:37
nev e
The problem is the 15amp supply protected by 15amp C/B. All hardware down stream should be 15amp untill a smaller C/B or fuse is installed.
Far better to be safe than sorry.
The larger cable (lead) may also help if voltage in the park is low.
Regards
FollowupID:
314158
Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 11:08
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 11:08
Hi Nev,
A 10 amp cable will safely handle 2400W of appliances, whereas a 15 amp will handle 3600W.
If you are only running a compressor fridge and lighting, then the 10 amp will suffice. However, if you have a van with a/c, microwave, gas fridge (on 240V) etc... you will need every bit of the 15 amps. You may have noticed that some of the larger vans actually have two 15 amp input connection, simply to be able to run all the mod cons (dishwasher, tumble dryer - I kid you not!!!).
Be aware the voltage in many van parks is
well below 240V. What this means is that more amps are required to run the same appliance. So why you may calcualte 10 amps is sufficent, you may actually require more.
For the small extra cost to have 15 amp connections and 15 amp cable, I would not want to run the risk. Besides, its illegal to have 15 amp connections on 10 amp cable.
Cheers
Captain
AnswerID:
52380
Follow Up By: Glenno - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 18:08
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 18:08
Im far from being an electrician, but what do you mean by neding more amps as the voltage is normally below 204V in most parks?
If it was simple then we wouldnt be having brown outs when Energex only supply 210V at times and my computer resets.
I cant say ive seen an appliance suck more amps because the voltage has dropped.
I could be wrong of course.
Cheers,
Glenn.
FollowupID:
314237
Follow Up By: smod - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 18:49
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 18:49
A simple explanation is a heater, for example rated at 2400watts
connected to a supply voltage of 240v will draw 10amps. 2400 divided by 240 = 10a If the supply voltage is lower due to poor supply or perhaps voltage drop, say 220v then the heater will draw 2400 divided by 220v = 10.9a. This applies to a greater extent with 12v dc in cars where people will often talk about voltage drop and wire needed for wiring accessories. A small drop in voltage makes quite a big difference as you are starting with a much lower voltage, and the loss of 1 or 2 volts due to too smaller size wire can create quite a drain on the appliance.
cheers
smod
FollowupID:
314251
Reply By: smod - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 14:45
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 14:45
nev e
It all depends what you are intending to plug your lead into.
If you are camping and just want to have a bit of lighting and maybe a fridge then a 10 amp lead / plugs will suffice and will fit the 15a power point in the caravan park.
If you are plugging into a camper or caravan then you will need a 15a lead as the plug on the camper will be a 15a male fitting and only a 15a female fitting on your lead will attach as it has a larger earth pin.
smod
AnswerID:
52408
Reply By: Rod E B - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 15:25
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 15:25
Don't take the risk
Use a 15 amp lead with an earth leakage trip protection included
Available from Bunnings at a good price
AnswerID:
52418
Reply By: macca - Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 17:30
Monday, Mar 29, 2004 at 17:30
Over the years we have been in parks where the Managers roam around and pullout the 10 amp cords with no explanation at all. Again some parks have a stipulation that only 15 Amp wiring be used. So go with the flow and stay safe
AnswerID:
52442