Electrics
Submitted: Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 11:01
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buckles2315
Hi - we are new to the camper trailer scene - can we use a 15 amp power cord and attach it to a 10 amp power board and then use our appliances through that? The hardware
shop told me to change the end of the power cord, but that doesn't seem a safe option to me!!
Reply By: Axel [ the real one ] - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 11:39
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 11:39
Which way round are you after ? A normal 10 amp power board male plug will fit into the female 15 amp socket , lots and lots of previous debate on the legalities ect of 10 to 15 amp plug swaps ,bridging cords ect ect , is a mob that sells a bridging cord that complies ,,, search under c/van power leads.
AnswerID:
362921
Reply By: Member - Allan B (QLD) - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 11:50
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 11:50
240v power outlets in caravan park pillars are rated at 15A and therefore have the larger earth pin. A 15A extension cable will have a large earth pin on both its plug and socket. Your 10A power board will have a 10A plug (smaller earth pin) fitted which can safely be plugged into the 15A socket of the extension cable.
You will not be able to plug the 15A extension cable into a regular 10A GPO such as at your
home.
If you have not yet purchased the 15A extension cable then consider using a 10A extension cable which will still fit the caravan park sockets and also at your
home etc. By using a 10A power board you will be limited to a 10A consumption by the overload circuit breaker incorporated in the power board.
AnswerID:
362922
Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 12:41
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 12:41
Been to the odd c/park where the owners/ managers have disconnected 10amp leads from the 15amp supply ,,, dont take up much space to carry both 10 and 15 amp leads and a bridging lead.
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630559
Follow Up By: Member - Allan B (QLD) - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 14:03
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 14:03
Yair, I agree Axel, carry both 10A and 15A leads. Some older parks may still be using 10A outlets. Although I don't see why you would then need a bridging lead. Improve my education.
The park owners have no good reason to disconnect a 10A lead from the 15A socket ... UNLESS .... the lead was connecting to a 15A rated load such as a caravan or wired camper-van. However they are probably playing it safe and it IS their park and somewhat their responsibility.
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Reply By: Member - Smiley Bill - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 17:30
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 17:30
Hi buckles2315,
A 10 amp power board will plug into a 15 amp socket.
As mentioned above some c/van park owners have unplugged 10 amp leads. This is because the outlets on the pillars have circuit protection to suit 15 amp outlets.
Ext. leads rated for 10 amps would over heat with the large current draw from appliances before the circuit breaker would operate because of the smaller size conductors.
The overload in your power board (rated at 10 amps) would limit what and how many items you can use at the same time.
FYI, the current ratings of appliances and leads dictate the size of the wiring/cables needed for 240 volts, and length of wiring becomes important as
well when dealing with 12/24 volts.
SB
AnswerID:
362978