15amp 240v camping site mains supply

[BrianM]

Was looking for a group aus.rec.camping or similar but there isn't one,
as this post pertains specifically to a powered camping site.
I have a Clipsal Lifesaver portable power outlet with overload and RCD.
It is a 15amp with the special type 3pin plug and a 1.5metre lead.
My question is:
Can I connect a 15amp caravan extension lead FROM the mains power
site TO the power outlet box?
If not, would it be possible for an electrican to change the 1.5metre
lead to a 22metre one?

 

[Rheilly Phoull]

Was looking for a group aus.rec.camping or similar but there isn't
one, as this post pertains specifically to a powered camping site.
I have a Clipsal Lifesaver portable power outlet with overload and
RCD. It is a 15amp with the special type 3pin plug and a 1.5metre
lead.
My question is:
Can I connect a 15amp caravan extension lead FROM the mains power
site TO the power outlet box?
If not, would it be possible for an electrican to change the 1.5metre
lead to a 22metre one?

You could do that, dont forget to check how much current you plan to draw
since 22m is not insignificant at high levels of current. Naturally the
extension lead socket and the power box will need protection against the
elements.
On that point might there not be more protection in the supply box onsite
for your power board ? (and run the lead from there)

 

[BrianM]

You could do that, dont forget to check how much current you plan to

draw since 22m is not insignificant at high levels of current. Naturally
the extension lead socket and the power box will need protection
against the elements.

Drawn current would be minimal - lights and a small TV. The socket and
box would be inside an awning, well protected from rain.

On that point might there not be more protection in the supply box
onsite for your power board ? (and run the lead from there)

Sorry, I was meaning the onsite 240v supply box and running the lead
from there as you say. Just not sure whether it was safe to connect an
extension to the "inlet" part of the safety box.

 

[Blutt]

Was looking for a group aus.rec.camping or similar but there isn't one,
as this post pertains specifically to a powered camping site.
I have a Clipsal Lifesaver portable power outlet with overload and RCD.
It is a 15amp with the special type 3pin plug and a 1.5metre lead.
My question is:
Can I connect a 15amp caravan extension lead FROM the mains power
site TO the power outlet box?

Don't see why not. I assume you want to do this so you have the RCD closer
to you if it trips out.

If not, would it be possible for an electrican to change the 1.5metre
lead to a 22metre one?

Possible, yes, however it would void the warranty on the Lifesaver.

Why not put the RCD near the mains power?
Reason for this is it will then protect your extension lead as well as your
van in the unlikely event someone was to cut the lead.
Cheers.

 

[BrianM]

Don't see why not. I assume you want to do this so you have the RCD
closer to you if it trips out.

correct. Also keeps the RCD under cover and can connect a device
directly into either of the two outlet plugs. This is my preferred
option.

Possible, yes, however it would void the warranty on the Lifesaver.

Why not put the RCD near the mains power? Reason for this is it will
then protect your extension lead as well as your van in the unlikely
event someone was to cut the lead. Cheers.

Problem with that is the RCD box would have to be inside a
waterproof cover (not unsurmountable), I thought of hanging it from a
spike driven into the ground, and hooded with a waterproof cover.
What type of extension lead would be necessary?, i.e. a 10amp or
15amp? The 15amp caravan
extension leads have a different sized earth pin on the plug.
The object of this exercise is a portable (and safe) 240v mains supply.

 

[Rheilly Phoull]

correct. Also keeps the RCD under cover and can connect a device
directly into either of the two outlet plugs. This is my preferred
option.

Problem with that is the RCD box would have to be inside a
waterproof cover (not unsurmountable), I thought of hanging it from a
spike driven into the ground, and hooded with a waterproof cover.
What type of extension lead would be necessary?, i.e. a 10amp or
15amp? The 15amp caravan
extension leads have a different sized earth pin on the plug.
The object of this exercise is a portable (and safe) 240v mains
supply.

What am I missing?
You will have the rcd under the awning or whatever, the caravan will be
powered through the RCD (like caravan 15amp inlet receptacle). Where is the
problem?

Cheers ......... Rheilly P

Where theres a will, I want to be in it.

 

[Blutt]

correct. Also keeps the RCD under cover and can connect a device
directly into either of the two outlet plugs. This is my preferred
option.

Problem with that is the RCD box would have to be inside a
waterproof cover (not unsurmountable), I thought of hanging it from a
spike driven into the ground, and hooded with a waterproof cover.
What type of extension lead would be necessary?, i.e. a 10amp or
15amp? The 15amp caravan
extension leads have a different sized earth pin on the plug.
The object of this exercise is a portable (and safe) 240v mains supply.

OK I assumed when you said it was a 15A lifesaver that it is a model No:
485P2CB15/30 Which is all 15Amp both the inlet plug and the outlets
ie: larger earth pin.
This being the case you would use a 15Amp heavy duty type lead which has the
larger earth pin both ends.
Sorry I didn't think about having the extra outlet near the van for using
another item.
Cheers,

 

[BrianM]

What am I missing?
You will have the rcd under the awning or whatever, the caravan will be
powered through the RCD (like caravan 15amp inlet receptacle). Where is
the problem?

Cheers ......... Rheilly P

Where theres a will, I want to be in it.

Ahhh my omission - it's not for a caravan - it's for a camper-trailer which
doesn't (as yet) have a built-in 240v power box. I think the principle
is the same as for a caravan except the van's RCD is built in. The cable
from the power source to the van is only protected by a fuse, whereas
everything out of the RCD box is well protected from faulty equipment and
overloads.
Thanks for your help - think I've got it sorted out.
(I'll add you to my will)

 

[BrianM]

OK I assumed when you said it was a 15A lifesaver that it is a model
No: 485P2CB15/30 Which is all 15Amp both the inlet plug and the outlets
ie: larger earth pin.
This being the case you would use a 15Amp heavy duty type lead which has
the larger earth pin both ends.
Sorry I didn't think about having the extra outlet near the van for
using another item.
Cheers,

Yes it is the 485 model you mention. Think I've got it sorted out -
please see my other reply to Rheilly P.
Thanks to you both, and my apologies for not making it clear what
I was trying to achieve.

 

[quietguy]

You could do that,

You are kidding, right? Reading the guys post carefully he wants to connect
a lead from the (female) power box supplying 240v to a power outlet box! If
this is what he is really contemplating then the lead would have male plugs
on either end!

NOT a GOOD THING TO DO

David

 

[Poxy]

You are kidding, right? Reading the guys post carefully he wants to connect
a lead from the (female) power box supplying 240v to a power outlet box! If
this is what he is really contemplating then the lead would have male plugs
on either end!

I think you've got the wrong end of the stick there - I don't think he's
proposing any thing of the sort - he just wants to know if it's OK to put an
extension cord before his RCD-equipped power board.

 

[quietguy]

Whew - that's good news

David

 

[BrianM]

in message


I think you've got the wrong end of the stick there - I don't think he's
proposing any thing of the sort - he just wants to know if it's OK to
put an extension cord before his RCD-equipped power board.

Correct.