External AC input socket for fridge?

[winaje]

Hi all. I want to be able to plug AC power into the car to power the fridge, but do so from outside so that the car can stay locked etc. I'll run some cable through flexible conduit etc, to fully protect it. I'm looking for a weatherproof AC input plug that's discreet, and can be bumper mounted. Have found this:
Free Shipping AC socket with waterproof cover 3pins-in Electrical Plugs & Sockets from Electrical Equipment & Supplies on Aliexpress.com (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-AC-socket/575425017.html)
and would appreciate any input or advice.

Thanks

[Don 130]

I'm not a sparkie, but my concern would be weather it would handle the load of what you're wanting to do with it, and also, does it comply with australian electrical codes. It'd be a shame to have an electrical fault in something like that. I'd be looking for more info on the electrical capacity of it first, or try and find the same type from a local 'approved' source. (electrical wholesaler)
Don.

[dswatts]

No no no, too dangerous.
To be legal you would need an approved inlet, RCD and outlet.
Better to leave the fridge running on DC and fit a battery charger that you can plug in, maybe an Anderson plug or similar to make it easy.

[mike_ie]

Legally, you're looking for an inlet such as this...

http://dl8xkbwv74nzj.cloudfront.net/cdn_120403083054/images/detailed/9/caravan_Inlet_open_close15a.jpg

...an onboard RCD, and everything properly conducted. I've done it on a vehicle before, and it wasn't worth the hassle. Can I ask what's wrong with running an extension lead under the door to the fridge??

[winaje]

Can I ask what's wrong with running an extension lead under the door to the fridge??

I'd have to leave the rear door of my Disco open to run the cable...

Thanks for the advice all. I'll reuse my Anderson plug to run from a good quality 3 stage charger to the battery.

[p38arover]

No no no, too dangerous.

Why? It's the same sort of connector that's used on numerous pieces of electrical equipment.

Why it is less safe than the usual type used on vans and shown above?

Is an RCD now required? It wasn't when I built a campervan back in the Seventies.

[mike_ie]

Why? It's the same sort of connector that's used on numerous pieces of electrical equipment.

Why it is less safe than the usual type used on vans and shown above?

It's all about what it's been tested and rated for. The "recommended" inlet is sealed, is designed not to retain water, the rear connectors have a rated, insulated cover, etc. The three prong "kettle plug" doesn't. The inlet I've listed is rated as IP34

3: First Digit (Solids) Protected against tools and wires (>2.5mm)
4: Second Digit (Liquids) Protected against water spray from any direction


Is an RCD now required? It wasn't when I built a campervan back in the Seventies.

When I checked a couple of years ago, yes it was.

[dswatts]

Why? It's the same sort of connector that's used on numerous pieces of electrical equipment.

Why it is less safe than the usual type used on vans and shown above?

Is an RCD now required? It wasn't when I built a campervan back in the Seventies.

I am not a 240 volt sparkie.
But I know that to have a 240 volt installation in a car, van or trailer you would need an RCD, double pole switched outlets and have it inspected and approved.
Without approval could be a reason for insurance not to pay out if anything ever happened.

[p38arover]

But if we can use an extension lead without any protection, we could have an 3-pin plug hang below the bumper with the other end of the lead going up through the floor to the fridge. That maybe legal but not necessarily any safer.

[mike_ie]

But if we can use an extension lead without any protection, we could have an 3-pin plug hang below the bumper with the other end of the lead going up through the floor to the fridge. That maybe legal but not necessarily any safer.

Extension lead can be plugged out before the insurance guys rock up to the door to assess why your $50,000 4WD burst into flame....

All kidding aside, the codes here are pretty specific (and IMHO ridiculously strict) regarding what wiring the average non qualified sparky can do - the answer being none, pretty much. Hated taking money from people when I was working here for doing jobs such as running an extra power outlet, etc, just because they needed a cert for it. Extension lead on the other hand, is considered a sealed, and temporary means of getting power from A to B, which is where the difference lies.

[p38arover]

I understand, Mike, I'm an electronics tech. Many of my extension leads are not sealed, I made them up years ago using re-useable 3-pin plugs and sockets when I could do that legally at work.

[DeanoH]

I'd have to leave the rear door of my Disco open to run the cable .................................................. ........... .

I think you'll find that a normal extension lead fits quite easily through the rear door when closed without being guillotined. Just don't forget and drive off. :eek::eek:

I used to bring a lead in through the rear passenger door and leave a big loop over the steering wheel as a reminder.

Deano :)

[kenleyfred]

At the moment my Defender is not getting any where near the use it deserves. I have an extension lead running into it with a double adaptor running the fridge and a smart charger keeping the auxiliary battery all in good nick.
The gaps in my door seals are so woefull I doubt the door even touches the extension lead.