Thread: External AC input socket for fridge?

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.

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.

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



...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??

Originally Posted by mike_ie

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.

Originally Posted by dswatts

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.

Originally Posted by p38arover

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.

Originally Posted by p38arover

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.

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.