Thread: 10amp DIY for air compressor 15amp plug

You could always get one of these...

240V 10AMP-15AMP ADAPTOR RCD AMPFIBIAN RV-02

I've just been checking this issue out myself for our newly acquired camper... there's a healthy debate on a few of the forums. I finally decided to go the legit way for insurance reasons, as expensive as it is (my purchase price was $190).

Being an Electrician, and far too lazy to do any Electrical work on my own place, I have been running my compressor through a 10 amp outlet for years. The Earth pin has been 're-sized'

As the garage GPO is on the same circuit as one of the kitchen outlets, the only time I have a problem is if someone is using the kettle when the compressor kicks in.

I suppose one day I should sort this out...

When I fitted solar I had some wiring work done to set up for it.

I have 6x 15A circuits - 4 in the workshop and 2 on the side walls of the house (1 each side)..

All up $500.00


Whilst it wont cause a problem in healthy wiring, what if its not healthy

If something did go wrong, what do you think are the consequences? If you are happy with your answer (cancelled insurance etc) then make your choice

Originally Posted by omvanders

You could always get one of these...

240V 10AMP-15AMP ADAPTOR RCD AMPFIBIAN RV-02

I've just been checking this issue out myself for our newly acquired camper... there's a healthy debate on a few of the forums. I finally decided to go the legit way for insurance reasons, as expensive as it is (my purchase price was $190).

x 2 - good insurance!

All my shed outlets are 15 amp. Lathe, welders, big Hercus No.4 drill press all require them.

A sparkie mate of mine told me about doing annual test and tag of leads on power tools and extension leads in workshops and factories. He commonly found the 15 amp plugs ground down to fit 10 amp outlets. He would remove and replace with 15 amp plugs as per regulations, test and tag. He reckoned before he left the premises someone would be bitching about this and grinding down the new plugs. Tightass managements would not spring for 15 amp sockets and wiring though.

It is illegal a read of AS3000 will give you the reasons

Originally Posted by omvanders

You could always get one of these...

240V 10AMP-15AMP ADAPTOR RCD AMPFIBIAN RV-02

I've just been checking this issue out myself for our newly acquired camper... there's a healthy debate on a few of the forums. I finally decided to go the legit way for insurance reasons, as expensive as it is (my purchase price was $190).

Yeah, but if you are drawing more than 10amps, it will trip, so it won't work with a compressor. Mine draws 12 amps continuous. That adaptor is fine for caravans, etc where the current draw can be limited, but not when the appliance you are trying to run draws more than 10 amps.

While I can't condone doing what I have done, I understand what is happening and the potential issues. I know the cable is up to the task, and protected by a 16amp breaker back at the switchboard. My biggest issue would be the switch or contacts melting as these are only designed for 10 amps. I don't switch the compressor load through the switch on the GPO - I turn it on and off from the compressor, so I reduce the switch melting issue.

BUT - DON'T DO IT... pay me and I'll come over and fit a 15 amp GPO for it...

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

Yeah, but if you are drawing more than 10amps, it will trip, so it won't work with a compressor. Mine draws 12 amps continuous. That adaptor is fine for caravans, etc where the current draw can be limited, but not when the appliance you are trying to run draws more than 10 amps.

While I can't condone doing what I have done, I understand what is happening and the potential issues. I know the cable is up to the task, and protected by a 16amp breaker back at the switchboard. My biggest issue would be the switch or contacts melting as these are only designed for 10 amps. I don't switch the compressor load through the switch on the GPO - I turn it on and off from the compressor, so I reduce the switch melting issue.

BUT - DON'T DO IT... pay me and I'll come over and fit a 15 amp GPO for it...

I agree with the adapter I read about this item in a thread earlier today.

Like you I also make sure I switch on from the compressor and not the wall as I am aware of the higher degree of fault if not done this way.

I also am aware that a double outlet has a higher amperage (20a) there fore I plug in to this instead of a single. Done from the garage with nothing else running in there. I guess I could as an alternative get a 15a lead and plug in to my wall oven outlet, but my compressor runs well with no heat atm so I'll keep an eye on heavy usage if ever I use it to that capacity

And I'm not paying diddly squat lol