Shore power inlets

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MikeRuth said:
I might have missed something here, do you have enough appliances to really pull a full 15 amps? The plug and and outlet above seems as though it would be just the ticket for you. 

Mike R

There is a power wheelchair and a big air conditioner to power as well as any other stuff. Between the AC, the chair, a cpap, and some other minor things, I am coming close to 15a, or at least I'm concerned that I will go over 13a and want to make sure the connection is safe.
 
John61CT said:
Use the basic hatch idea KISS.

but with the inside male to outside female connection right there,

just outside the hatch.

Make that "the weakest link".

Any big expensive adapters (30A, 50A) secured inside.

You're probably right. I was hoping to find something ready made that would suit my needs and be durable out of the box. It looks like I'm going to need to rig something up, either this or just do the wiring for a regular connector. 

It doesn't sound like what I'm looking for is out there ready to go.
 
DLTooley said:
It sounds like you’ll need to do a bit of wiring. An alternative to cutting an extension cord would be just to use a short, 3 prong, cord yourself mounted/routed appropriately.

Otherwise I’d just wire to an internal receptacle. The exterior type boxes with the water proof covers are a bit stronger. You might be able to use the mounting holes on the Marinco receptacle to through bolt into the interior receptacle box with locking nuts creating something even more durable than you are envisioning.

I'm not sure I'm picturing what you're describing, but the idea of something more durable is always appealing. Please do go on.
 
Aircon usually gets its own separate connection.

Cannot assume all sites can actually provide the 13A from one circuit, especially older cheap places.
 
Mostly I won't be staying at camp sites. This is for when I'm plugged in either at home or at a friend's house where I can plug in someplace I can rely on. I know the connection at home will handle 15 amps and that's the one I care most about. 

I know it sounds odd to care most about it at home, but that's where I'll be plugging in every day, both to keep the chair charged and keep the van partially climate controlled to protect the batteries and other things that might be damaged by excessive heat or cold.
 
highdesertranger said:
I think they are looking for the inlet with a built on cord.  like this,
This is the sort of thing I was looking for. I'm going to either go with this or the one John suggested that's just a pass through housing. 

Perhaps I'll put in both so I can get an extra circuit for the AC. I suspect one will be enough though.
 
highdesertranger said:
I think they are looking for the inlet with a built on cord.  like this,

I linked to one of those in post number 7 and it seems like the NOCO is a 'No Go'...

:p
 
tx2sturgis said:
I linked to one of those in post number 7 and it seems like the NOCO is a 'No Go'...

:p

I was hoping for one with a full 15 amp rating. I may have to settle. :)
 
the 15 amp rating is at the outlet. as soon as you start adding extension cords and more plugs you start cutting that 15amp down. highdesertranger
 
highdesertranger said:
the 15 amp rating is at the outlet.  as soon as you start adding extension cords and more plugs you start cutting that 15amp down.  highdesertranger

I figured that was the case. 13 amps will probably do anyway.
 
The standard NEMA 5-15 (2 pin with ground, AC plug or receptacle) is rated at 15 amps....My guess is that they either want to under rate it for safety, OR, they used smaller wire gauge. 

But, you could use two of them, one for the A/C unit or space heater, and one for all the other stuff.
 
tx2sturgis said:
The standard NEMA 5-15 (2 pin with ground, AC plug or receptacle) is rated at 15 amps....My guess is that they either want to under rate it for safety, OR, they used smaller wire gauge. 

But, you could use two of them, one for the A/C unit or space heater, and one for all the other stuff.

I may well do that. Alternately, I might get one of the 13a and one pass through and use that for the 30a connection, changing it out to a 13/15a cable when necessary.
 
Moxadox said:
That is brilliant!  I'm going to steal your idea . . .

Anhedonic said:
That is a really good idea . . .

I just KNEW I should have patented the idea first  :(
Could have funded my retirement in one of them big earthwrecker off road campers    :cool:
 
Spaceman Spiff said:
I just KNEW I should have patented the idea first  :(
Could have funded my retirement in one of them big earthwrecker off road campers    :cool:

Whenever I use a disc brake lock on my motorcycle, I put a red 'remove before flight' ribbon on my key ring.

Or, if I dont have that with me, I put my bike keys in the OTHER pocket. 

Admitting my forgetfull-ness is much better than dumping my bike when trying to ride off with the lock on the brake disc.

Don't ask me how I know.....

:cool:
 
Anhedonic said:
Perhaps I'll put in both so I can get an extra circuit for the AC. I suspect one will be enough though.
Preparing for worst-case scenarios works better
 
Almost There said:
I've only driven away once with the power cord plugged in.

I did it a couple times during the build. I got one of those REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT streamers. Tried it in a couple of places and now attach it to the top of the steering wheel. Works even in the dark!


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I bought the 13A port. Ended up cutting the female end off and wiring it into a breaker box with a 12A breaker. I did this so I would not trip someone's residential circuit if I was borrowing a driveway.



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