How to determine whether extension cord is 15a?

[Doingmybest]

hi , I have an arlec extension cord stamped 15 a on the inlet end and 10 a on the outlet end. Does this mean it's rated 15 a ? 

Im needing a 15 a one to head away camping . I will use it to plug into my power board to run a few things incl 1800 w elec blow heater. Just don't want to go buy one if I already have one ! 

Thanks in advance 

[EricL]

Hello @Doingmybest 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your extension cord.

That's a really important question, especially when you're heading off camping and planning to run high-powered appliances like an 1800W electric heater. It’s great that you’re checking your gear before setting off.

If your Arlec extension cord is stamped 15A on the inlet (plug) end but 10A on the outlet (socket) end, then it is not a true 15A extension lead. Even though the plug might be rated for 15 amps and possibly has the wider earth pin, the socket end being rated at only 10A means the entire cord is limited to 10 amps. This is because the cord is only as strong as its weakest point.

To run an 1800W heater, which draws around 7.5 amps at 240V, you’re already operating close to the limit of a 10A outlet. If you plug in anything else alongside it, you risk overloading the socket end. Even if the internal wiring is rated for 15A, a 10A socket can overheat or fail if it's asked to handle more than it’s designed for.

For your camping setup, especially if you're plugging into a powered site with 15A outlets, you should use a properly rated 15A extension cord. These are easy to identify they have a wider earth pin on the plug that won't fit into a standard 10A socket, they are marked 15A on both ends, and they use heavy-duty cable, usually 1.5mm² or thicker.

You can get fully compliant 15A extension cords at Bunnings, such as the Arlec 15A 10m or 15m heavy-duty caravan extension leads, which are designed specifically for outdoor and caravan use.

So in short, your current lead isn’t suitable for 15A use due to the 10A socket end. To stay safe and avoid equipment damage or worse it's definitely worth investing in a proper 15A lead.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Doingmybest]

Hi Eric, thankyou so much for your detailed reply. I really appreciate it. I did a double check and using your terminology, my existing lead is marked 10 a on the plug (end with the pins) and 15 on the socket end. So that seems even more confusing. 

From all that sounds like I def need a new 15 a rated lead. 

Can you please tell me, if the 15 a leads have slightly different plugs on them, will that still be ok if the camping ground I'm in doesn't have a 15 a supply to plug into ? 

Hopefully I don't need to take 2 leads with me. 

Also will the 15 a leads be ok to plug my power board into please ? 

Thanks so much 

Narelle 😊 

[Nailbag]

Hi @Doingmybest 

All 15A extension leads are made of a thicker outer and internal cables capable of supporting 15A/240V. 

15A plugs look very similar but have a taller earth pin which prevents them from being plugged in to a standard 10A domestic socket.

The socket end also looks the same, but has a taller earth socket, which will accept ant 10A plug. This is because its deemed that the appliance plugged in isn't drawing more than 10A and well within the 15A rating.

Caravan power inlets are 15A/240V even though a caravan electrical system is only rated at 10A. I don't know why this is the case, other than thats always been the standard. If your simply camping (tent) and you want access to power at the camp ground, a standard 10A extension lead will work fine as this will plug into any campground 240V power socket even though it will state 15A. This is so its compatible with 15A caravan/motorhome power inlets. remember a 10A lead will plug in to any 15A socket, not the other way around.

Hope this makes sense.

Nailbag

[EricL]

Hello @Doingmybest 

I hope @Nailbag's explanation has clarified things for you. To keep it simple any appliance that will be drawing a lot of power such as your 1800w heater would be better plugged into a 15A heavy duty caravan cord. Your power board will plug into the 15A cord, just keep in mind not to overload the power board by plugging in too many items.

If you need further assistance, lease let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi narelle1,

All the replies here are correct and you have the proper extension cord for camping.

The camping situation is exactly the same as it is back home, you must not exceed 2400W.

You are ok to use a power board for the heater plus a few other low wattage devices like LED TV below 24" (25-35W) plus LED strip lights with AC adaptor. A heated throw rug typically consumes less than 150W. Turn the heater off if you want to boil the kettle.

Just keep in mind 2400W - 1800W leaves 600W but limit to about 2100W.

Important: When using extension leads, in particular for camping where much of it is exposed to weather, I always use and recommend a Safety Switch aka RCD.

 

You never know... that will mitigate injuries from electrocution and even save a life.

Cheers

[Doingmybest]

Thankyou Alan. I actually have a power board with I believe a safety switch on it, will that do the trick ?  Board is rated at 2400w. 

It's a click product.  

 

[Doingmybest]

Thanks so much Eric. Really appreciate that. So I may need to take that second 10 a extension cord in case I encounter a 10 a socket at a park or camping ground then just in case, as well as the 15 a. And clearly I will have to be very limited with what I can plug into the 10 a lead then . Hopefully I've got all this correct !!

[Doingmybest]

Thanks so much ! 

I believe I've got all that, as I replied to Eric, I may need to carry the 10 a lead as a back up to the 15 a one in case I ever encounter a 10 a socket at a park or more camping ground , due to that longer pin on the 15 a lead....

[Doingmybest]

Sorry. Here is a clearer photo