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Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Ericlim
Getting Established

Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi

I received a Bosch Universal Aquatek 130 pressure washer as a Xmas gift. I would like to ask for a few recommendation for a heavy duty 15-20m extension cord for this pressure washer; preferable with some safety features.

 

Thanks

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi @Ericlim,

 

With your extension lead being used with a pressure washer, the main thing you'll need to consider is water, so protecting the connection between the plugs is the most important thing.

 

I'd suggest this Arlec 15m Heavy Duty Extension Lead With Bonus IP44 Cord Safety Box, or a similar heavy duty extension lead with an Arlec IP44 Outdoor Safety Box.

 

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Jacob

 

Ericlim
Getting Established

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi Jacob

Merry Christmas! Thanks for your prompt response. 

Does this comes with auto switch off for overheat / overload so that it would not affect the fuses at the home electric switchboard? 

Is it better to get those with reel for easier storage? 

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi @Ericlim,

 

Merry Christmas to you, too. 

 

No, they do not come with built-in overload protections, although I wouldn't say they are 100% necessary, as electrical circuits are protected by circuit breakers at the switchboard.

 

If you were concerned and didn't want to rely on the circuit breaker in your switchboard, then you could always use a Click 25m Heavy Duty 4 Outlet Cable Reel which has these inbuilt protections, but I would still recommend using an IP44 cord box to protect the connection between the pressure washer and extension lead from water.

 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

Jacob

 

AlanM52
Amassing an Audience

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi @Ericlim,

 

I strongly recommend also purchasing this extra item.

Arlec 1.8m Heavy Duty Extension Lead with RCD.jpg

Or this item.

Power Block with RCD Safety Switch.jpg

The 1st one is ideal for your application and that is what I recommend.

The 2nd one is ideal for DIY out in the yard and both have RCD protection.

 

Note: Some of the info below is from Google AI and some from myself and... I never commit plagiarism.

 

Domestic Switchboard AKA Meter Box:

An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects people from electric shock by detecting earth leakage (current going where it shouldn't), while an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects wiring/equipment from fires by preventing overcurrent's (overloads and short circuits). They perform different jobs: RCDs (30mA for people) for shock, MCBs (Amps) for overcurrent, but both are essential for a complete, safe electrical system, often used together, or combined in an RCBO.

 

Maybe it's because I have both electrical and electronics engineering degrees and also a trade qualification (not sparky) that I feel compelled to promote electrical safety. When using your Xmas gift it's important to understand what type protection is behind that power point you plug into (as above) or simply play safe and get one of those RCD's I first mentioned.

 

Cheers

 

Ericlim
Getting Established

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi AlanM52

Thanks for your suggestion. Just 1 query

1. Instead of the 1.8m arlec, epyld the arlec 15m (see attachment)

Screenshot_20251226_235538_Bunnings.jpg

 would this do so that I do not need to buy the other recommendation in earlier response? I needed a longer extension than 1.8m 

AlanM52
Amassing an Audience

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Hi @Ericlim,

 

I should have mentioned that one of those RCD's is used in conjunction with an extension lead.

Allow me to make changes to give you the best combo value:

Arlec Single Outlet Safety Switch.jpg

Arlec Single Outlet Safety Switch.

In conjunction with:

Arlec 15m Heavy Duty Extension Lead.jpg

The extension lead that @JacobZ mentioned.

If the RDC becomes faulty or the extension lead is damaged you avoid having to buy:

Screenshot_20251226_235538_Bunnings (1).jpg

The whole thing (above) and that will also allow you to make full use of the RCD elsewhere around the house for example - electric blanket.

 

Cheers

 

Ericlim
Getting Established

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

Thanks mate! Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Noyade
Home Improvement Guru

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

G'day @AlanM52 

 

I tried AI this morning. Told me this...

 

Capture.PNG

 

Would all the Arlec products above satisfy this new Type A/B standard?

All of mine would be outta date - but I can't find Type AC written on any of them?

I can see AD.

 

20251227_114156.jpg

 

AlanM52
Amassing an Audience

Re: Recommendation for a heavy duty extension cord

How ya goin @Noyade,

 

To me that looks like a very trendy 'up market' switchboard, checkout my photos!

10.jpg  12.jpg  14.jpg

😄 😄 😄 😄

Two story family home was built in 1971 by A V Jennings and the board has had one upgrade when the smart meter was installed.

 

Cheers

 

 

 

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