Please help!!

[atyl1972]

Hey all, can anyone advise on this unit and what amp it is, the seller was meant to have discussed with us prior to buying but somehow we all forgot, I want to know if we used a 16A site hook up, will this unit be sufficient enough, as I gather it is a 10A consumer unit?

 

[jimc91]

I think it will depend on what electrical things you are running. if you draw too much load your CU will trip before the campsites as yours is rated lower - that's not a bad thing. There are some sparks on here that will be able to help more but post a list of what you are planning to run off the hook up to help them advise

 

[atyl1972]

I just want to know if this is a 10A unit, can I go to a site and hook up at a 16A site. Sorry if any confusion we're new to the van life. Not sure yet what we'll use but it won't be a lot at the same time. Also don't really want to have to worry about what we're using all the time, within reason of course

 

[Pauly]

Yes you can but you will only be able to draw 10 amps from the supply, anymore and your breaker will trip

 

[atyl1972]

ok thank you, so you're saying that the unit in the photo is a 10A unit?

 

[S700]

The breaker says C10 on it. Thats 10A

 

[Skyliner33]

Looking at the photo, is it not marked 25A on the breaker?

 

[Pauly]

The RCD on the right is (only used for fault monitoring/earth leakage) rated at 25A and the MCB on the left (used for overcurrent) is rated at 10A

 

[atyl1972]

is it an easy fix to get a 16A unit in the van, or do I have to worry about the leisure battery having sufficient power?

 

[S700]

The leisure battery has got nothing to do with the 240v current capacity.

If the wiring is up to spec, it *should* be as simple as changing the breaker but I’ll let someone with more knowledge on that side chime in.

 

[atyl1972]

Thanks everyone, maybe I'm worrying as a newbie and need to find out for myself

 

[Pete C]

Most important next question is what mains powered electrical items you are going to plug in while you are on hookup at a campsite.

Pete

 

[atyl1972]

hi Pete, I imagine only a kettle possibly, and a low wattage radiator oil heater too, gonna buy a gas kettle too, the usuals I guess such as phone charging, laptop charging, tv but no hair dryers or straighteners, the mrs said she'll use shower blocks for that when they're open hopefully

 

[jimc91]

Just checked mine, I have a 10 amp breaker in my CU and i've happily run a kettle, a cool box and a oil fired radiator with no problems. As stated above you could just change the breaker to a 16A breaker but before doing so I would see if through using the van as you want to if the 10 amp breaker trips - I dont think it will unless you have kettle, hairdryer electric fire all on at the same time.

 

[atyl1972]

Just checked mine, I have a 10 amp breaker in my CU and i've happily run a kettle, a cool box and a oil fired radiator with no problems. As stated above you could just change the breaker to a 16A breaker but before doing so I would see if through using the van as you want to if the 10 amp breaker trips - I dont think it will unless you have kettle, hairdryer electric fire all on at the same time.

Yes I will wait and see how it goes, definitely no hair dryers or things that heavy usage, thanks

 

[Pete C]

hi Pete, I imagine only a kettle possibly, and a low wattage radiator oil heater too, gonna buy a gas kettle too, the usuals I guess such as phone charging, laptop charging, tv but no hair dryers or straighteners, the mrs said she'll use shower blocks for that when they're open hopefully

A lot of kettles are 3kW, which is about 12 Amps. I would just use your gas hob.

Pete

 

[CAB]

We have a low power kettle, think it's 1kw. Plenty available, tend to be smaller capacity, ours is 1litre