6 Amp Hook up's..... - Page 3

keith · 15-07-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olley

Hi I reckon reducing the ampage will become more common as electric prices rise, some sites especially abroad have had low ampage for years.

Their are ways for us RV/motorhomers to get around it but they are expensive, or very expensive

Victron do a system whereby you incoming power is automatically supplimented by you batteries if need be, see here: http://*********************/victron...ter-p-119.html

I went for the less expensive DIY job, with either system you need a large battery bank, I got 3x180amp from Pheonix batteries and then I ran a separate supply to the charger only via a changeover switch from the electric locker, so when I go on a low ampage site I plug the battery charger in only and run all the electrics from the inverter.

This allows us using an 1800watt inverter to run all the normal low power things like telly and gas heating, plus plug a kettle in or toaster, and works well. Ideally you need a decent charger mine is 50amp, this draws under 3amps on 230v running flat out which means I don't trip a 4amp supply.

Olley

I like your idea Olley but I cannot afford the increase in payload.

It's OK for your 'Big Rig' but we have to be more modest in our choice of systems.

We do have eveyrthing we can on 12V so our dependence on mains is reduced to mainly heating in the cold nights. We have a deisel heater but that is clearly getting more expensive as the cost of fuel rises.

olley · 15-07-2008, 06:34 PM

Hi keith I got the idea of "Gromett" on facts, he bought the Victron and had 4x220amp batteries in a eurovan without overloading it,

and I thought that's a good idea, I wonder if their is a cheaper way to achieve a similar result, as I already had the batteries and inverter, it was a good excuse to dump the crap yank 110v charger for a Sterling digital 230v 50amp.

Olley

djchapple · 21-07-2008, 09:09 PM

For many years I have visited campsites in France for a campsite guide, once as many as 84 in one year.

In France I should assume that you will be getting 6A unless stated otherwise.

I can only remember one site that provided 16A. Most provide 6A with the possibility of paying more for 10A. A couple of sites provided only 4A.

You must also remember that when abroad electric kettles and all other types of resistive devices draw less current and consume less watts, at 220V then they do at 240X - about 15% less.

However the dear old EU is trying harmonize things so that we all use 230V - then the kettle will consume the same current everywhere.

many sites in the UK, including the Caravan Club sites have an advertisement blurb similar to that of the Broadband Providers - i.e. they offer UP TO 16A.

They actually state (something like) that the fuse is 16A but under conditions of heavy load (first thing in the morning) you may only be able to get 4A.

Imagine providing 200 pitches with 16A, that's 3200 A or 800 kW. Th cables will not be able to carry the load and the supplier may not be able to supply it. One of the sites offering only 4A stated that this was the maximum allowable by his supplier.

stagman · 21-07-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruffingitsmoothly

It's simple to work out your amps just divide the watts by voltage, so a 1000 Watt appliance would draw just over 4 amps 4.16 to be precise.

We were in Ireland in April and most of the sites were 6amp and we coped ok with our RV TV and Satellite, fridge and for tea we used a 700 Watt kettle takes a bit longer but hey we were on holiday.

I can understand site owners reducing the amperage of their hookups I have often seen heaters and lights left on in awnings with no one about a complete waste of the electricity, they seem to be of the mentality I've paid for 16 amps and I am going to use 16 amps

Regrads Pat

The voltage used nowadays to calculate your current is 230v therefore your amps on 1kw would be 4.38 amps. not much left then on your 6 amp MCB.Another point is you can't just up your mcb to 16a not as easy as that,you would need also to take into account your supply cables,switchgear and incoming fuses which would be a hjuge expense for any site owner.

billym · 21-07-2008, 10:44 PM

I am not sure what this thread is about but I must say that we have regularly stayed on

sites with 6 amps and have no trouble at all in a 35 foot RV. You just learn to

switch one thing off when you use another.

I stayed in my friends house this weekend and was amazed at the huge array of

electrical items that were either left on or languishing on standby. Just a total

waste of money.

6 amps is plenty..............people should just change their ways. ( I hear

someone say , " What about the microve? " Well, do without it ! )

stagman · 22-07-2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billym

I am not sure what this thread is about but I must say that we have regularly stayed on

sites with 6 amps and have no trouble at all in a 35 foot RV. You just learn to

switch one thing off when you use another.

I stayed in my friends house this weekend and was amazed at the huge array of

electrical items that were either left on or languishing on standby. Just a total

waste of money.

6 amps is plenty..............people should just change their ways. ( I hear

someone say , " What about the microve? " Well, do without it ! )

Complettely and totally agree with you,I have a 800w ceramic heater if need be and this heats 7mtr van with no problems.2 wks in France no hook up at all solar panel and 3 x110a batterys,1000w inverter occasionally for the hairdryer,telly,fridge and cooking on gas job done.