Cockney,
I can only speak as I find.
As for BS numbers and CE marks, looking at some sites all I can see are BS4343 wich ONLY applies to the 16A plug! and BS6500 which ONLY applies to the CABLE!
I do not see mention of any other BS or CE numbers.
As you say, most people come here for advice and that is all I am giving. I have always recomended that if people are not sure about EHU's that they buy a reputable make from somebody like yourself. However my comments about quality still stand.
Yes, I am an electrical engineer of over 30yrs experience and YES I made my own EHU. As for making them for other people NO I would not. I don't run a buisness and have no desire to make money from building equipment for others, unlike some of the crap sold on e bay.
I'm not penny pinching either, the parts to make mine probably cost more than the ones you sell, but it is safe and that's all i'm bothered about!
Regards
Frank
Frank, think I have read on here a posting by yourself regarding sockets with IP55 or IP56 (have added this link to show you the sort of socket I have seen somewhere on this board);
Would rather have peace of mind and spend extra money on an EHU if it has a higher IP rating (sorry if its not the correct techno lingo, but this is not my specialised subject, hence my question!)
Can you buy a better EHU than the 'proper' ones (as you put it) out there on the market?
Sian,
If you want to get the Propper one I would go for the Sunncamp version. It is decent quality.
Regarding your queery ref the screwfix product, that Item Could be used BUT although there is RCD protection, there is NO overload protection (That is what The MCB does) It's the same IP rating as the comercial EHU's that Cockney sells.
For your information here's a picture of mine. Also made with parts from Screwfix.
The only thing that would beat the comercial ones are THESE
Even then there is still no MCB And then you need cable and blue plug.
For the non electrical minded the Comercial ones are the way to go but, get it checked just in case.
Hope this helps
Frank
Quote: Originally posted by bongohammer on 01/4/2006
i dont have rcd's fitted in my house does this mean that me and my family are constantly at risk?
questions questions so many questions.
russ
I would recommend you have an RDC fitted to your house. It's no substitute for good safe wiring, but it could save a life. We all worry about safe electrics when camping but it's just as important at home.
ehu are made the same way with the same componants and are totaly safe and we have been selling these for the pass 12 years
we get this every time an electrian come on and knocks a product and says he can do better then WHY does he not set up a business and sell better made units to the trade reason he or anyone else cant afford to do this in the uk with uk prices on componants if electrians want to make comments on these product MOST PEOPLE who come on here are wanting advice ect so they can have electricity while camping not a string of c##p about how good theres are and proper units are not. proper units have to be registered for BS and CE numbered and have to meet a string of tests before they can be sold by retailers and each unit is quality tested before sold in the uk
5 years ago ehu were twice the price they have come down a lot since then all the ehu sold in the uk in camp shops all the componants are manufactured in china along with most products we buy now. The sunncamp model is put together over Iin china and the Powerparts model is put together in uk thats the only difference with a uk model or a an import this has also been done like this for over 12 years ( there has never been a fatality with these units )
so experienced and novice camper rest assure buy the proper kit for camping they are GUARANTEED TO BE SAFE
kevin
cockney,
While it makes some valid points, your post does not give the impression that you are sufficiently qualified to argue aginst the opinions that offend you.
I see no problem in pointing out the potential problems with commercially available EHU equipment. It can only help people use it wisely
Quote: Originally posted by bongohammer on 01/4/2006i dont have rcd's fitted in my house does this mean that me and my family are constantly at risk?
questions questions so many questions.
russ
To be honest this thread is not the place for me to answer that question, but, as it could help others i'll try and give a simple answer.
The 16th edition of the wiring regulations say that the protective device (Fuse, circuit breaker etc) must be capable of disconecting the supply in the event of a fault in less than 0.04 seconds.
The best way to ensure this is to use a RCD in your consumer unit. (Fusebox or Circuit breaker board)
If your house has been built or rewired in the last few years you will probably find that this has been done.
Otherwise they can be retro fitted.
Once again I apologise for going off topic.
Regards
Frank
Dukedog, do you consider the hook up cable conectors above to be a potential weak spot in your design or not? I have a similar arrangement ,although mine is mounted on a board in one of those blue plastic stackable crates on its side to clear the ground and provide additional splash protection from above.
The pre-made ones come with the cable going straight into the housing with a gland on the entry point,dont they.
I have been thinking of making a more water resistant enclosure for this part, but like being able to un hook the lead from the rcd box of tricks.
Dukedog, do you consider the hook up cable conectors above to be a potential weak spot in your design or not? I have a similar arrangement ,although mine is mounted on a board in one of those blue plastic stackable crates on its side to clear the ground and provide additional splash protection from above.
The pre-made ones come with the cable going straight into the housing with a gland on the entry point,dont they.
I have been thinking of making a more water resistant enclosure for this part, but like being able to un hook the lead from the rcd box of tricks.
Hi Guy rope,
To be honest NO. The reason for the short lead is because I can choose the length of cable to go between the unit and the hook up post. I have the choice of a short 6mtr lead or a long 25mtr lead. (Saves having cable coiled up when there is no need.) The "Joint" being near the unit is in the relative dryness of the tent.
The 16A blue plug/socket is BS4343 IP44, same as used on hook up posts and caravan power inlets, so, if they are safe enough to use OUTSIDE in the rain and all weathers then they should be safe enough INSIDE the relativly dry tent. The unit clips to the leg of our camp kitchen when in use the connector is well off the ground.
Regards
Frank
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Topic: Best Price for 3 plug EHU?
