Do I need a special double power adapter for an outdoor plug?

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simon14

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#223166 16-Sep-2017 09:11

Hi all,

I have an outdoor power plug that is used to power the gas box.

I am wanting to plug in my eletric power tools but don't want to unplug the gas unit.

Do i need a special double adapter power plug or can i just use any old adapter? I want it plugged in permanently.

Assuming i can just use a regular double adapter as the actual outdoor plug is outdoor certified with built in RCD?

Cheers

Goosey

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#1867195 16-Sep-2017 09:14

As long as the double adapter is IP rated for outdoors then its ok but I wouldnt reccomend it.

Perhaps look at changing the outdoor outlet to a double outlet?

Is it on its own fuse at the switchboard? What is the fuse rating?

Edit: dont try to replace the outlet if yourself !

Rickles

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#1867206 16-Sep-2017 09:36

Yep, get a sparky to fit an outdoor double socket outlet .... my daughter did that for same reason as you. Gas Infinity is on one, and power tools/lawn mower etc on the other. Unit also has additional weatherproof cover flaps.

Insurance company would not quibble either

Aredwood

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#1867214 16-Sep-2017 10:11

Definitely get a proper double socket installed. A sparky I know said he came across one that melted and left a big burn mark up the wall after someone plugged a double adapter in to run a fishpond pump as well as the infinity.

An RCD won't save you if the current shorts between phase and neutral.

Also check which circuit supplies the power point as well. Since infinities don't use much power, the power cable just gets looped from whichever circuit is closest. It might be on a circuit that already has a lot of load on it.

simon14

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#1867222 16-Sep-2017 10:33

Thanks guys, will go with a sparky to install double outlet. Better to be safe than sorry.

In the meantime, i'll just pull out the gas power plug when i need it and if anyone is in the shower, they will get a nice surprise :)

RunningMan

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#1867223 16-Sep-2017 10:45

As @aredwood says though, that circuit might not be able to take the load of a power tool at all, regardless of whether the infinity is running. It's a dedicated power outlet for a low load device - it would pay to check the capacity of that circuit before you start plugging in high current draw appliances.

Rickles

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#1867224 16-Sep-2017 10:51

>In the meantime, i'll just pull out the gas power plug when i need it and if anyone is in the shower, they will get a nice surprise :)<

That's how I got teenagers out of the shower !!

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RunningMan

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#1867226 16-Sep-2017 10:52

Rickles:

That's how I got teenagers out of the shower !!

Stick a timer on it - your 3 minutes starts....... now!