Extension Leads and Power Boards for an Inverter Generator

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alisam

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#255813 1-Sep-2019 08:04

I am think of buying the Briggs and Stratton P3000 Inverter Generator for emergencies. It has 2 sockets.

I need to buy a couple of extension leads, but some say 10 amp and some (not many) say 15 amp.

I assume 10 amp are for general household duties, but does it matter?

Also, can I assume any power board will be suitable. I would be buying a known brand e.g HPM.

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Fred99

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#2308957 1-Sep-2019 09:13

The generator doesn't have15A sockets - so you won't be able to plug a 15A extension cord into it.
Use good quality heavy duty 10A leads.

richms

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#2308959 1-Sep-2019 09:32

Most generators do have 15A sockets, since that is what is used for caravan supply in Aussie, and we get the same stuff here. Even my baby 800 watt generator has a 15A socket on it.

Richard rich.ms

Fred99

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#2308960 1-Sep-2019 09:40

richms:

Most generators do have 15A sockets, since that is what is used for caravan supply in Aussie, and we get the same stuff here. Even my baby 800 watt generator has a 15A socket on it.

Yes but the specs for that one says it's got 2 x 10A 230v sockets. You'd probably need to eyeball it in a shop. With photos of the thing of course the flaps are closed over the sockets, so you can't see.

Ha! To add to potential confusion, there's a photo of one on online brochure connected to an aussie looking caravan via an adapter cable, but that's only got one 230v socket not two, and the caption is noted "pic illustration purposes". Same model number. Add to the "things that annoy me" thread.

OTOH, Bunnings seem to have them at reasonable price, they sell power cords, there's nothing quite like checking something out in store and getting home with something you know will work.

alisam

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#2308961 1-Sep-2019 09:41

richms:

Most generators do have 15A sockets, since that is what is used for caravan supply in Aussie, and we get the same stuff here. Even my baby 800 watt generator has a 15A socket on it.

Are you using a 10amp or 15amp extension lead?

JeremyNzl

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#2308963 1-Sep-2019 09:47

My 2kw 8amp generator has 15amp sockets with 8amp max output.

Best extension cords I have found have been 15amp with 10amp plugs,

k1w1k1d

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#2308966 1-Sep-2019 09:59

You would need to check what sockets are fitted. 15A have a larger earth pin. 10A plugs fit into 15A sockets, but 15A plugs won't fit into 10A sockets.

Get extension leads with at least 1.5mm wires, not 1mm. They will have less voltage drop, especially with longer leads.

Generator is called a P3000, but is rated at 2600W(2.6KW) continuous.

What are you going to run off the generator?

You also need to run it regularly to keep it in going order. No use hiding it away for a couple of years and then finding it won't start because the petrol has gone off, or the seals in the carb have deteriorated.

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Scott3

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#2308972 1-Sep-2019 10:17

Best bet is to get 10A extention leads with 3x1.5mm^2 conductors. (such as HPM's "Extra heavy duty range") to reduce voltage drop, especially over long runs.

If you plan to max out that generator, you will need two extension leads & powerboards, one for each output socket, and roughly balance the loads between them. Generator Socket, Extension cords, power boards etc proposed are all rated at 10A, but that generator can (assuming 3000W output) make 13A. If you balance loads, you will have 6.5A max running through 10A rated gear, so lots of safety margin to prevent overheating etc. Frankly you could get away with 1.0mm^2 cords, but If I was buying new, I would get the better stuff. Extension cords last a long time.

The difference between a 15A extention cord and a 10A is that the 15A is fitted with plugs & sockets with a larger earth pin. Mostly this is just keying to prevent people plugging 15A appliances into 10A plugs. Active and neutral pins are exactly the same size, so no extra capacity where it counts. 15A cable will have at least 1.5mm^2 conductors. 10A cables are available in both 1.5mm^2 and 1.0mm^2. 15A cord plug will not fit in 10A sockets.

With regards to power boards, Most have 1.0mm conductors, I would probiably just buy one of those, voltage loss . Power boards with 1.5mm conductors are available such as this one:

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-6-outlet-plugboss-surge-protected-powerboard_p00423478

[edit]

Make sure you look out for safety. Do you have somewhere under cover, but outdoors where you can run it in the rain? NOT your connected garage due to carbon monoxide risk...

Would be ideal if you could connect the earth thumbscrew of the generator to your houses earth peg. Otherwise you risk livening casings and not tripping a fuse if an appliance faults.

Small petrol engines are a pain. They require regular running, maintenance, and you need to turn over your fuel stockpile every 6mt - 1year to keep it from going stale. When running they are noisy, and require refueling every 6 hours or so.

Other options to your proposal:

Much more expensive: Get a electrician to fit a generator inlet socket & change over switch to your house. Ideally get a generator with outdoor housing, and industrial output socket. Could consider LPG fuel (doesn't go stale) or diesel (very long life). This will liven your entire house, and avoid the risk associated with extension cords through the window going to the fridge etc.
Much cheaper: Accept lesser current, and use your car with an inverter in place of a generator. Something like this https://www.jaycar.co.nz/1000w-pure-sine-wave-inverter-with-30a-solar-regulator/p/MI5722 would be enough for you to run your fridge / freezer, and charge your cell phones & UPS for say 5 hours each evening, at 1/3 the capital cost of the proposed generator, and without the ongoing extra maintenance requirements of a stand alone generator.

Of course if you live in a high power cut area, have special requirements (I.e. are reliant on electricity for water), a back up generator can be logical. A portable one makes extra sense if you need / would like a portable generator anyway for DIY projects, life style block maintenance, swing mooring boat maintenance etc. Honda has the best reputation in small generators.

richms

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#2308984 1-Sep-2019 11:29

alisam:

richms:

Most generators do have 15A sockets, since that is what is used for caravan supply in Aussie, and we get the same stuff here. Even my baby 800 watt generator has a 15A socket on it.

Are you using a 10amp or 15amp extension lead?

10 because the only thing I have with a 15A plug on it is my welder.

Richard rich.ms

alisam

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#2309951 3-Sep-2019 14:15

I purchased the P3000 from an Auckland North Shore shop.

They filled it with oil (which I believe it comes with) and some petrol.

They said 10amp would be OK.

They walked me through the controls on the generator.

I ran the generator at home for about 30 minutes (all I had time for) using 10amp leads. It was noisier than expected, but when I think of lawnmowers and strimmers operating in the street I am not going to worry about it (during the day).

Computer equipment e.g ONT, ERL3, NAS, USB Drive was attached in the garage. In the Family Room, I attached TV, DVR, FireTV, HD HomeRun etc.

I took the TV etc off and boiled the kettle no problem.

However, after reading the manual it says:

230 Volt AC, 15 Amp Receptacles — May be used to supply electrical power for the operation, of 230 Volt AC, 15 Amp, single phase, 50 Hz, electrical, lighting, appliance, tool, and motor loads.

And

Check the ratings of all extension cords before you use them. Extension cord sets used should be rated for AC loads 15 Amps or greater

And

Use receptacles to operate 230 Volt AC, single–phase, 50 Hz electrical loads requiring up to 2,600 watts (2.6 kW) at 11.3 Amps of current. Use cord sets that are rated for 230 Volt AC loads at 15 Amps (or greater).

So, for example:

This product from Mitre 10: https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/hpm-extra-heavy-duty-extension-cord-30m-orange/p/106285

It says:

Features and benefits

30m orange.
Extra heavy duty lead.
10A clear socket and 10A clear plug.
15A lead.

PS. Not sure I need 30 metres. I will need to measure.

What should be 15 amp?

The lead AND the plug?

Just the lead?

Or just carry on with 10amp?