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anyone thought of using one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8773055450

are they a bad idea or good. i have a proper one, but i know someone who wants to get in camping a bit on the cheap side

Bad design for a number of reasons.

1. the leads aren't long enough so could leave the rcd suspended in space putting strain on the connections.

2. The RCD would be left in the open IP55 ain't 'waterproof', could then get knocked kicked, chewed by a dog and become inoperable (much better in the tent).

3. The commando connection from this to your tent lead would be too exposed, not waterproof could then get knocked kicked, chewed by a dog and become inoperable (much better in the tent). Also prefer to see them angled downwards to defend against water ingress. I guess you could tie to the supply post or something.

4. 13 Amp socket distie in the tent may not have any water protection.

these are essentially portable tool rcds, and before you buy anything like this ensure;

Its got a CE mark

Its a 30mA rcd

Its double pole

Ideally IP65

Rcds & RCBOs need to be periodically tested not just mechanically but functionally using an rcd tester.

NO!! NO!!NO!! 

PLEASE get a proper RCD / breaker type Electric Hook Up as suggested in previous threads. This RCD unit may be OK for commercial use but NOT for normal use in a tent.  As mentioned before, unless you are a fully qualified electrician, you may not be able to guarantee that your socket / plug arrangement inside your tent (assuming you are referring to tent use) are safe for damp conditions (yes, all tents get damp from time to time!).

Good luck - and be safe! 

Rob

I looked for ages on ebay then found this

http://www.camping-supplies-uk.com/shopping-online.php

Got it cheaper here than in the auction site!

DC

I'm guessing you've bought the "handy power system"?

So you'd plug that in to your cigarette lighter and then you can power low voltage appliances, like a small TV for example?

It doesn't appear to be any different from what I have:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nikkai-12V-DC-to-230V-AC-Power-Inverter-600W_W0QQitemZ4628192346

Is mine suitable?

What about if I use one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CAMPING-ELECTRIC-HOOK-UP-FULLY-PAT-TESTED

Quote: Originally posted by peas1977 on 08/4/2006

What about if I use one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CAMPING-ELECTRIC-HOOK-UP-FULLY-PAT-TESTED

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I'm getting confused with RCD and MCB. Does an EHU have to have an MCB?

Our hook up has an RCD that is rated at IP56, but no MCB

RCD - Residual Currant Device

MCB - Miniature Circuit Breaker

RCD fast reacting, designed to trip before any major shock injury occurs, meaures the +ve and -ve, if unbalanced it trips

MCB replacement for a fuse in consumer units will accept a large currant for a short time before tripping, so main power isnt lost everytime say a fridge starts or TV turned on

Proper EHU are usually protected by both, ann MCB for the incoming power and an RCD for the sockets

as I said, our EHU has RCD with IP56 which is more than what is recommended on the EHU guidlines on here.

Thanks for the info