Running an extension cord through to run a fridge

[Bomber114 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bomber114]

I have run an extension 10 amp extension cord from the bull bar to the back so I can run my Mammoth 65ltr duel zone by 240 volt when the car is sitting in the drive or away where 240 is available. This way the car can stay locked and I can plug into the front from the mains. Has any one else tried this?

[Hazza Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hazza]

I was checking out a decked out land cruiser in a Beacon Lighting Underwood car park when the owner come over. We got chatting and he let me know what he put together.

At JCar he purchased a three ping weather proof female/male pins plug (same as what you plug into you PC but felae side with weather proof flap) and mounted it to the tow bar. 240V cable ran into the car with a three pin 240v round (typical) female plug where you could plug your 240v fridge or appliance.

When at home or camping he could run his fridge while leaving the car locked and secure without any need to have windows down.

Great idea and will be doing this to my vehicle once I purchase a fridge.

Like this with a flap in front.

http://s5.postimg.org/umgab312f/product_Large_2236.jpg


Hazza

[discoveraus Member Find all posts View Profile Close discoveraus]

Hello Bomber114,

Running an extension cord within the vehicle sounds good and easy but it has one severe risk. If the cable rubs through anywhere on the bodywork you can get a live ( 240 v) connection to the body and anybody touching the body and earth can get a fatal shock with no prior warning. Continuous vibration on and off road will easily damage a cable given time.

When 240 V cables are connected to emergency vehicles, ie fire trucks, for continuous battery charging the installation is not as simple as running a cable and plugging the charger into it. Emergency vehicles use screened isolation transformers, earth leakage protection and are run using special cables and insulation. The trucks are not used for high mileages or off road but still pose an electrical risk to the crews and are maintained and checked often.

As an alternative to 240 V I planned to install a 12V dc charger into my vehicle permanently and plug this charger into the mains to charge my batteries and then run my fridge on 12 V continuously but have not find a suitable charger for the duty. I would not run 240 V into the vehicle permanently, put a lead through a window wound down 12 mm and put up with the minor hastle of taking it out whenever you move the vehicle which you would have to do anyway with a permanent system.

The risk of an electrical fault to the cable is very low but the consequences to your family and others are catastrophic, therefore it is not a good plan.

regards

Ross

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

On my 120 I just run the cable into the fridge and shut the back door. The rubber around the door doesnt squash the cable. Can this be done in the 150?

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Agreed 240V and cars don't mix, even inverters give me the willies. I pop out the 3rd row window and feed an extension lead in although I believe the 3rd row windows don't pop out on a 150...

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

I've run a cord through the door and just closed it loads of times, usually in my case its running something outside off the inverter.

Cheers Andrew

[Bomber114 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bomber114]

Hello Bomber114,

Running an extension cord within the vehicle sounds good and easy but it has one severe risk. If the cable rubs through anywhere on the bodywork you can get a live ( 240 v) connection to the body and anybody touching the body and earth can get a fatal shock with no prior warning. Continuous vibration on and off road will easily damage a cable given time.

When 240 V cables are connected to emergency vehicles, ie fire trucks, for continuous battery charging the installation is not as simple as running a cable and plugging the charger into it. Emergency vehicles use screened isolation transformers, earth leakage protection and are run using special cables and insulation. The trucks are not used for high mileages or off road but still pose an electrical risk to the crews and are maintained and checked often.

As an alternative to 240 V I planned to install a 12V dc charger into my vehicle permanently and plug this charger into the mains to charge my batteries and then run my fridge on 12 V continuously but have not find a suitable charger for the duty. I would not run 240 V into the vehicle permanently, put a lead through a window wound down 12 mm and put up with the minor hastle of taking it out whenever you move the vehicle which you would have to do anyway with a permanent system.

The risk of an electrical fault to the cable is very low but the consequences to your family and others are catastrophic, therefore it is not a good plan.

regards

Ross

Hi Ross

Thanks for your reply .. I have covered the cable with split tubing also as this was something that I also questioned.
I have only just joined this site but responses are fantastic.
regards Chris

[Bomber114 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bomber114]

Thanks Hazza

Glad to see I'm not the only one trying this

Chris

[rhs58 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rhs58]

Can't be too difficult, and I've seen it done before in vehicles.
Neither can it create a big danger if done properly - let's face it, they've been doing this for years in caravans and motor homes etc
Weatherproof 240v sockets are readily available from caravan part suppliers.
I'd probably include a circuit breaker/ safety switch as they do in caravans.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Just make sure you use a double pole switch and a double pole RCD. Earth to the chassis. Make sure the extension lead has a full earth and the earth is connected at the power point.

[Hazza Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hazza]

Point well made that safety is an issue as we are playing with 240v. I am told you can get an in line circuit breaker and safety switch.

Before I set this up I will ask one of the many electricians I deal with daily to make sure all is safe before attempting such a mod.

Once I have all the information and completely satisfied it is safe only then would I install it and would have one of these electricians check it.

Hazza

[FC_Holden Member Find all posts View Profile Close FC_Holden]

On my 120 I just run the cable into the fridge and shut the back door. The rubber around the door doesnt squash the cable. Can this be done in the 150?

X2, and done by many at caravan parks to keep fridge running whilst parked next to van. Just need to check extension cord for any physical damage before you plug it in

[rhs58 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rhs58]

X2, and done by many at caravan parks to keep fridge running whilst parked next to van. Just need to check extension cord for any physical damage before you plug it in

I do too. Just a PITA when you drive off having forgotten to unplug. Embarrassing when someone has witnessed it.