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  1. #1
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    Default 15 amp generator, electricity lead issue.

    I recently bought a Peter Lister 8kva petrol generator for when we lose power during the summer storms and I've run into an issue regarding the 15 amp electricity lead.

    The 15 amp plug end of the lead plugs into the 15 amp socket outlet on the generator and on the other end of the lead is the 15 amp socket and I need to plug in a power board to operate some white goods during the storms.

    I've Googled 15 amp plugs to 10 amp sockets and can't find any so how do I go about getting a suitable lead.

    I've read reply's to this question on Google and it's 50/50 as to if it's legal and safe to plug a 10 amp plug into a 15 amp socket.

    If it's not legal and safe are there 15 amp plugs to a 10 amp socket power leads available or is this something an electrician would need to make up.

    1. Lister Petter petrol - LPP8RE generator 123.jpg

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    Last edited by Specialized29er; 14th November 2021 at 09:33 PM. Reason: After Thought

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  3. #2
    Join Date
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    Default

    If I am reading this correctly, you want to plug a 10 amp plug into a 15 amp socket. If this is correct you don’t need an adapter. The 10 amp plug will slot in.


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  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
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    Geelong
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    Default

    What he said

    10 amp male straight into 15amp female, no problem.

    cheers

  5. #4
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    Default

    The restriction between 10amp, 15amp and 20amp plugs is the earth pin. The earth pin is deliberately manufactured progressively larger. However, the other way around is a no-no and in fact physically they will not fit.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  6. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bushmiller View Post
    The restriction between 10amp, 15amp and 20amp plugs is the earth pin. The earth pin is deliberately manufactured progressively larger. However, the other way around is a no-no and in fact physically they will not fit.

    Regards
    Paul

    On the 20A plug the active pins are the same size as the larger earth pin.

    I have made up extra long extension cords with heavy wire and the only socket that I could fit on the wire was a 20A one. Works perfectly with 10A plugs.

  7. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bohdan View Post
    On the 20A plug the active pins are the same size as the larger earth pin.

    I have made up extra long extension cords with heavy wire and the only socket that I could fit on the wire was a 20A one. Works perfectly with 10A plugs.
    Thanks Bohdan

    I had forgotten all the pins were larger. I too plug a 10amp into a 20a outlet. Just one additional caution is that the wiring in these larger plugs needs to be a heavier gauge for both the current carried and to cope with the length of the run. This is not a concern if ready made 10a/15a extension cords are purchased as the wiring will be sized to suit.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  8. #7
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    Near Bodgy, AlexS, Wongo & CraigB
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    Default

    its fairly straightforward. the gauge of the cable is proportional to the size of the connector/clamp. ie use the biggest gauge strand of wire that will fit into the connector, either crimp or screw (without cutting off a few strands of course).

    however 15 A is not that big a deal. most appliances only draw less than 700w (1HP) so if you use a 15A powerboard to energise your fridge you can also use the kettle and a couple of lights, especially if they are LED lamps...
    Zed

  9. #8
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    Jun 2016
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    Default

    Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated.

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