In a previous Tech Notes I noted that it is now legal to use a 10-amp plug and cable with a 15-amp outlet socket provided that the motorhome had its existing 15-amp circuit breaker replaced by a 10-amp unit. Or, by using a cable that incorporated a 10-amp limiting device. These do exist (they are made up for fairground people) but are seemingly as rare as rocking horse whatsit.

Several Members have mistaken these requirements. They have made up leads incorporating a 10 amp RCD. Whilst these devices have 10-amps written on them, that is simply their maximum intended usage. They do not LIMIT current to 10-amps.

Do note that whilst a 'competent person' may legally make up a conventional power cable, this special 10-amp limiting cable may only be put together by a licensed electrician. This example, of non-electricians assembling totally wrong bits, effectively reinforces the need for this requirement.

A small Broome electrical company (not mine!) is actively investigating the feasibility of making up these cables. As this would be a low-production operation the leads (30 metres) are unlikely to be cheap but, if the project goes ahead, the cables will at least have the advantage of being supplied already tagged.