What’s the better extension lead and if so reasons is one better than other?
Obviously one is cheaper than the other and one has more reviews than the other.
But wondering if one will be better than the other or is brand of one better.
Any electricians here
https://www.amazon.com.au/UR24010T-Heavy-Extension-Tradesman…
Or
https://www.bunnings.com.au/hpm-10m-1-5mm-10a-3-core-extra-h…
do you need to put into that?
One is rated 15A, the other 10A.
But that's not really what op is asking. Doesn't seem to be a consideration at all otherwise he would (or should) have told us more about the application they are needing it for.
"What’s the better extension lead"
15A for $39, vs 10A for $45
@jv: I already read reviews one has more reviews than other does not say if one is better than other though
Actually JV raises a good point for once. These are two different cables really, maybe OP didn't understand that.
No in comments the Amazon one is not 15a and it’s mentioned by some it’s a mistake in packaging info? I did read it’s 15amp cable but 10a plug is this possible
On what I see they are both 10a 10m leads one I believe I read somewhere that the 15a is packaging error.
They are both 1.5 which I need and I’m just asking going by what is advertised for both or brand names what’s the better option is one a better brand,is one got better specs so to speak or is both pretty much the same
The discussion thread is already quite interesting. I think this is a good topic.
If you are an Essendon supporter, get the Bunnings one.
If you are an GWS supporter, get the Amazon one.
And I prefer this one, https://www.bunnings.com.au/click-20m-orange-heavy-duty-exte…
Cheaper and easy to fold.
That is only 10A, the Amazon one is rated higher and can draw more power safely.
Input current 10 Amps
So plug is 10Amp and wire is 15A? lol
Description says, 10A
Description says:
Do the maths…
@jv: But how do you transfer power to the wire when the plug is a 10A rating lol Plug going to melt before wire and burn down the house lol
@jv: But it's not
Colour Red
Brand ULTRACHARGE
Connector gender Male-to-Female
Voltage 240 Volts
Input current 10 Amps
@jv: But it isn't
Colour Red
Brand ULTRACHARGE
Connector gender Male-to-Female
Voltage 240 Volts
Input current 10 Amps
Input current 10 Amps
That is determined by the devices you are powering.
The cable can safely draw up to 3600 watts of power at 240V.
10A for a period of time will heat up a 10A cable. This is why you need a 15A cable.
I use a 15A 5M cable like this for the eclectic BBQ as the normal cable got too hot for what I think should be okay. I have seen extension cables that have very suspect PVC that has distorted due to the cable getting hot (they were no mine).
No this is only 1.5mm and it will be left out most of the time not packed away after each use.
Wire cross section is significantly thinner. Won't make much difference for short runs or lower amperages (can't be arsed to look up the resistance values but if it's being sold it's probably totally fine for 10A)
10A plug, 15A wire. That's not how it works.
Someone understands me lol
Simple if you have a basic understanding on GPO's.
Can't pull 15A from a 10A plug just cause you have thicker wire.
Plus you can't use a 15AMP cable or whatever into a 10AMP generic household plug point either, looks like pure marketing. That $25 cable do the same job as those two cables that OP posted.
@Russell Dupsumtucka
Yes you can. A 10A plug can easily draw 15A.
@Russell Dupsumtucka: @Russell Dupsumtucka
A GPO has 2.5mm2 cable that is usually fused and rated at 20A.
There is no issue of a GPO supplying 20A.
And there is no issue of a 10A plug carrying 15A.
You can pull way more than 10A on a standard power circuit in a home. I have seen 16 and 20A circuit breakers blow when you plug in a toaster that is toasted. So in theory it is pulling more than 10A for a very small time and trips the breaker.
There is simple and then there is the practical understanding of 240/415 power circuits.
10A plug, 15A wire. That's not how it works.
that's actually better for long extension cords. 1.5mm2 conductors will have lower resistance than the standard 1.0mm2 ones, dissipate less heat and have a lower voltage drop from end to end, especially at high currents
Which has nothing to do with the amps coming from a 10A GPO through a 10A plug. All of what you say is true for voltage drop, but running 15A from a 10A socket will end in fires and insurance claims.
they are not advertising being able to flow 15A, they are 10A extension cords with higher rated 1.5mm2 conductors for the reasons i gave above
@Russell Dupsumtucka: oh, i didn't see that. the HPM one advertises correctly. the other one is also fine but don't run it at 15A. the 10A socket on the lead won't accept a 15A plug so it shouldn't be possible to connect a 15A load to it under normal circumstances
an everyday extension lead like a cheap click one uses smaller 1.0mm2 conductors, which is also fine unless you are pulling 10A continuously over a long distance
10A plug, 15A wire. That's not how it works.
I think you're misunderstanding the idea behind the description. It says it has a 10A plug and socket, and 15A cable with 1.5mm2 conductors.
What they mean is the plug and socket are 10A - which means you physically cannot plug a 15A device in due to the larger earth pin - and the cable is the same thickness as what you'd typically only find in a 15A extension lead.
So while the cable itself technically has the same current-carrying capacity as a 15A extension lead, you can only plug in a 10A device as the plug and socket are 10A.
Username really doesn't check out for this thread.
Edit: Just having the 10A plug diagram on the packaging for a "15A" cable on the Amazon listing doesn't inspire confidence.
Lol
Do you need it now? If not, wait for a deal for around 30m for around $10.
30m long it’s it’s advised the shorter the better and reason for 10m are you saying the 30m has been $10 before not thst I’m interested in that one.
But maybe the 10m has but I am going to need in coming week or so.
So by what I’m getting from the responses here that they are pretty much same apart from the Bunnings one has Unique clamping socket stops it from pulling apart but this will be in waterproof box anyway.
Just don’t use an extension lead on a compressor.
I'd buy the Bunnings one.
YMMV.
Which one is better?
I'd have less trust in the company that got its packaging and advertising wrong by claiming an extension lead with 10A plug and socket on it is rated at 3600W. It isn't. If they can't even get their packaging right, if they are making false claims that it is rated higher than the lowest rated parts of it, the plug and socket, they are more likely to have gotten the product wrong too.
Buy the other one.
Technically they might be correct. 10A and 15A plugs have the same L/N pin size. The sockets will likely be the same as well for production line reasons. So while the whole lead could technically carry 3600W, the 10A plug and socket will only allow 10A devices to be connected.
The package itself does describe the 10A plug and socket and makes no mention of 3600W. I'm not sure who fills in the technical details section on the Amazon page. I rarely trust those details in case it's just an automated thing which could have errors.
They are NOT making false claims and they are specifying everything correctly for someone who knows about 240V rated power cables that are rated at 10A V 15A and also knows the difference between 10A and 15A sockets.
So get the Bunnings one? Amazon keep selling this and why don’t they get the supplier to sort out the info on packaging as look at the comments on here regarding it.
A few are arguing about it.
Are any of you qualified sparky?Another reason I asked these two was I have credit in my amazon account and it would only cost me $9 but people are saying I should keep away from it as what else is false.
But reviews seem good and plenty on the Amazon one vs only one review on Bunnings one.
Hpm seems a well known brand i believe in Australia or it’s maybe a Bunnings thing but anyone heard of the other brand before from Amazon.
I’m told using a 1.0mm lead will do and several have used with success even more than 2 years use,
But I’m happy to pay a bit more if it’s works better with the heating pump and filter and has no voltage drops.
Maybe I should just stick to the bunnings one as was first choice but when I realised I had credit for me i thought I get this Amazon one for $9 instead of $39.
HPM is an old brand, very trustworthy IMHO.
If the other one has vague or conflicting info, avoid it. Spend your Amazon credit on something else that won't risk your safety.
Mate, it's just an extension cable. Unless you're going to use it to harness a lightning storm and raise Frankenstein's monster, stop overthinking it and buy either.
I'd get the one that doesn't sound like a mess of specifications, but that's just arbitrary. They are both going to be fine for 10A.
If you're going to overthink it, at least overthink it properly and look up the tables showing resistance over distance for different wire gauges, so you can make an informed decision instead of relying on randos on the internet like us.
I've been through similar recently and had considered just building my own. Am I a sparkie? No, but I can look up simple tables and do basic math. Realised the machinery I was going to drive didn't need fancy custom cables and that Australian standards exist for a reason.
More reviews on the Amazon lead vs Bunnings lead, Bunnings lead is a brand I know of but not the Amazon one.
I don’t get why they still sell the Amazon one with wrong description on it.
When you look at the bigger picture the Amazon one with this false info on the what it has is off putting and makes you wonder how the quality is.
But reviews on Amazon one are positive but hardly any for Bunnings one.
It’s a lead that’s going to be running a heater pump to heat water over long periods and a pump which it is as well to maintain.
It will be left outside but probably shaded most of the time and have a waterproof box thing to stop a rain bit it will be slightly covered by part of roof.
The spa comes with its on 10a lead which has a built in red bit it’s only 5m long.
It’s not recommended to use an extension cord with the spa cord but many use even 1.00mm standard lead and have been ok even after 2 years of use.
I did not want to use a 1.0mm and decided to get a 1.5mm
Obviously using an extension can void the warranty of spa and they say with a lead it can get voltage drops or whatever it is but reading reviews with these 1.5mm no such thing happens.
I orginally thought 5m lead was going to be enough to reach my outdoor power point but the one that’s part of the spa with red built in was only 5m was reading it was longer.
And i walked the length out i needed and probably a 8m would have been ok for the extension lead but it’s hard to get that size. So settling for 10m.
They say the shorter the better and I reckon just a guess that by time I run out the 10m cable and the spa cable there be 2m left over.
As the spa lead has a rcd built in with me adding a 10m extension lead is this still affective
I don’t get why they still sell the Amazon one with wrong description on it.
As mentioned several times above, the description is not wrong. Some people just don't understand what it means which is fair as the explanation is slightly technical.
You can even get 2.5mm2 10m 15A extension leads if you want to be extra-certain there'll be little voltage drop. That's the same thickness as the wires in your wall. You will need that 10A to 15A adaptor mentioned previously on one end though.
@eug: Ok so your saying i could still get issues using the 10a 1.5mm 10m lead from Bunnings I attached link for?
And your saying I am better to get the Amazon lead on link i attached previously or is this just fake info and it’s just same as Bunnings one.
People here where recommending the Bunnings one 1.5 10m? is this not the better option or are you saying get a 15a 2.5 10m lead instead which one do you recommend?
You mentioned I will need a 10a to 15a adapter on one end which end?
As the spa comes with its own 5m cable wired in and will have a 10a plug on that.
If your telling me to get an adapter then what end does it go on?
I would need to plug my spa lead 10a into the 15a lead is this possible as the 15a lead your telling me to get will probably have a female 15a socket.
The other end of the 15a lead that goes into the power point again will have a male 15a connection which probably does not fit into my 10a power point?
And is it even wise to have such adapters outside all the time?
I thought the 10a 10m 1.5mm lead from Bunnings would be good enough and everything is 10a and no extra devices like adapter.
Even just the 10a 1.5mm lead from Bunnings or whoever is easy to put into the waterproof small box things to make it waterproof where points are.
Regarding the rcd being on the spa cable part and not extension lead i assume this is ok
@bwatt72: Mmm, the way you format your replies is a little confusing.
The Amazon and Bunnings lead have the same ratings. Either one will work fine.
The Amazon one only mentions 15A because that 1.5mm2 wire thickness is usually only found on 15A extension leads.
You can get either one and it'll work.
If you want to go the extra mile to ensure minimal voltage drop, you can plug this into your 10A wall socket, then connect this 2.5mm2 10m extension lead to it. That's the same wire size as the wires in your wall.
@eug: This is for indoor use and check that price out out would still need a 15a lead as well but no good if indoor use.
And if there is an outdoor one would need to fit a gpo but with extra connections ie an adapter is there not even more risk with additional adapter
It is read the reviews somewhere not sure if this one or bigger or smaller one it mentioned a few times the packaging has the 15a as error whst I don’t get on the packaging it says has 10a plug but 15a cable?!
Maybe. I'm no electrician. Grab the HPM, it will be a safe bet. ;)
Sure is.
A normal 10A cable is 1mm2. The 15A is for the 1.5mm2 cable. I have a 5M Ultracharge cable that I use for a electric BBQ as the normal cable gets hot and I do not like using hot cables.
In a house the cables I have seen are 1.5mm2 for lights and 2mm2 or 3mm2 for power dependign on the length of run and the circuit usage. Hot water and stoves and air con can sometimes user heavier duty cables.
It’s for a Layz spa Miami inflatable heater/filter pump which this will be plugged into the outside power outlet
The other power socket on same outlet is used for some gas thing says natural gas on side.
But it’s only outside power point we have.
The lead that comes with spa is not long enough where we want to put the spa so will be adding one of these extensions.
I have spoken and read about many who even use a 1.00mm cable which is standard for the same issue have have no issues after few years and more use.
I was told get 1.5mm and these two fit the bill but even better if used 2.5mm 15a. Caravan type.
But the power point is not 15a where the extension would plug into and either is the cable with spa.
I did see a cable from eBay with similar specs to these two and it had rubberised cable good for uv but it was like $90 which included postage and guy mostly sells eggs and chickens??
But I sure would not use a 1.00mm cable but many do without issues
if you really wanted to use a 2.5mm2 lead with a 15A plug & socket, you can purchase a 15A/10A adapter for about $50 from aldi or bunnings (i think it is for caravans). it is basically a 15A socket, a 10A plug and an integrated 10A RCD. a 10A plug will plug into a 15A socket, but not vica versa
or get an electrician to replace the 10A GPO with a 15A GPO
@c64: Sorry you have lost me my spa lead is 10a plug and my outside power point is also 10a socket obviously my spa lead is too short to get to power point hence why I’m getting the 10a extension lead so I can plug my spa lead in one end and and the extension other end into my power point which is10a
I was told get 1.5mm and these two fit the bill but even better if used 2.5mm 15a.
SPA 10A -> 15A 2.5mm2 lead -> 15A/10A adapter -> 10A GPO
or
SPA 10A -> 10A 1.5mm2 lead -> 10A GPO
you probably want to check the power requirements of everything on the circuit
@c64: So your saying I can buy an adapter use the spa 10a and I join I mean plug it into a 15a 2.5 lead with a 15a/10a adapter and what’s a 10a gpo?
Do i really need to spend out on expensive adapters and mixed leads the spa lead being 10a and your saying get 15a lead and adapter in the mix?
Ain’t i better to just get my 10a 1.5 lead and be done no extra expense? Dont know what the 10a gpo is might need to look this up.
And not sure what you mean by this
you probably want to check the power requirements of everything on the circuit
@bwatt72: i have no idea how much power your spa consumes, but the impression i got was it is on the high side. you don't necessarily need a 2.5mm2 lead, you mentioned it and i was explaining your options.
GPO = power point
And not sure what you mean by this
look at the ratings label on all the appliances connected to the circuit to determine the total maximum power they require (add them all together). current = power / 240. look at your switchboard to see what the maximum current for the circuit is. if you exceed this then the circuit breaker might trip when all the appliances are all simultaneously used
What is the current or power rating (average, not max) for the spa? If it is above say 8A / 2000W I would get the 1.5mm2 cable with the 10A socket.
A 2.5mm2 cable is allot bigger and IMHO will be useless, unless you are running a 20 (possibly 30+) meter extension cable.
Is the power point you are going to plug the extension cable into a 10A or 15A socket? If it's a 15A socket then the caravan type will be okay, but when I was looking the caravan extension cables were all 15A sockets.
@AndyC1: Power point is 10a as it’s not got the bigger earth section I have used a kids inflatable water slide to keep it inflated with a blower and it’s just a 10a plug.
Don’t think I have used this power point for anything else.
And the same power has one socket used for a gas device outside which is permanently plugged in
They are both the same in that the cable is 1.5mm2 in size and the plugs are both 10A plugs, but the price and availability is the BIG difference.
The 1.5mm2 cable is only useful if you are using a 2400 watt device for more than about 10 minutes as the normal 10A cable will get hot.
Watch out if you pick another cable as a 15A socket will NOT fit in a standard power point due to the bigger earth connector.
Read my reply above
Why didn't you just create a poll?
A poll could be misleading and would miss out all the discussion in the comments.
100% disagree.
Nobody said you can't have a discussion within the thread itself whether there is a poll or not.
The problem is there will be a lot of people who just look at the poll results and ignore the comments and go away with the wrong conclusion.
Gets quite technical with regards cord ratings. 15a is usually 1.5mm and 10a is 1mm core. 15a will not fit into 10a sockets. 10a is what you would usually find in households. So I would suggest you get 10a with 1.5mm core, the bunnings one. I would also suggest you go with bright colour for better visibility. If you intend to use it outdoors exposed to elements you will find that the plugs need to be rated.
15A rated cable wont get as hot as 10A rated cable when running close to max socket rating of 10A.
Like towing a caravan with a truck or a car, truck can handle it easier.
Ultracharge Tradesman, hands down wins.
Both cables are actually the same. It's the conductor thickness that matters and they both have 1.5mm2 cables.
Summary:
The Amazon and Bunnings leads linked to in the OP have the same ratings - 10A and 1.5mm² wires.
The 15A printed on the Amazon cable packaging is not an error. It just refers to how 1.5mm² wires are normally only used for 15A extension leads. If you send 15A through that extension lead (easily done with a double adaptor), the wires are capable of carrying it.
So either cable will work as well as the other as they're rated the same.
So by not getting an adapter then your not getting anything special here with the two leads I linked?
It’s more or less just a 1.0mm 10a is thst what you’re saying?
So why pay this money if it’s really a 1.0mm?
As I said before I know or people have said they use just a 1.0mm lead and it’s been fine.
And I was told by others get a 10a 1.5 is it’s better than the 1.0mm ie less voltage drop outs and can handle heat etc.
But your saying these leads I am talk about if I can get an adapter then it becomes even better? How is that it then works 1.5mm? And are you telling me if no adapter then it’s just really a 1.0mm?
So why buy a 1.5mm 10a lead in first place if you need to go buy an adapter for it?
Or are you saying now get a 2.5mm 15a lead plug it into my 10a spa lead and an adapter gpo end and it will work better?
As I said in my previous comment by looks of it they are for indoors unless I’m looking at wrong one.
I am really getting confused now what lead I need should I get an adapter Jace I got the wrong lead. With all the joints spa lead extension lead and adapter is this still safe.
It’s more or less just a 1.0mm 10a is thst what you’re saying?
Where did you get 1.0mm² from?
But your saying 1.5mm only works if your using 15a? Which you need an adapter for
What is actually wrong with just one of these leads as you mentioned about an adapter a few times and on what I seen it’s for indoors.
What is the reason I need to get an adapter to use in these leads? Or are you saying to get an actual 15a 2.5mm lead instead and use the adapter but unless there is outdoor ones then not real a good idea.
But your saying 1.5mm only works if your using 15a?
No, I didn't say that. I don't think you're understanding the replies by multiple people above.
Again, to put it simply:
Both the cables you linked to are rated the same as each other. 10A plugs and sockets, 1.5mm² conductors.
Both the cables you linked to will work as well as each other.
The thicker the conductors, the lower the losses will be. So if you want even lower loss, you can go one step further and get an extension lead with 2.5mm² conductors. That will have a 15A plug on the male end so you will need an adaptor to plug that into a 10A wall socket.
@eug: Ok I get what you mean so if I decide to just get one of the two cables linked which I can get one from $9 from Amazon with credit in my account or I pay $44 from Bunnings.
Now that I know one cable is not better than the other then great I just need to decide.
When you mention the thicker the conductors the lower the losses will be is this common? As if someone says they have used a 1.0mm with no issues they 1.5 is going to be a lot better.
Maybe that’s why manufacturers are against using extension leads with the spa lead as more risk or can damage heater/pump basically warranties is void if using extension lead.
But many use different methods of similar and lower rated cables.
So 1.5mm is this not quite good enough?
Or my other choice is get the bigger 2.5mm lead which is 15a which and this will be male which an adapter is required to reduce it down to 10a.
That same 2.5mm lead on the other end female I take the spa cable which will have a Male 15a and i assume this plugs into the female end of that 2.5mm cable
So at this point my 10a spa cable is connected to the 2.5mm 15a cable and on the end of this is the 15a which needs the adapter to make it all work and goes into gpo.
This is going to be outside the spa and cables left in same area ongoing so would be using waterproof covers where cables join.
But the adapter I see says it’s indoor only so no good outside?
So maybe this adapter and bigger cable 2.5 will not work for me as it’s for indoors, yes the gpo is an outside power point double.
And it has a small clear plastic over it but not much and there’s a slight overlap of roof as well.
But depending on how much rain there was and winds not sure how waterproof this gpo is.
In saying that there is something else permanently plugged into it and never had issues with it.
But I’m not sure what adapter to get, you recommend one but it’s to fit outside power not inside and i maybe wrong but these look big and limited maybe for how it can be plugged in.
I could have send a pic of my gpo but can’t on here.
If we can get such adapter and a 15a cable as you have mentioned what are the benefits from doing this over just using the 1.5mm 10a
What would make this much better?
As it’s currently $9 from Amazon with my credit and that’s 1.5mm 10a
It’s $44 from Bunnings for same lead.
Buy a 15a 2.5 mm lead and adapter not sure on price of lead yet as not looked but if Amazon I can maybe get it for similar price to using my credit or get from Bunnings does not matter.
The adapter i am assuming is $80 plus but not sure if suitable for outside though.
If going with an adapter and 15a cable 2.5mm and my spa cable which has built in rcd i assume this is just as safe or safer that just my plan originally of just the one cable I listed and that’s it.
Yes if it’s safer and will make it better then obviously I will want it to be adapter and bigger lead.
I assume that my power point gpo is also good to go with such adapter.
Sorry if I repeat myself I’m just trying to get the right items even though people have had success with a just a standard lead and are happy but there are people against what others so as well.
So 1.5mm is this not quite good enough?
Unfortunately this isn't the most straightforward question to answer. It depends on the supply voltage at your power socket.
The 230V Australian standard allows for +10% / -6% (253V - 216V) to your house. There will also be a voltage drop in the house wiring, up to 5%. That means in a worst-case scenario, the voltage at your power socket can be as low as 205V.
If you then connect a 10m 1mm² extension lead to that and run a 10A load, the voltage will drop by 2.52% to about 199.8V.
Running a 230V motor at 199V will result in higher current draw and higher heat which will shorten the lifespan of the motor.
The voltage drop in a 1.5mm² extension lead is 1.61%, 2.5mm is 0.88%. Less voltage drop means lower current draw and less heat.
These are worst-case numbers; your supply voltage will more likely be in the 230V range so the voltage drop in a 1mm² cable supplying 10A will still provide 224.8V so it's not as bad. I wouldn't be running a 10A load on that cable for too long though, as the wire will heat up. That is also why an extension lead should always be fully uncoiled if running high loads as it can get really hot and melt the insulation causing a short or fire.
All this is too difficult for manufacturers to communicate to customers so they just give a blanket statement saying not to use extension leads, as someone could use a 20m 1mm² extension lead which has an even higher voltage drop.
To summarize:
This can all get complicated so it's easier for manufacturers to just tell people not to use extension leads.
The more power a device requires, or the longer the extension lead, the thicker the conductors should be.
You didn't specify how much power your spa requires, for how long. But if the voltage at your socket is in the 230V range, a 1.5mm² extension lead is very likely fine.
If your spa doesn't require much power, a 1mm² cable could be fine. If there's a large motor involved though, there will be high inrush current so thicker conductors will always be better.
If the voltage at your socket is unusually low, using a thicker 2.5mm² cable would be helpful.
If you're drawing high currents for extended periods of time, a thicker cable will heat up less which would save power and be safer.
Maybe this wil tell you more about the spa possibly tells you about the electricity side of it, but end of day it’s a 10a plug and you can plug it into your house wall sockets so I see no different from ones outside as be same?
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0877/2124/6993/files/miami…
It does heat water for hours which is probably the one that effects the use or why they say no extension lead and it covers there ass.
What info do you get from this and where do I proceed in regards to a cable and this adapter that as I mentioned would be outside not indoors which I one I seen was for indoor.
2050W with a 50W pump which is pretty small so inrush shouldn't be much of an issue. That's still a lot of watts though, I'd be going with 1.5mm² minimum.
So stick with the two cables I was trying to decide on yes? No need for an adapter?
And can you tell me the spa cable has rcd built in does this cover the whole lot including extension cable and where the plug goes into gpo? Or is lam I not making sense?
Manufacturer is probably worried about the risk of electric shock, water and electricity is dangerous.
This spa isn’t a permanent fixture.
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/electrica…
It's an extension lead, how much thought do you need to put into that? Next weeks post: "which coffee mug is better?"