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  1. #1
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    Default Shipping container electrical socket

    I have a 20 foot shipping container that I have on a mine claim and I have a construction power pole and I'd like an electrical supply to the container.
    I don't need a permanent connection and what I'm thinking would be suitable is some kind of water proof fitting on the outside to plug in a power lead into and something on the inside where I can plug in a couple of leads.
    With the container having the channeled walls I could easily weld-up a mounting boxes on either side but I have no idea what would be suitable for this application and Google and YouTube hasn't been of any help.

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    I wouldn't bother to weld up anything.

    The simplest/quickest solution would be to fit a rated weather proof power plug (not socket) to the outside of the container.
    The sort of thing they use on caravans.

    Like this
    Screen Shot 2021-04-08 at 6.32.15 am.png
    There are some really nice fully weatherproof ones available with a proper extension cord restraint.

  3. #3
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    Realising that you will need a electrician to legally do it and it must then conform to ASNZ 3000 and 3001. Which means double pole outlets and switches.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sparksy View Post
    Which means double pole outlets and switches.
    Like these? https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-dou...point_p0087096
    Chris

  5. #5
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Not really - It would be very risky to use those on the outside of a container for the purposes of connection of an extension cord from an external power supply because because any extension cord connection would have to use an exposed male plug which if removed could be live.

    If the cheap caravan ones seem a bit flimsy then something like this and a weather proof DP switch added into the circuit would work.
    This is similar what the mens shed sparky used to connect up a container (but he didn't use a switch) using an extension cord to a GPO inside the shed.
    The thing on the LHS is called and appliance socket - similar to what is use on electric kettles and some computers power supplies..

    Screen Shot 2021-04-08 at 11.57.12 am.png

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    I wouldn't bother to weld up anything.

    The simplest/quickest solution would be to fit a rated weather proof power plug (not socket) to the outside of the container.
    The sort of thing they use on caravans.

    Like this
    Screen Shot 2021-04-08 at 6.32.15 am.png
    There are some really nice fully weatherproof ones available with a proper extension cord restraint.
    I like that, what do they look like on the inside of the container.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Not really - It would be very risky to use those on the outside of a container for the purposes of connection of an extension cord from an external power supply because because any extension cord connection would have to use an exposed male plug which if removed could be live.
    Crikey Bob, I was talking about using them on the inside, not the outside!
    Chris

  8. #8
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Specialized29er View Post
    I like that, what do they look like on the inside of the container.
    They look like the back of a 3 pin plug, ideally you need some sort of plastic box over them

    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Crikey Bob, I was talking about using them on the inside, not the outside!
    Sure - but you never mentioned inside, and the OP was taking about a connection on the outside.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Specialized29er View Post
    I like that, what do they look like on the inside of the container.
    You'll need a box to cover the rear and mount the switches and probably an RCD. Not a sparky so ask one.
    Nev.

  10. #10
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    You maybe want to earth the container as well.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Specialized29er View Post
    I like that, what do they look like on the inside of the container.
    A bit like this, but they do have what passes for a cover.caravan socket.jpg
    This is a outlet wired by someone who thought they were a electrician but were mistaken.

    Best idea is to fix a small switch board which can be fixed across one of the inside valleys in wall. then fit the power inlet to the outside wall behind switchboard. that way it covers the terminals ( put a cover above switchboard so nithing can drop down behind it ). Then fit a RCD in board and connect those bunnings double pole GPO's. Best idea is to get sparky to connect all the bits but you can do the hard work beforehand.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-8-m...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    ...and the OP was taking about a connection on the outside.
    The OP also mentioned the inside:

    "...and something on the inside where I can plug in a couple of leads."

    Which is what I linked to.

    And Sparksy mentioned double pole outlets. Which, again, is what I linked to.

    Do you really think I'm so clueless that I'd recommend someone setup an arrangement that required a live male plug?
    Chris

  13. #13
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    Rather than use the common caravan type inlet I would go for a more substantial type. Some of the caravan type are pretty ordinary.
    Nev.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sparksy View Post
    This is a outlet wired by someone who thought they were a electrician but were mistaken.
    At least everything is earthed.

  15. #15
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Do you really think I'm so clueless that I'd recommend someone setup an arrangement that required a live male plug?
    No of course not, but I wasn't thinking of you, but a newbie who stumbles across this and reads it the wrong way. If "inside" had been explicitly mentioned in your reply I would not have commented.

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