I have a question about setting up power for a market stall

[orientalsavouries]

We have four electrical appliances: deep fryer (9.2A), portable fridge/freezer (2.%A), electric frypan (7.5A), microwave (5.8A). We normally run two 15A leads to 15A outlets, and connect these to two 15A powerboxes that each have four 10A switches. But due to the limited amount of available outlets we are being told that we can connect one powerbox and run all of the appliances from that, a total of 26.6A, because, we are told, all of the outlets at the markets are actually 32A). But I feel that the lead from the powerbox (approx 1 metre) is only rated for 15A and would therefore be a potential fire hazard. I'm in Australia, so it's 240V

 

[Avo Mk8]

Hoping I have a correct summary of (single phase) Australian sockets below, with which I'm not too familiar! It may be that it's not even correct , and you might be using CEEform connectors.

If the market sockets provide a 32A supply, they are presumably 32A sockets. Do they look like the 32A socket below? If so, would your 15A plugs actually fit in them?
You are right to be concerned about trying to run all your appliances through one 15A lead.

 

[littlespark]

I was thinking a small weatherproof consumer unit, like you can get for camping…

32A incoming supply, split into 2 circuits with the 15A sockets.

I see the 32A on the diagram has a different shape of earth pin.

 

[Brother Blue]

One solution might be for you to make/ have made, an "adapter box" of two 15A sockets (into which you would plug both your existing 15A leads) wired together to a single 32A cable with a 32A plug compatible with the market outlet. Or the sort of adapter lead below (illustrative only!)

Definitely not, the adaptor you have pictured, or any in that style, is dangerous and should never be used as there is no overcurrent protection for the 16A sockets.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Definitely not, the adaptor you have pictured, or any in that style, is dangerous and should never be used as there is no overcurrent protection for the 16A sockets.

Good point. I've redacted the suggestion.

 

[orientalsavouries]

Definitely not, the adaptor you have pictured, or any in that style, is dangerous and should never be used as there is no overcurrent protection for the 16A sockets.

Thank you for that information. I didn't think it was safe to do as the market organizer was suggesting. I appreciate your advice.

 

[orientalsavouries]

Good point. I've redacted the suggestion.

Thank you for that information. I didn't think it was safe to do as the market organizer was suggesting. I appreciate your advice.

 

[Instantsafe]

Hoping I have a correct summary of (single phase) Australian sockets below, with which I'm not too familiar! It may be that it's not even correct , and you might be using CEEform connectors.

If the market sockets provide a 32A supply, they are presumably 32A sockets. Do they look like the 32A socket below? If so, would your 15A plugs actually fit in them?
You are right to be concerned about trying to run all your appliances through one 15A lead.


View attachment 122534

Yes that is what a 32A outlet looks like (in theory) in Australia.
In practice... it is something you would almost never see.
The limiting factor of the circuit may be a 32A RCBO, however, this would possibly be supplying 2 (or even 4) outlets which would each be a nominal 15A
All of Australia's 3 pin plugs will fit their own and any higher rated outlets ie. a 10A plug will fit any outlet, a 15 A will Not fit a 10A outlet but will fit any 15 or 20 or 32A. The larger earth pin is what determines this, and then when you go up to 20A all the pins are larger, so a 20A plug won't fit the 15A... 32A (and even the 25A- never spotted in the wild) then have extra shape to the Earth pin to prevent them going in to the 20A outlet and so on.
Some markets and Fairs etc use a 32A 3 phase outlet, which if you use the correct cable size you could draw a single phase at 32A then use a distribution box at you stand to break these out into 15A outlets.
If they are asking you to only use one outlet, I would be asking them to provide a 32A outlet rather than recommending you make a very warm 15A extension lead (or PSOA lead)