Using a powerbank to run the motorhome

[TiredRob]

Hi,

This may sound like a dumb question, but...

I have an Ecoflow Delta Pro powerbank, which gives me all the 240v I need - but means I have to run extension leads from the garage to wherever I actually want power.

Could I just feed power into the 240 socket in my garage section, to supply the rest of the 240v sockets in the van?

TIA

 

[Googlebot]

Hi,

This may sound like a dumb question, but...

I have an Ecoflow Delta Pro powerbank, which gives me all the 240v I need - but means I have to run extension leads from the garage to wherever I actually want power.

Could I just feed power into the 240 socket in my garage section, to supply the rest of the 240v sockets in the van?

TIA

No, you will bypass any RCD protection and if using a double plug lead will create a massive shock risk.

Will it work, yes.

Should it be done, no.

Can you just use it to plug into the normal hook up inlet? Turn the heater and fridge to gas manually?

 

[autorouter]

Could I just feed power into the 240 socket in my garage section, to supply the rest of the 240v sockets in the van?

As Googlebot says, definitely not a good idea. However there is an easy alternative. If you look at your motorhome mains inlet connector, the round blue 16A one, you'll notice it's a plug, ie it has three pins. The EHU cable has a round blue 16A socket on the end which connects to it. You can install another round blue connector in the garage, which is also a plug just like the mains inlet connector. Also you need a changeover switch, that switches the motorhome electrics to either the normal mains inlet or your new inlet from the power bank. Obviously you will also need a short adapter lead that goes from the power bank 13A socket to the new round blue motorhome inlet you just installed.

The changeover switch will ensure that the normal mains inlet is isolated when the power bank is switched in, and also that the power bank is isolated when the normal mains inlet is in use. This arrangement is quite common when a generator is used, and is ideal for a power bank too. You can look up 'generator transfer switch' to find a suitable switch, maybe like this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heschen-Universal-Selector-Changeover-Terminals/dp/B097T3DXV8?tag=mhf04-21

Some people even install a relay that automatically switches to mains hookup supply whenever it is connected, and back to the power bank when the mains hookup is disconnected.

 

[Cush]

As Googlebot says, definitely not a good idea. However there is an easy alternative. If you look at your motorhome mains inlet connector, the round blue 16A one, you'll notice it's a plug, ie it has three pins. The EHU cable has a round blue 16A socket on the end which connects to it. You can install another round blue connector in the garage, which is also a plug just like the mains inlet connector. Also you need a changeover switch, that switches the motorhome electrics to either the normal mains inlet or your new inlet from the power bank. Obviously you will also need a short adapter lead that goes from the power bank 13A socket to the new round blue motorhome inlet you just installed.

The changeover switch will ensure that the normal mains inlet is isolated when the power bank is switched in, and also that the power bank is isolated when the normal mains inlet is in use. This arrangement is quite common when a generator is used, and is ideal for a power bank too. You can look up 'generator transfer switch' to find a suitable switch, maybe like this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heschen-Universal-Selector-Changeover-Terminals/dp/B097T3DXV8?tag=mhf04-21

Some people even install a relay that automatically switches to mains hookup supply whenever it is connected, and back to the power bank when the mains hookup is disconnected.

This is what I did with autorouter ‘s guidance. Works well

 

[gus-lopez]

Then after you have done what is stated above put a load of solar on the roof run the cables down in to a XT-60 connector & plug in to keep it fully charged.

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[Tombola]

I did this from my lesiure batteries inverter when I had a problem abroad, and just took the cable out the window, into the EHU inlet for a few days.

Didnt half get asked some questions when at gravelines with my ehu coming out the van then back in
but as said, make sure your charger and fridge are not set to electric

 

[pappajohn]

I do it whenever there's a power cut at home.
Crank up the Genny and plug into a kitchen socket.
The RCD and mcbs work regardless of which way the current is flowing.
I've proved this by reversing the incoming live and neutral at my garage consumer unit main switch then introducing a fault
Remember to turn off the main switch at home as if power is restored it could damage the Genny.

 

[Cush]

Then after you have done what is stated above put a load of solar on the roof run the cables down in to a XT-60 connector & plug in to keep it fully charged.

And this too . Plus 400 watts of portable panels. Using the same selector switch as above means you can send the panels solar voltage to either the power bank or another solar controller for you leisure battery. Ecoflow should be good with panels of varying open circuit voltage. Ones like the anker are a little more picky but all the info is on the spec sheets for the power banks.

 

[Cush]

but as said, make sure your charger and fridge are not set to electric

Also add to that the hot water, heater and cooker-top hot plate, if you have one.

 

[Googlebot]

I do it whenever there's a power cut at home.
Crank up the Genny and plug into a kitchen socket.
The RCD and mcbs work regardless of which way the current is flowing.
I've proved this by reversing the incoming live and neutral at my garage consumer unit main switch then introducing a fault
Remember to turn off the main switch at home as if power is restored it could damage the Genny.

What about the circuit you are plugged into? That has no RCD protection. You also risk electrocuting the poor sod trying to fix your power supply if you forget to trip the mains switch off.

Not to mention the live plug should you forget to switch off the socket or generator.

Yes, it works, but it is inherently unsafe. It isn’t even that expensive to wire in a proper changeover and do it in complete safety.

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[OldAgeTravellers]

Crank up the Genny and plug into a kitchen socket.

Sounds like a good idea in an emergency. But unintended things do happen and you would be criminally liable.
A friend of mine some years ago changed a blown fuse as a favour in a neighbours twin tub washing machine plug. She used it the following day in bare feet on a stone floor. It had an earth fault and she was electrocuted and died. He was tried and convicted of manslaughter and got a prison sentence. Because he had not done a full electrical safety check on the washing machine after changing the blown fuse.
Anybody could come in and remove that plug with live pins without your knowledge or you could forget to turn off the main switch and a lineman gets electrocuted.
The same with the power bank in the Motorhome garage. The bare pins in the hookup inlet would be live and a curious child could lift up the flap and stick their fingers in. Just do it properly and safely as autorouter said for your own protection.

 

[Autoroute]

You could make up a lead long enough to go from the Ecoflow to the hook up input on the van. Three pin plug on one end to plug into your Ecoflow and hook up output on the other that plugs into your van hook up.
My Bluetti trips if you use an appliance that draws more than 1000w, so think about that.

 

[gus-lopez]

Ecoflow should be good with panels of varying open circuit voltage.

they are.

 

[Tigger-Tim]

I do it whenever there's a power cut at home.
Crank up the Genny and plug into a kitchen socket.
The RCD and mcbs work regardless of which way the current is flowing.
I've proved this by reversing the incoming live and neutral at my garage consumer unit main switch then introducing a fault
Remember to turn off the main switch at home as if power is restored it could damage the Genny.

> Remember to turn off the main switch at home as if power is restored it could damage the Genny.

I think you mean "electrocute the poor sod who is trying to repair the service".

A proper change over switch and wiring is not expensive and far safer.

 

[stevewagner]

I do it whenever there's a power cut at home.
Crank up the Genny and plug into a kitchen socket.
The RCD and mcbs work regardless of which way the current is flowing.
I've proved this by reversing the incoming live and neutral at my garage consumer unit main switch then introducing a fault
Remember to turn off the main switch at home as if power is restored it could damage the Genny.

You are joking right?

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