Any astro-friendly sparkies Canberra area?

LewisM · #1 06-01-2019, 12:31 PM

Looking to put in an external powerpoint (finally), and whilst I know I can do it, better to do it legally.

So, anyone out there in Cannotberra suggest a good sparky who'd work at mate's rates/beer rates? The power is there (external hot water unit or air con unit), so fairly simple junction/splice.

Startrek (Martin) · #2 06-01-2019, 12:41 PM

Just a heads up
I’m a retired large electrical contractor for 40 years, you can’t tap off dedicated air con or hot water for a power point
Must come off an existing power point circuit
See if you have an existing power point not too far away from your obs location on an exterior internal wall of the house
If the house is brick veneer a sparky could mount an exterior weatherproof ( IP56 rated ) power point not too far away
I had to do the same thing
Cheers

LewisM · #3 06-01-2019, 12:48 PM

Thanks - good info to know.

DarkArts · #4 06-01-2019, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

Looking to put in an external powerpoint (finally), and whilst I know I can do it, better to do it legally.

So, anyone out there in Cannotberra suggest a good sparky who'd work at mate's rates/beer rates? The power is there (external hot water unit or air con unit), so fairly simple junction/splice.

I don't think you can do it that way ... RCD ratings and all. But I'm not an electrician. (Edit: Just saw Martin's post ... what he said).

Unfortunately, I can't recommend a sparky ... so this post may be a bit useless ... but they all seem to be a lot more expensive than Qld. Allegedly, exorbitant charging here is so common it has a name: "the Canberra Tax".

You should get an electrical safety certificate for the job. The ACT Office of Electrical Safety allegedly inspects around 10% of all post-build residential electrical work - they came to my place for a recent job.

xelasnave · #5 06-01-2019, 01:09 PM

Lewis just get a 12 vlt deep cycle battery a solar panel ans an inverter and you can do it yourself.
Alex

xelasnave · #6 06-01-2019, 01:10 PM

Or just a battery and inverter and charge it via an extention lead.
Alex

RB (Andrew) · #7 06-01-2019, 01:18 PM

Lewis was just hoping to tap into some cheaper off peak for his obs.

LewisM · #8 06-01-2019, 02:03 PM

Shush Andrew

Alex I want it for more than Astro junk - external lights etc. I currently run a 10 metre extension outside.

xelasnave · #9 06-01-2019, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

Shush Andrew

Alex I want it for more than Astro junk - external lights etc. I currently run a 10 metre extension outside.

Just get a longer cable ☺
Alex

LewisM · #10 06-01-2019, 05:14 PM

Not the issue - issue is having to run the cord from inside the house out through the door - not practical with air con running, kids tripping, wife turning it off at the wall etc.

Marke (Mark) · #11 06-01-2019, 05:52 PM

For what it's worth I ran a heavy duty extension lead from inside the house thru conduit underground to the obs with a safety cut out switch. It's not permanently powered so much safer and just plug in and switch on as needed.

RB (Andrew) · #12 06-01-2019, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marke

...just plug in and switch on as needed.

Mrs Lewis can also switch off and unplug as she sees fit.....

Marke (Mark) · #13 06-01-2019, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

Mrs Lewis can also switch off and unplug as she sees fit.....

Mine runs to a 15A Ctek charger and a 100ah deep cycle doesn't matter if turned off and it's in an out of the way socket.Been running like that for 6yrs now