Ampfibian RV-Plus 15A Power Adaptor Review: Weatherproof Shore Power for Vans, RVs and Boats

The Ampfibian RV-Plus features a 15A Type I socket on the outlet side, allowing you to plug in your existing shore power lead directly. You can then close the weatherproof lid to keep power flowing safely, even in the rain.

What do you usually do when you want to connect your caravan, RV or van to shore power at home? Many owners often cut off the 15A plug on their power lead and replace it with a 10A plug to fit a standard household outlet. However, this approach is dangerously unsafe, voids the extension lead's warranty, and your insurance company won't honour your claim in the event of fire.

If you can afford to spare a few dollars, though, the Ampfibian RV-Plus 15A Power Adaptor offers a much better solution. It allows you to connect your original shore power lead (with its 15A plug still intact) to a standard 10A household socket. This means your camper gets shore power, but none of the other shortcomings with modified leads.

The RV-Plus is one of the 15A to 10A shore power adaptors we've tested recently to confirm if they really deliver on their purpose. In this guide, we'll break down all the key features of the unit to help you decide if it's the right choice for your adventure vehicle.

Ampfibian RV-Plus 15A Power Adaptor: Overview and Specifications

After our tests, we like to consider the RV-Plus an improvement over its sibling, the Ampfibian Mini Adaptor. Both adaptors will effectively and safely power your adventure vehicle from a standard 10A household outlet with the original 15A shore power lead.

However, the Ampfibian RV-Plus Adaptor houses its 15A outlet inside a rugged, enclosed housing with a clear, lockable lid. When closed, the enclosure creates a tight seal that protects the internal components against dust, rain and water jets from any direction. Thus, you can comfortably shore-power your van, RV or boat without worrying about exposure to the elements. The chart below summarises other key details you should know about this shore power adaptor:

What's in the Box?

Like the Mini version, this shore power adaptor has a simple design with very few components. Upon unboxing it for the first time, you'll find only the adaptor inside the box. It has everything else built in, including the input lead plug, RCD and circuit breaker.

How Big Is the RV-Plus? Design and Dimensions

Our shore power adaptor has a simple design that consists of a main power control unit with an integrated 1.6-metre input lead. It features a bright orange finish that's easily visible on the ground and a clear lid that makes it easy to inspect the circuit breaker and plug connection.

As for the size, the RV-Plus measures approximately 16.5 cm (D) x 26.0 cm (L) x 8.3 cm (H). While still compact enough for easy portability and storage, it is noticeably larger than the Ampfibian Mini, which measures 10.5 cm x 20.0 cm x 9.0 cm.

Is the Ampfibian RV-Plus Weatherproof and Durable?

One of the standout features of this adaptor is its solid build quality. In the hands, the plastic housing feels rugged, while the company has rated it with IK08 impact protection. An IK08 rating means the unit can safely withstand accidental drops and impacts of up to 5 joules without breaking.

Unlike its predecessor, the RV-Plus also features a nice sealing system around the flange of the housing to ensure a tight closure with the lid. It also has an additional seal on the lid and cable entry point, so you won't need to worry about dust, moisture or water seeping through even after connecting your camper's shore power lead.

That said, the adaptor has an IP55 ingress protection rating, so you must avoid submerging it in water or burying it in soil.

What Are Its Electrical Limits?

Like the Mini version, the RV-Plus has a maximum electrical rating of 240V AC @ 10 amps. The input lead includes a 10A Type I plug that you can safely connect to 10-amp sockets at home or campsites. Then, under the main housing, you'll find the 15A Type I socket designed to accept the 15-amp plug of your shore power lead.

Even though the output socket can physically accept a 15A lead, the adaptor itself is limited to a maximum output of 2400W (10A @ 240V). For seamless operations, therefore, you must always ensure that any appliance or accessory connected to the shore power socket inside your van, RV or boat does not exceed this capacity.

How Do You Use It? Step by Step

Like the Mini, the RV-Plus model is also very straightforward to use. You simply:

1. Plug the 10A inlet of the adaptor into your 10-amp mains power socket.
2. With the adaptor switched on, press the Test button (labelled T) to confirm that the safety switch trips correctly.
3. If the unit passes the test, connect the plug of your shore power lead to the 15A outlet.
4. Next, connect the other end of the shore power lead to the shore power inlet socket on your adventure van or RV.
5. Now, confirm the breaker switch on the adaptor is at the "On" position. If so, you should have power flowing to the shore socket inside your camper.
6. Finally, close the lid on the adaptor (if not already closed) to protect it from the elements.

Does It Boost 10 Amps to 15 Amps?

If properly connected, this Ampfibian adaptor will reliably deliver shore power to your van, RV or boat while drawing from a standard 10A mains outlet. But keep in mind, it DOES NOT boost the 10-amp input to 15 amps. Instead, the adaptor limits the entire circuit to a maximum of 10 amps. If your appliances draw more than this, the built-in safety feature will trip to protect the system.

For safe and reliable operation, your total load connected to the shore power socket must not exceed 2400W (10A @ 240V). If you notice the safety switch is tripping due to overload, just disconnect the excess load from the shore power socket. Then, reset the safety switch, and use your appliances one at a time or in smaller combinations.

What Safety Features Does It Have?

The primary purpose of a shore power adaptor like this is to eliminate the electrical risks associated with using an improvised 15A plug on a 10A outlet. It protects you, your adventure vehicle and your appliances from potential electrical faults.

The RV-Plus is designed in compliance with the critical Australian and New Zealand electrical safety standards, specifically codes AS/NZS 3001 and AS/NZS 3190. First, it has robust protection against mechanical damage, environmental exposure and accidental contact. Then, there's an RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) — a combination of an RCD and MCB.

The RCD (residual current device) has a 30mA sensitivity with a trip time of less than 100ms (0.1 seconds), providing fast protection against electric shock caused by current leakage. Meanwhile, the miniature circuit breaker (MCB) automatically disconnects power if the load exceeds the rated 10A (2400W), preventing overheating of the supply cord and reducing the risk of electrical fires.

For added security when used outdoors, the adaptor includes a latch for securing a padlock or security cable. This helps prevent anyone from tampering with the live connection or stealing it.

Please Note:

• The RCBO in the RV-Plus is a Type C device and can only detect AC residual currents.
• The RCD of this adaptor carries a basic L-Class rating suitable for low-risk applications only. It is not intended for use with high-stress industrial equipment that operates on heavy electrical and thermal demands.

How Convenient Is It Day to Day?

Overall, this Ampfibian shore power adaptor is extremely user-friendly, thanks to its simple plug-and-play design. Anyone can use it, since you simply connect it just like a normal power cord extension.

The unit also features a power-on indicator light that clearly shows whether power is reaching the unit. Its transparent weatherproof cover provides a clear view of this LED light, the RCD breaker and the outlet connection. Thus, you can instantly know whether the device is working, if the breaker has tripped, or if your shore power lead has become disconnected from the 15A outlet.

Another convenient feature that many users will overlook is the RCD's test button and reset switch. Together, they complete the safety system, letting you easily test the device's effectiveness and reset the breaker after it trips.

We also can't overlook the generous 1.6-metre cord that connects to the inlet plug. This extra length allows you to reach outlets in awkward or inconvenient locations. It also gives your shore power lead additional reach when you need that extra stretch to connect to your caravan, campervan, RV or boat.

How Much Does the Ampfibian RV-Plus Cost?

Well, the RV-Plus is not the cheapest shore power adaptor on the market. However, it is a premium unit built locally to withstand Australia's extreme conditions. Its prices vary across retailers, with many selling it for $180 or more. But the price includes a solid 2-year warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing you're protected if any issues arise.

Is It Worth Buying? Extra Versatility

Is this shore power adaptor worth buying? The answer is yes. The Ampfibian RV-Plus Power Adaptor is a worthwhile investment for any owner of an adventure van, RV or boat. Even if you already have a 15A outlet installed at home, you will still need it during your travels, as you'll be able to hook up to a 10A socket if the campsite has no unoccupied 15A outlet.

Better yet, this 15A to 10A adaptor isn't limited to shore-powering your camper. You can also use it to run an appliance or equipment with a 15A plug from a 10A socket. This ensures your devices operate smoothly without the need to modify the plug — something that would be both unsafe and void the device's warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ampfibian RV-Plus weatherproof?

Yes — it has an IP55 ingress protection rating, with seals around the housing flange, lid and cable entry point that keep out dust, rain and water jets from any direction, even with a shore power lead connected. However, you must avoid submerging it in water or burying it in soil.

Does it convert a 10A supply into 15A?

No. It does not boost the 10-amp input to 15 amps — it limits the entire circuit to a maximum of 10 amps (2400W at 240V). If your connected appliances draw more than this, the built-in safety feature will trip to protect the system.

How is it different from the Ampfibian Mini?

The RV-Plus houses its 15A outlet inside a rugged, enclosed housing with a clear, lockable lid and full sealing system, making it suitable for outdoor use in the elements. It is also larger, measuring 16.5 x 26.0 x 8.3 cm versus the Mini's 10.5 x 20.0 x 9.0 cm.

What does it cost and what warranty is included?

Prices vary across retailers, with many selling it for $180 or more, and it includes a solid 2-year warranty.

Want to shore-power your rig safely in any weather? Order the Ampfibian RV-Plus 15A Power Adaptor from Campervan Builders today.