Lots of caravanners often use mains electricity to power a range of appliances while attached to an electric hook-up EHU at one of our campsites. This is a best practice guide to how caravan electrics work and using the electricity supply safely. For information on how to hook up to the mains, take a look at our handy guide. The distribution and supply of electrical power in the UK, as well as wiring installations in buildings, caravan sites and caravans is governed by the British Standard BS, All Caravan and Motorhome campsiteswhere mains is available, have socket outlets which comply with this standard.

On Certificated Locations and other sites the plug may simply push straight in. The maximum permitted distance between socket outlet and any point on the caravan pitch is 20 metres. Adaptors are also available to connect the standard connecting cable to a domestic 13A socket, so that the caravan can be connected to a house power supply while being stored at home.

The domestic plug must be connected inside caravan house, or in a suitable weatherproof enclosure outside. Other appliances made by well-known manufacturers and sold by reputable traders may be suitable, but if in doubt, ask the manufacturer if the appliance can be used in a caravan.

Although the caravan installation is designed for a maximum current of 16 Amp, some sites may limit the https://telegram-web.online/dating-jewish-men.php current loading per caravan to a lower figure, usually 10 Amp in the UK and sometimes 5 Amp or less.

On arrival at a site, check the maximum permitted current, and make sure you don't exceed this figure. Exceeding this figure will result in tripped circuit breakers - at the site rather than in the caravan, which causes inconvenience not only to you, but also your fellow caravanners source the site wardens.

A total electrical load of 1 kW will require a 5 Link supply at V.

Hence the normal supply of 16 Amp in the UK would be suitable for a total load of approximately 3 kW although this may exceed the circuit limitations of the caravan. The average domestic kettle with power consumption in hook of 2 kW may not be usable with hook limited to 10 Amp. Lower consumption kettles are available at any caravan accessory shop. In the UK, Club site staff have authority to refuse to offer a power supply to a caravan if it is believed that the installation may be unsafe.

Always make sure the caravan-to-site connecting cable is fully unwound when used. If hook, lay out any excess cable in parallel rows not tight coils beside the caravan. Failure caravan do this can result in the cable overheating and even catching fire. Motorhomers must not leave cables plugged in on pitches while their vehicle is away from the site during the day.

This creates a major safety hazard for wardens when grass cutting, or for children and others who might pick up the live end of the cable. Disconnect the cable and coil it next to the bollard or take it with you and use a suitable sign to reserve your pitch. Electricity on continental European caravan is usually V nominal, but in practice can be considerably less.

Most appliances sold in the UK are rated at V and usually work just fine when abroad. Some high-powered equipment, such as a caravan's microwave ovenmay not function well - consult the appliance handbook for further information. You might be offered a choice of Amp allowances. Check our guide for common appliances or you can work it out more accurately by noting the wattage of each appliance in your caravan. The kettle given is the caravan type, not a household kettle which usually has at least a watt element.

Note that each caravan circuit also has a maximum Amp rating which should not be exceeded.

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Whilst there is a European Standard for connectors you may find some continental sites where your UK 3-pin caravan will not fit. Spain, France and Italy are gradually changing over, but older style hook-ups may still be encountered.

The main alternatives are:. Even when the site connector is to EN, UK caravanners can still encounter the problem known as reversed polarity. Caravan is where the site supply's 'live' line connects to the caravans 'neutral' and vice versa hook is due to different standards of plug and socket wiring that exist in other countries. We therefore recommend checking the polarity immediately points connection, using a polarity tester.

The caravan mains electrical installation should not be used while a reversed polarity situation exists. Disconnect from the mains and try another connection point on the site supply — sometimes this resolves the problem. Some members make or buy a short polarity-reversing adapter lead to use in such circumstances. If the reversed polarity cannot be resolved, do not use the supply, as the electrical safety within your outfit will be compromised.

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Also, never use a site without an earthing system. How caravan electrics work on site Lots of caravanners often use mains electricity caravan power a range of appliances while attached to an electric hook-up EHU at one of our campsites. For information on how to hook up to the mains, take a look at our handy guide UK regulations The distribution and supply of electrical power in the UK, as well as wiring installations in buildings, caravan sites and caravans is governed by the British Standard BS, Using the hook up point on site The maximum permitted distance between socket outlet and any points on the caravan pitch is 20 metres.

Safe use and maintenance Take a look at our top tips for keeping your electrical system safe and in good condition: The caravan mains electrical go here should be checked regularly - annually if you cover high mileages. Keep your equipment in points order and have appliances serviced as recommended by the manufacturer. Damaged or points cables should be replaced immediately.

Do not abuse appliances by forcing them to perform in excess of their capability. Switch off ALL internal appliances before hook to or disconnecting from site supply. Check operation of RCD residual current device using the test button every time caravan is connected to a site supply NOTE: Supply must be switched on at site socket outlet.

In the event of a blown fuse or MCB miniature circuit breaker trip, switch off the supply and find the cause before replacing the fuse or resetting MCB. If an appliance malfunctions, switch off supply before removing the appliance for inspection. Cable safety Always make sure the caravan-to-site connecting cable is fully unwound when used. Using mains power in continental Europe Electricity on continental European sites is usually V nominal, but in practice can be considerably less.

Electrical connections Whilst there is a European Standard for connectors you may find some continental sites where your UK 3-pin connector will not fit. The main alternatives are: France - a two-pin plus earth socket - this is hook most common type of adaptor available from UK caravan accessory shops.

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Germany - the two-pin plus two earth strips - found in the Points, Norway and Sweden. Adaptors can often be borrowed from the campsite office. Reversed polarity Even when the site connector is to EN, UK caravanners can still encounter the problem known as reversed polarity.

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