When you do not have access to a 230V mains hook-up you can use an invertor to provide a 230V supply from your 12V battery. That means you could run a low-watt camping or travel kettle (around 750 Watts), plus a low-watt toaster (900 Watts). But if someone then plugs in a low 600W Hair Dryer, you are dangerously close to tripping the electrics. Start Camping Camping Tips Using an Electric Hook Up (EHU) when Camping Using an Electric Hook Up (EHU) when Camping Posted by Gav Grayston. Different appliances draw different amounts of current. A domestic kettle is power-hungry but you can get a low-watt camping kettle. Also, be careful of running devices at the same time. For example, when using the kettle, you may avoid overloading the supply by turning off a heater. Caravans and motorhomes also have the option to opt for one of the fully serviced hardstanding touring pitches. There pitches welcome up to six guests and are each 12m x 10m in size with a 3m wide gravel hardstanding area, electric hook up, water point and grey waste hook up.

Electric Hook-Up | Caravan Electric Hook-Up Units | Toolstation

Working out exactly how much you can plug in and turn on requires understanding Ohm's law and considering any voltage drop (which can cause a current increase) with long cable lengths! A new outfit will have mains wiring installed correctly if it has a National Caravan Council (NCC) certificate. However, a 230V mains appliance taking a 1A supply from an invertor will require 20A from the battery, which can cause the battery to discharge rapidly and overload the 12V wiring system. It is also important to remember to take the same safety precautions with a 230V supply from an invertor as with a normal 230V mains supply. Generators As a guide, 230 volts an appliance of 1 kW (1000 watts) uses about 4.3 amps – this should help you work out the others.Cheaper generators may cause electrical spikes or surges in voltage that can result in damage to the caravan’s sensitive electronic control systems. Allowing generators to run for a while to warm up before connecting can sometimes alleviate this problem, but it is better to buy a generator with the technology to provide a smooth surge-free electrical supply. Uncoil the connecting cable from the drum (a coiled cable with current flowing through it may overheat). This guide takes you through using electric hookups, and what appliances you could use when camping, as well as a hand table to work out how much power you can use. Take your caravan electric hook up cable and insert the connector (female end) into the caravan inlet. Reduce power consumption as the 1.5mm sq CSA cable is not as capable of sustaining maximum electrical power usage on a caravan or motorhome without the cable overheating

Electric Hook Ups | Camping Electrical Hook Ups | Toolstation

Using the mains electricity won’t affect your outfit’s normal 12 volt electrical system directly; although it may keep an on-board battery charged up to help keep the 12 volt electrical system working. The Club does not require the production of an EICR certificate with any kind of camping unit but recommends members obtain one. Camping on the continent Fuses used in plugs should be the size recommended by the appliance manufacturer. Before you replace any blown fuse you should establish what the cause is and never increase the size of the fuse above the rating specified. Remember also that most appliances you use will have been designed for the domestic environment and may therefore be vulnerable to condensation. Maintenance

Safety is paramount

Although the electrical standards require a 25m cable with a CSA of 2.5mm sq these are rarely available for sale so if you must get a 1.5mm sq CSA with only 15m of cable consider the following: Camping in Europe can offer a few additional challenges to UK campers. Fortunately, with the coming of standardisation within the European Union, voltage supply problems are fewer than before.

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UK wiring regulations require special measures if electricity is to be used in outdoor locations and as conditions in tent and awnings can often be damp and affected by condensation, it is only sensible to take special measures in these situations. This will be a nominal 230V, single phase, 50Hz supply, which is compatible with UK and modern European caravans, motorhomes, trailer tents, folding campers and tent hook-up connections. The available power from continental hook-up points will often be less than the UK and a supply as little as 5A or 6A is common. Use our helpful step-by-step guide for hooking your caravan or motorhome up to the mains to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable touring holiday. How to hook-up to the mains To be safe, an outfit’s mains wiring installation should be carried out by an electrical expert and you should ideally have an inspection and written report once every three years by an appropriately qualified contractor.A generator must always be used outside because of the danger from exhaust and carbon monoxide. Always place it downwind and make sure the fumes do not go directly into other camping units. You will probably need to have a ventilated housing to shield it from rain and help keep the noise disturbance low. Do not forget the exhaust end of the generator will get very hot and can be a hazard to children and animals and give risk of fire if it is near long grass or other flammable material.