Many caravan owners often use mains electricity to charge a range of appliances while attached to an electric hook-up (EHU) at campsites. This is a 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.
UK regulations
The distribution and supply of electrical power in Great Britain, as well as wiring installations in buildings, caravan sites and caravans, is governed by the BS7671, 2001 Standard
All Caravan and Motorhome campsites, where mains are available, have socket outlets which comply with this standard. Most of those on Club sites have a ‘plug in and turn clockwise’ action. On other Certificated Locations and other sites, the plug may simply push straight in.
Using the hook-up point on site
The longest permitted distance between the socket outlet and any point on the pitch is 20 metres. The use of cable joiners and or splitters are not permitted on Club sites and the lead should be 25 metres of flexible cable supplied by the caravan manufacturer, this will enable you to connect your outfit to the electric hook-up provided.
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 the house.
Test certificates
You should have a completed and signed Electrical Installation Certificate issued by a competent person. These should be originals, giving details of the caravan (including the make, model and VIN) and signed by a ‘competent person’ - photocopies are not acceptable so don’t use them.
Mains power in Europe
Electricity on continental European sites is usually 220V nominal, but in practice can be considerably less. Most appliances sold in Britain are rated at 220-240V and usually work just fine when abroad. Some high-powered equipment, such as a caravan's microwave oven, may 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 2000-watt element. Note that each caravan circuit also has a maximum Amp rating which should not be exceeded.
So, for all your caravan equipment, look no further than the team at H Bowers. Call us on 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.