Trystan Casey
There are several ways to hook up electricity at a campsite, depending on the type of campsite and equipment you have. If you're camping in a tent, you can use a leisure battery, which provides a 12V supply, or an electric hook-up (EHU) if the campsite offers it. For caravans, motorhomes, and RVs, electric hookups are more common and usually involve connecting to a power source via an RV power cord or an extension cord. It's important to be mindful of power usage and safety precautions when using electricity at a campsite to avoid overloading the system or causing damage to your equipment.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Hook Up at Campsites
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of electric hookups | Electric hookup using a leisure battery, Electric Hook Up (EHU) |
| EHU cable | Safe and robust cable, different for caravans and motorhomes |
| EHU power output | 230V supply, 10A or 16A |
| EHU safety | Fitted with an MCB (miniature circuit breaker) to prevent overloading |
| RV electric hookup | Requires a 30-amp or 50-amp RV electrical hookup, with adapters available |
| RV cable length | RV power cords are usually long enough, but RV extension cords are useful for distant power sources |
| RV surge protection | Portable surge protectors are recommended to prevent damage from power surges |
| RV water connection | Use an RV hose to connect to the water source, ensure it is a potable water hose |
| RV cable TV connection | Use a coaxial cable to connect to the campground's cable outlet |
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What You'll Learn
Using an extension cord
First, it is important to note that you cannot use a regular household extension cord for this purpose. The power demands of your appliances and the unique challenges of outdoor electrical setups require a specialised extension cord. For example, a regular extension cord cannot handle the amount of power an RV needs and may overheat. Instead, opt for a heavy-duty extension cord designed specifically for RVs or outdoor use. These cords come in various lengths and amperages, so choose one that suits your needs.
If you are camping with an RV, ensure that you park close enough to the campground's electrical source or power pedestal so that your extension cord can easily reach it. Most RV power cords are long enough, but in some cases, an extension cord is necessary. Before plugging anything in, check that all electric appliances in the RV are turned off.
Next, locate the correct outlet on the power source. Campgrounds often offer both 30-amp and 50-amp outlets, and you will need to choose the one that matches your plug and power needs. If you have a 30-amp RV, be mindful that you may need to be more selective about what appliances you run simultaneously to avoid overloading the system. Adapters are available for both 30-to-50-amp and 50-to-30-amp conversions, so carry one with you just in case.
Once you've determined the correct outlet, plug a surge protector into it. Surge protectors act as a buffer between the campground's electrical service and your RV or appliances, helping to prevent damage from power surges, low or high voltages, and faulty wiring. After plugging in the surge protector, flip the corresponding breaker to the "on" position and check that everything is functioning properly.
Now, you can plug your extension cord into the surge protector. At the other end, plug your appliances into the extension cord, ensuring that you do not exceed the power capacity of the extension cord or the shared power supply, if applicable. If you are using a tent, you may want to use a power strip with multiple outlets to plug in several low-power devices.
Lastly, always follow basic electrical safety guidelines. Keep the extension cord away from water, and do not overload the system by running too many high-power appliances at once. Be mindful of any shared power supply situations, and use electricity responsibly to avoid tripping the power or causing a power cut for your fellow campers.
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Electric hook-up points
To use an EHU, you will need an electric hook-up cable. For tents, you can simply plug the cable into the power point and run it into your tent. From there, you can plug in standard 3-pin plugs for your appliances. However, electric hook-ups can only power low-power-consuming appliances, and you need to be mindful of the total power consumption to avoid overloading. Most campsites provide electricity from a 230V supply, rated at either 10 or 16 amps.
For caravans and motorhomes, you will need a slightly different cable, such as the Semloh EHU, which connects the external power directly to your caravan's supply. First, hook up the cable to your caravan or motorhome, and then run it out to the electric point. In some cases, you may need to twist the cable to lock it in place.
When using an RV electric hook-up, it is important to follow the correct steps to prevent damage or injury. First, park your RV close to the power pedestal. Ensure all electric appliances are turned off, then locate the correct outlet and flip the corresponding breaker to the "off" position. Plug in a surge protector, flip the breaker back on, and check that the outlet is functioning properly. If everything is fine, plug the RV cable into the surge protector and turn on the AC and any other necessary appliances.
Additionally, it is recommended to have a shore power extension cord or an RV-specific heavy-duty cord if the power pedestal is far from your campsite. You may also need adapters to accommodate different amp outlets, such as 30-amp or 50-amp. These adapters allow you to plug into different power sources but remember that your power capacity will be limited to the lower amp rating.
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Understanding power supply
When using an EHU, you will need an electric hook-up cable, which you plug into the power point and run into your tent or RV. You can then plug standard 3-pin plugs into it for your appliances. However, electric hook-ups can only power low-power-consuming appliances, so it's important to check the power requirements of your appliances. Most campsites provide electricity rated at either 10 or 16 amps, which means you have a limited amount of power to use. For example, if you have a 2000W heater and are on a 10A supply, you will have 2300W to use in total, so you may need to turn off the heater to run other appliances.
If you are using an RV, you will need to know whether you have a 30-amp or 50-amp RV to choose the correct outlet. You may also need an adapter if the campground doesn't have the type of outlet you need. It's also recommended to use a heavy-duty RV-specific extension cord if the power source is far from your campsite. A portable surge protector can also save you from costly electrical repairs if something goes wrong.
Overall, understanding the power supply and your appliance's requirements is crucial to safely and effectively using electricity at a campsite.
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Using a leisure battery
If you're camping in a vehicle, you can use a leisure battery to power your electrics. This is a good option if you're camping off-grid, but you'll need to keep your battery charged.
A leisure battery can be charged via a solar panel, or by driving your vehicle. If you're on a campsite with electric hook-up, you can use this to charge your leisure battery. Electric hook-up lets you connect to a campsite's power supply, usually 240V (or 230V/220V in Europe). This will recharge your leisure battery and power your appliances.
To use electric hook-up, you'll need a mains hook-up lead, which will plug into your vehicle via an inlet socket. You can then connect to the campsite power supply bollard (or EHU post). You may need a long extension lead to reach the bollard. You can also use an adapter to connect to a domestic socket.
If you have an inverter, you can use this to convert the 12V power from your leisure battery to 230V, to power mains appliances. However, if you want to use high-power appliances, you'll need a large inverter, which is heavy and expensive.
If you don't have an inverter, there are a few ways to charge your leisure battery. You can use a battery charger, connected to your starter battery, or directly to your leisure battery. You can also use two chargers, one for the starter and one for the leisure battery.
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Connecting to an RV
Connecting your RV to electricity at a campsite is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure safety and avoid damage to your vehicle. Here is a detailed guide on how to connect to an RV:
Parking:
Firstly, when parking your RV at the campsite, ensure that you are close enough to the power source. Most RV power cords are long, but in some cases, you may need an extension cord. Remember that a standard extension cord is not suitable for this purpose, as it cannot handle the power requirements of an RV and may overheat. Instead, use an RV-specific extension cord, which comes in different lengths and amperages.
Switching Off:
Before connecting, turn off all electric appliances in the RV. Also, locate the correct outlet and flip the corresponding breaker to the "off" position.
Surge Protection:
Use a surge protector to protect your RV's electrical system from potential power surges. A power surge can cause significant damage to your RV, so this step is crucial. Ensure the surge protector is rated for the amperage of your hookup.
Voltage Check:
Use a voltage meter to check the hookup's voltage level before connecting. This step ensures the voltage is within a safe range for your RV.
Plugging In:
Once you've confirmed the voltage is safe, plug the RV cable into the surge protector. Then, switch the campsite breaker back on, and you should have power in your RV!
Running Appliances:
When running appliances, be mindful of your RV's power requirements. If you have a 30-amp RV, you may need to be cautious about running multiple high-wattage appliances simultaneously to avoid tripping the breaker. 50-amp hookups offer more extensive electricity and can support multiple high-demand appliances.
Disconnecting:
To disconnect your RV, turn off all electric appliances. Then, unplug your RV cable from the surge protector, and switch the breaker back off.
Adapters:
Keep in mind that different campsites may have varying outlet types. If the outlet doesn't match your RV's plug, you may need an adapter. It's a good idea to carry adapters for different amperages (30-to-50-amp and vice versa) to ensure compatibility with various hookups.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main ways to power electrical devices when camping. The first is to use a leisure battery, which is like a car battery and provides a 12V supply. The second is an electric hook-up, which provides a 230V supply. To use an electric hook-up, purchase a safe electric hook-up cable, plug it into the electric point, and run the cable into your tent or RV.
You will need a safe, robust electric hook-up cable. The cable you need will depend on your campsite setup. If you are camping with a tent, you can use a standard outdoor extension cord. If you are camping with a caravan or motorhome, you will need a different cable, such as the Semloh EHU. If you are camping with an RV, you will need a heavy-duty RV-specific cord.
First, park your RV close to the campground's electrical source. Check that all electric appliances in the RV are off. Locate the correct outlet and flip the corresponding breaker to the "off" position. Plug in a surge protector, flip the breaker back on, and check that the outlet is working. If everything is working, plug the RV cable into the surge protector and turn on the AC and any other needed appliances.
If the power goes out suddenly, first check the breaker on the pedestal outside. If that seems fine, check the fuses in the fuse box inside of your RV.
