Your supply cable will need to conform to standard BS EN 60309-2. This specifies a PVC/PVC flexible cable with three cores, each core ideally being 2.5mm. Hook up cables are therefore fatter than your standard domestic power cords. Cable care and storage Typical power consumption shown. Varies for different appliance models. Electric hook up top 5 safety tips Low-wattage appliances designed specifically for camping are readily available from outdoors suppliers. For UK-wired vehicles, this can cause a safety issue. Power is travelling down the neutral wire rather than the live wire. This means that an appliance will work, but live power will continue to flow to it even when it is switched off. We recommend that you avoid purchasing caravan hook up cables that have a rating lower than IP44. Cable RatingWhen camping in Europe it seems a no-brainer to carry an RP tester and adapter. For a small outlay, it will give you extra peace of mind. Worldwide Travel Adapter with 2 USB ports Genuine caravan hookup cables will be orange, making it highly visible. The colour of the cable is very important because it needs to be visible between the grass and gravel at your caravan pitch. Also, make sure you invest in an RCD which, as explained above, will avoid accidents and potential injury. These devices shut off automatically if they detect a problem with the circuit. div>

Do not keep your cables wrapped in polythene. It is likely condensation will appear which should be avoided.

A Reverse Polarity Tester will tell you if this is the case, and a Polarity Reverse Adapter will correct it. So, avoid that from happening by choosing the equipment carefully to avoid damaging both your reputation and appliances. What Do the Cables Look Like? An IP rating is short for the term Ingress Protection mark which is a two-digit grading system that’s ingrained onto the enclosure of electrical items so customers can see how effective the item is at resisting intrusion to unwanted substances. A normal kettle uses 2000W, or 8.7A. Therefore, we recommended above that you take special low-watt appliances. That one household item would use all the power from a 10A hook up.

Using them with your caravan is very much the same as using electricity at home. The main difference is that because you are using a mobile unit, there is a higher risk of mistakes being made. Regularly perform your own safety inspections and arrange for a fully qualified technician to run safety tests periodically. If the polarity is reversed, you should attach a Polarity Reverse Adapter to your hook up cable so that the power flowing to the van is the correct way round. Store all cables carefully, on a reel or coiled in unkinked loops. Ideally, keep your extension cable in a cable bag. Your designated power supply point may be on or next to your pitch, or it could be one or two pitches away from yours, requiring a long cable to reach it. How much power is supplied?

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Although mains leads are not essential for a successful caravan, motorhome or campervan trip, it can make your time on the road that little bit more relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable.