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Topic: Mains power in France, Spain and Portugal

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Reeferman

via mobile 26/6/2024 at 6:48am
Location: South coast UK
Outfit: Quecha arpenaz 4.1

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Good day to you all.

I am planning a trip to Lisbon from Portsmouth, via Caen, with stops in France and Spain. What should I expect to find at campsites to plug into?
Thanks in advance.

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A bad days fishing is always better than a good day at work.

seanfdh

26/6/2024 at 7:41am
Location: North Devon
Outfit: Robens Fairbanks Coleman Phad X3

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The vast majority of places will have the standard modern socket.
You can buy an adapter for the few that don't.
Some older sites may only have 6A or even 4A supplies so you may need to be careful about how many things you run at once.

If you van has a socket and onboard circuit-breakers etc you just need what would be called an extension lead. I'd get at least 25m because bollards can be few and far apart.

Mobile mains lead

Extension lead

Adapter

Other retailers are available, those are just examples.

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Sean

Reeferman

26/6/2024 at 7:51am
Location: South coast UK
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Thanks.

I've not yet fitted any mains to the van, WIP, but have the extension cable from my boat.

Looks like I just need an adaptor.

It's really only for phone charging etc. so low watt usage.

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A bad days fishing is always better than a good day at work.

seanfdh

26/6/2024 at 9:14am
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If it really is just phones etc and you're touring a couple of decent sized power banks and a rapid charger plugged into the van's lighter socket should see you right.

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Sean

dk168

26/6/2024 at 10:31am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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Definitely carry an adaptor!

The site I stayed in Dunkirk recently had a bollard with a mix of IP44 blue sockets as well 2-pin ones.

When I tried to plug in, there was only one IP44 blue socket left.

Luckily I carry a 2-pin adaptor all the time in my van, so it would not have been an issue if I had to use the 2-pin socket.

And yes to some older sites only have 6A EHU supply.

DK

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David Klyne

26/6/2024 at 9:04pm
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I wrote this guide a while ago for my website if it helps? http://www.davidklyne.co.uk/european_electrics.html

David

dk168

26/6/2024 at 11:07pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 26/6/2024
I wrote this guide a while ago for my website if it helps? http://www.davidklyne.co.uk/european_electrics.html

David

I believe I read that and made my own reverse polarity (RP) lead in readiness to go camping in Europe some years ago.

That short RP lead is permanent in my van now, along with an EU adaptor, and 3 leads in 5m, 10m and 25m.

DK

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