Quote: Originally posted by Angie Tuck on 05/2/2021
The camp site i go to has the trip switch on the main unit you plug the lead into
I do not believe you can rely on that for your own safety inside your tent!
Your lead as it is, is not fit for purpose, and you have been strongly advised not to use it.
If you go to the camp site and use this lead, thinking it is all good, for the camp site to turn round and say, sorry, you can't, then you only have yourself to blame.
Apologies for being blunt, however, it is for your own safety that we are advising you against using this lead.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Yep Angie Tuck, as far as I am aware all campsites supplying electric at the pitch have to have a Trip Switch (RCD) in the electric post that you plug into, but you still need a EHU with embedded RCD, I am sure someone like Saxo1 will be along to explain why, apart from the fact that the RCD at the tent end could help save yours or someone's life one day.
The problem with relying on the site electrics is you can't be certain that they are up to date, if they are, and are tested according to the regs, in theory the risk is minimal. However you can't be sure that it is still 100% in between the time tested and the time you plug in.
Another issue is that with some older campsite installations the RCD fitted can be a time delayed type which means it won't trip in the required time to ensure personal safety.
RCDs are only 98% reliable so the belt and braces approach is the way to go.
saxo1
Another useful device we always use when we plug into camp electrics is a plug-in checker such as this from Amazon. It will check if the earth lead is connected as this is critical to your safety. Normally you will find everything OK in that respect, but I have found errors on the odd occasion, especially in France.
DK no problem be as blunt as you like 😁, im actually new to camping so I thank everyone for there advice, I will look for another one, I was given that one so didn't know if it worked, so thats why I asked how to test it, but im grateful for all the comments and I would never put anyone at risk so thankyou
Quote: Originally posted by Angie Tuck on 05/2/2021
DK no problem be as blunt as you like 😁, im actually new to camping so I thank everyone for there advice, I will look for another one, I was given that one so didn't know if it worked, so thats why I asked how to test it, but im grateful for all the comments and I would never put anyone at risk so thankyou
No worries.
Better to be safe than sorry as the saying goes.
Luckily, a new EHU lead is not too expensive.
Instead of the one I posted before, this is what I would get myself if I were to get a new one, as it is a good make, comes with 3 x 3-pin sockets and 2 USB ports, in a roller unit for easy of packing and storing:
It is more expensive, however, USB ports are very useful nowadays.
With regard to roller units or any cable rolled up in a coil, the advice is to unroll the entire cable as it can get warm wrapped up in the coil during use.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Hi,
Sorry to jump on this post, it just seemed easier than starting another.
We bought an EHU last year, it was 15m long (all the campsites said we should have 20m but couldn't find one). Luckily it reached.....just!
I was just wondering if there is a preferred/safe, way of extending? Would it be as simple as using a caravan mains hook up, with a connector box thingy covering the connection?
I'm probably over thinking it, but I'm worried about rainwater and kids messing about with it!
Thanks in advance.
My roller EHU kit was only 15m, and I carried a 25m extension in case I needed it, and I had used that twice in nearly 10 years of camping under canvas.
There are junction boxes available, some claimed to be water-proof.
I did not have one of those in my kit. I just made sure the junction of two cables was elevated so that it could not be submerged in water in the event of heavy rain and flood, like over a hedge or a fence.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Topic: Electric hook ups for tents
via mobile 05/2/2021 at 6:14pm
