Just after a bit of good old fashioned UKCS t'internet expert advice on leccy usage...
Merely for reference...
Picture a tent, with (hopefully!) one of those Outdoor Revolution camping fan heaters inside... 1500w full, or 750w low.
Not sure if this next bit is relevant, but also picture an EHU campsite post dishing out a 6A supply.
How many hours would that fan heater run on full (1500w) before hitting a total usage of 5KW?
Am I right in thinking it would be 3.33 hours? (Without plugging anything else in!) 6.66 hours if running constantly on the low setting (750w)? Or am I a simpleton? (Don't all shout at once!)
The reason I ask is that we are booked for an Easter break on a site that has very recently (since booking and paying in advance!) introduced an EHU limit of 5KW per 24h period! (Do I need a at this point?)
They do say there is an option to up the supply to 10A (At an unadvertised/unspecified price!), and I believe the same applies to up the daily limit. (Unsure of the specifics, at this stage.)
However, we are reluctant to pay much more (if at all), as €30 per night, for 2 adults, including the recently reduced tourist tax (Refund of difference since pre-paying the pitch fees has been refunded), and the 6A supply with 5KWh daily limit seems "more than a fair price"?
For info:
We'd be looking at "Being out all day". Let's say from 09:30 until 16:30 ish... weather permitting!
750w camping kettle on 5 or 6 times a day.
Outwell Castor Mains light and/or Fenix rechargeable lanterns for the evenings.
Crucially, a pair of shiny new 625Wh E-bike batteries to be charged each evening (These take about 3 hours to charge at home, simultaneously, from c. 50-60% to full. Doubt we'll run them down low on this break). (They are advertised at needing 5-6 hours to fully charge from flat).
And crucially at this time of year, the almost certain need to "take the chill off, of an evening/morning" with that handy little fan heater!
I guess the burning question is, will this newly enforced 5KWh per day even get close to satisfying our needs, or are the campsite owners taking the p**s?
We leave first thing Wednesday morning, so no answers on postcards please!
In the meantime, I'll start looking into cancellation rules/refunds etc, and alternative campsites, just in case we don't like your replies!
As you assume, a 750w heater running continually will consume 5kWh in approximately 6.6 hours, although it will be slightly less if the fan is not included in the 750 watts.
In practice, unless it is very cold the thermostat should prevent the heater from running continuously.
You are basically correct for your fan heater consumptions.
However, if they are thermostat controlled they may switch off for some times. It's the actual time it's running that counts.
There are other factors which can affect teh consumption.
Heaters are rated at 230 volts and will only use 1kW at 230 volts. The voltage in UK is 230 volts plus 10% or minus 6% at the meter point. So between 216.2 volts and 253 volts. The voltage will vary depending on conditions at the time. Heavy usage will reduce voltage, light use will increase it. Nearby renewable sources such as wind turbines or solar PV will increase it.
Then there is the voltage drop in the cables from the meter point to your heater. High loads by you and other users on site will reduce voltage.
So I would advise to build in a little buffer to allow for this.
Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 31/3/2023
Hey strangers!
Just after a bit of good old fashioned UKCS t'internet expert advice on leccy usage...
Merely for reference...
Picture a tent, with (hopefully!) one of those Outdoor Revolution camping fan heaters inside... 1500w full, or 750w low.
Not sure if this next bit is relevant, but also picture an EHU campsite post dishing out a 6A supply.
How many hours would that fan heater run on full (1500w) before hitting a total usage of 5KW?
Am I right in thinking it would be 3.33 hours? (Without plugging anything else in!) 6.66 hours if running constantly on the low setting (750w)? Or am I a simpleton? (Don't all shout at once!)
The reason I ask is that we are booked for an Easter break on a site that has very recently (since booking and paying in advance!) introduced an EHU limit of 5KW per 24h period! (Do I need a at this point?)
They do say there is an option to up the supply to 10A (At an unadvertised/unspecified price!), and I believe the same applies to up the daily limit. (Unsure of the specifics, at this stage.)
However, we are reluctant to pay much more (if at all), as €30 per night, for 2 adults, including the recently reduced tourist tax (Refund of difference since pre-paying the pitch fees has been refunded), and the 6A supply with 5KWh daily limit seems "more than a fair price"?
For info:
We'd be looking at "Being out all day". Let's say from 09:30 until 16:30 ish... weather permitting!
750w camping kettle on 5 or 6 times a day.
Outwell Castor Mains light and/or Fenix rechargeable lanterns for the evenings.
Crucially, a pair of shiny new 625Wh E-bike batteries to be charged each evening (These take about 3 hours to charge at home, simultaneously, from c. 50-60% to full. Doubt we'll run them down low on this break). (They are advertised at needing 5-6 hours to fully charge from flat).
And crucially at this time of year, the almost certain need to "take the chill off, of an evening/morning" with that handy little fan heater!
I guess the burning question is, will this newly enforced 5KWh per day even get close to satisfying our needs, or are the campsite owners taking the p**s?
We leave first thing Wednesday morning, so no answers on postcards please!
In the meantime, I'll start looking into cancellation rules/refunds etc, and alternative campsites, just in case we don't like your replies!
Cheers all. Luv yer!
6 amps wont power your heater on 1500w, so to answer your question at 1500w lasting zero minutes, on 750w it would last 6hrs30mins, then you have to account for the other things you are wanting to use too, its all just simple maths really
A 6A breaker should just power a 1500W heater but it depends on the voltage, at 240V it won't run it as long as on 230V.
I agree with Navver there is very little to spare on a 6A supply unless you are very good at juggling what you are using at any one time.
saxo1
I’m barely following the calculations (respect to the technical people) but would a freestanding solar panel help reduce EHU use - charging the e-bikes for example, or phones & lights?
Thanks for all the replies folks. All very helpful.
Don't want to go down the solar route, as hopefully this is a one off. Afterall, who has heard of a daily usage limit before? Extortionate EHU fees may become common place, (giving us all a choice, of course!) but limiting our usage and telling us what we can and cannot plug in? I doubt many sites will last long with that mantra!
As the site options for our chosen area are limited (As in there aren't any! LOL) and our destination is set in stone, we're going to go with the plan, see if we can up the usage limit, and pay what will hopefully be a "fair price" over and above the inclusive pitch fee, so that we remain comfortable, relaxed, and accepting of the situation, and the site retains 4 x satisfied customers that don't end up battering their previous good name, reputation, and internet review ratings.
There's already signs that's starting to happen, with reviews taking a downturn since December... and all electric related!
That aside, it's a top notch site, in a top notch destination, with previously top notch customer reviews!
Returning customers return for a reason!
The site claims they have brought in this new rule to avoid the need to close down (Due to the obvious hefty rises in electric costs). If they have a 2023 full of reviews like the past 3 months, I fear they'll be closing anyway, so maybe they need to look at other options to keep themselves in business?
(I'm a big fan of PAYG EHU meters, so hopefully this and other sites invest in this option moving forward).
Regardless of what camping units we use, if I've learned one thing from UKCS over the years, it's that we all like our comforts!
Wish us luck, and I'll report back when we return.
Thanks again all.
Hope all those planning an Easter getaway have a fantastic time.
Cheers.
EDIT:
Oh... forgot to mention... since I posted the OP (So it's not been mentioned above)... we've now learned their website now states "No electric heating heating allowed"!
Not sure how they'll monitor that, aside from actual meter checks and assumptions... or full on spying!
Like I say, we'll see how we get on, and report back. Regardless of the feedback, (Positive or otherwise!) I'll name the site, and submit a review, as it's been a very popular site over the years (8/10 from 71 reviews on here).
There were a couple of sites near me that had 6A EHU and did not allow heating inside the tent.
I went to stay at one during June/July when it was supposed to be warmer and managed without EHU. I have never returned to that site as the owner allowed footy to be played right in front of the tents, and a ball nearly knocked my charcoal BBQ over.
I never bothered with the other.
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!
They are probably conscious of folks with heaters warming up the camping field due to the 'accommodation' having zero insulation properties. We were on a site with only 6amp posts, where it was being tripped maybe 6 times a night. Turned out a couple in a tent with a 3kw heater blowing the fuses. After being told twice to cut the usage, they were eventually invited to leave.
Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 03/4/2023
They are probably conscious of folks with heaters warming up the camping field due to the 'accommodation' having zero insulation properties. We were on a site with only 6amp posts, where it was being tripped maybe 6 times a night. Turned out a couple in a tent with a 3kw heater blowing the fuses. After being told twice to cut the usage, they were eventually invited to leave.
Oh, of course. I appreciate that, but that's a couple using a 3kw heater on a 6A supply!
Our 1500w heater can... and would... be turned down to 750w, to keep it well within the limitations of a 6A supply.
The 6A supply is not an issue... as it never has been on numerous and various sites throughout France.
We have never been to a hotel to be told we... a couple in a double room... are only allowed 1 x 4 minute shower per day... between us! Or not to use those pretty bedside reading lamps, or not to watch BBC, but ITV is ok!
We have never been on a campsite with an electric supply, and been told which electrical items can and cannot be used. Of course, the consumption is relevant, but surely if we chose to use our 5kw daily limit on 6.6 hours worth of 750w heater, that would be our choice?
I fully appreciate there's an ecological concern. The vast majority of UKCS members regularly discuss heaters in tents. We know it's far from ideal, but a good number wouldn't be campers at all, if our comforts were restricted so.
That, I would dare to say, is a whole other debate, for a whole other thread.
In addition, it has to be said, the campsite in question makes no reference to consideration for the planet.
It's all about rising costs, and fears of the business closing due to lack of profit. I'd suggest if that be the case, they should have no qualms about upping our supply limits, and foregoing the ban on heaters, just as long as we are happy to cover their costs. Even allowing them a fair profit would be no concern to us. What is a concern, is comfort. Enjoyment. The act of feeling relaxed on a holiday.
I would imagine as they are limiting to 5kw per day per pitch, they will have appropriate meters in place? In which case, why not simply charge for usage, as other sites have been known to do? Discussions on here over the years seem to place this approach as the best approach for all... campers and site owners alike.
Let's see what tomorrow brings.
Who knows, tomorrow evening's forecast for 7degC... and the early hours low of 4degC... may not be quite as unbearable as I remember it.
Just for info, Screwfix have a 500w oil-filled radiator for £20. That would give you a max 10hrs, and a quiet night. Or how about a greenhouse heater such as Dimplex Thermostatic Tubular Heater IPX4 1ft 40W, for about the same money? I haven’t tried it, but electric blankets would be good, and use very little power.
Have a good trip, any way!
Well, we survived!
Although we did break the "No electric heaters" Rule!
Had our dual setting heater on the lower 750w temp (As opposed to the full 1500w). Mainly for dressing times only. Probably 30 mins early evening before and after shower, 15 mins before bed, and a good hour or so in the morning. Our DryRobes certainly came in handy! And Muckerette was pleased to give her new 2ft long hot water bottle a good christening!
Luckily, there was a bit of a communal room available, so the bulk of the evenings were spent in there, as opposed to being sat in or around the tents.
Our batch of pitches did have some fancy looking new blue-tooth meters inside the supply box, (which "wouldn't have come cheap", apparently) so I guess they do have opportunity to check whether we're going over the 5Kw daily limit, but nothing was said, and nothing was tripped and/or cut off!
No idea how close we got to our daily limit, or whether we even surpassed it. Also no idea whether it cuts off at 5Kw automatically, or the owners just take a look at the meters and manually cut it off if the mood takes them?
Not all of the pitches have the meters at this stage. Some were literally just the socket on the post.
As it was auto/self check-in, we didn't even speak to any staff.
It was a bit naughty of them to only announce the 5kw daily limit at the time of our reservation request acceptance (At that stage... back in early December... there was no mention of it on their website, but it is on there now). Having said that, it was stated on their acceptance email prior to us confirming our booking with payment, so we did have chance to back out at that stage!
It was a lot naughty of them to officially announce to us directly that there was an outright ban of all/any electric heaters just the evening before our arrival! A period where cancellation would have cost us the full payment! It was nonchalantly placed in the "Welcome email" alongside the pitch number, wifi code, check-in time, and a briefing on how to self-check-in!
(Obviously, I was aware before that, but only because I'd been on line to check the latest reviews a few days before arrival.)
So despite breaking the site rules, I'm not feeling overly ashamed, guilty, or rueful. We are however, relieved that "We got away with it", and managed to just about stay warm enough.
Electric limits and heater bans aside, it's a great site in fairness, in a fantastic city-break location... which is why this is our second visit. We may just plan our third visit a little deeper into summer next time though, just in case!
A family in a big tent had to cut their trip short over Easter, as they managed to break something in their EHU kit beyond repair.
Apparently they had 3 heaters hooked up. Not sure how they managed not to trip the EHU in the first place, and I am not surprised to hear they overloaded their EHU kit!
They tried to get a replacement via Amazon and even the local GO so that they could continue with their trip without being cold with no luck.
I was surprised to hear GO did not have any in stock though as it was the start of the season.
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!
Quote: Originally posted by morepints on 05/4/2023
Just for info, Screwfix have a 500w oil-filled radiator for £20. That would give you a max 10hrs, and a quiet night. Or how about a greenhouse heater such as Dimplex Thermostatic Tubular Heater IPX4 1ft 40W, for about the same money? I haven’t tried it, but electric blankets would be good, and use very little power.
Have a good trip, any way!
We use a Dreamland leccy blanket which is very frugal on power and really effective. Can be used overnight on a low setting if required. It's great for camping in early or late season.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: EHU query with a difference...
at this point?) 
via mobile 01/4/2023 at 9:45am
