Just returned from 2 weeks in France. It was our first time with larger tent and extra kit including an electric hook up. As the site rep arrived to connect the hook up whilst we were erecting the tent (first time on our own), we let our son (12) deal with electrics. Later I realised that the unit's reverse polarity light was on. The instruction leaflet said to disconnect immediately and contact a qualified electrician, which wasn't particularly convenient in the circumstances.
I don't really understand what this means, how it happened, what we did wrong and what the implications were for the attached cool box?
The connections that I could check seemed to be right - not possible to attach in any other way. I couldn't check how the euro adapter was plugged into the hook up box as this was locked up (standard practice?).
Is reverse polarity something that happens a lot and is there anything that we could do to resolve the problem if it happens to us again?
Yes it is common in France. Our hook-up lead has plugs which comes apart and it is simply a matter of swapping the live and neutral connections. Some people take a short adapted lead to interconnect.
The main problem with reversed polarity is the fact that the fuse in the plug will now be in the neutral lead and not the live lead. Under reversed polarity nearly all mains electric equipment will work OK.
However if the fuse is overloaded it will blow and cut off the current as normal (so far so good) but it will leave the device live and potentially very dangerous.
All you need are:
1. If your electrics do not have a reversed polarity light you will need to get a polarity checking plug from somewhere like B&Q.
2. Get a plug and socket compatible with the connections on the electric hook-up lead and then make up a short lead (miniature hook-up lead)with the live and neutral wires crossed.
When you get reversed polarity just add the short conversion lead to the end of the electric hook-up lead.
These leads are not available for sale as they contravene the strict electrical regulations.
its basically because, on european sites, using the euro plugs is there is no right way up for double insulated plugs, its only the eartherd sockets that are one way only.
because of this all their MCBs etc in their consumer unit re double pole, ie switch off both live and neutral.
and IIRC sockets are also the same.
Sorry if this a daft question, but here goes. My electric hook up has a double pole MCB, if I was on a site with reverse polarity, would this be safe ? as If I'm correct in thinking as its a double pole the circuit breaker works on the live & neutral.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Reverse Polarity
