We have camped all of our lives but we have NEVER had an EHU before. This year, for the first time ever, we have an EHU lead and have booked an EHU pitch. The pitch has a 16 amp EHU. Sorry for being completely dense...but what will that allow us to run?
We would hope to have a 12v cool box, a 450w oil filled radiator (for night times if its freezing - but in a "normal" temperature summer we won't be using this) and an electric single, or double ringed hob burner...not bought this yet so no idea of the wattage.
Would all this completely blow out the campsite? Lol! Would we need to turn one off when using the other? Please tell me the rules regarding EHU in tents as we are completely clueless.
I'm sure someone will be along shortly to post the conversion of voltage and wattage (not so sure myself)
We can run coolbox all the time along with charging up phones/ipods ect, as well as a light(with a low watt bulb)
However to play it safe we only plug in one item at a time which heats up quickly, ie: toaster/kettle/2kw fan heater.
So far we have had no problems tripping fuses by using this rule of thumb. If you have a proper ehu, then this will have a trip switch itself for safety and the ehu box you plug into on site should also have a trip switch, so you won't blow up the whole site!
Thanks Sam..yes, that was my main worry. That we overdid things by accident and alienated the neighbours! I guess as long as we don't do the radiator and the cooker at the same time then we should be fine with the cool box left on. x
Thank you Andy...yes it helps loads. I did find a link of how to convert it but now I can print out your list and stick it up so I can see at a glance! Ta x
Just one point...although the campsite might provide 16 amps it is possible your EHU lead will only support 10 amps. I am no expert but I gather most EHU leads will trip if over 10 amps is used. I bought a 16 amp lead (more by luck than deliberately)...one of these
Hi
The only problem you may run into on some sites is trying to run both rings of the electric hotplate at the same time as the rings on ours are
Small ring 1000 watts
Large ring 1500 watts
Total 2500 watts = 11 amps approx so will overload a 10amp supply.
We found a full size kettle which was rated at 1500 watts
rather than the normal 2200watts
A normal 2 slice value toaster 600 watt
Normal hair dryer 1800 watt
Just remember not to use 2 power hungry appliances together ie kettle and toaster
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
Can't understand why people want to use electric cookers when camping? I don't even see why you would use electric at home if you have the choice of gas?! I use EHU for lighting, fridge, entertainment and a fan heater. The last thing I would want is an electic stove and have to juggle between appliances all the time.
we have had ehu for about 4 years. we tend to use it whenever possible as you never know when the gas may run out so it is used for the 3way fridge, lighting, kettle ( cheap one from tesco ) , toaster etc. we have used it in france with no problems. as arsenaldes says one high wattage appliance at a time. i also cannot see the point in a 2ring electric hob when i assume you must already have the gas equivalent. but i cannot recommend a 3way fridge highly enough will keep food and liquids cold even when it is hot in your tent.
------------- Gingercol
April ,Isle of Avalon Glastonbury 4 nights ,
May ,Hoburne Cotswolds 3 nights
June ,12 nights River Valley Holiday Park cornwall
Maplins sell an extension lead with a power meter built in for £10, and it gives you a chance to measure all your kit before you go, and keep an eye on things when you are camping.
We took everything electric this time, induction hob, heater, coolbox, toaster, kettle and never had an issue, the induction hob was very efficient, and we could have that on a fair lick, plus toaster, plus kettle, and with the coolbox in the background, and never got over 13 Amps with all on at the same time. If it wasn't for the power meter, I'd be stuck with the rule of thumb of 1 major appliance on arcade time, but as it turns out, we can pretty much put everything on at the same time (bar the heater)...
Its about choosing/knowing your kit well, and its amazing how much you can get away with.
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: Totally new to EHU - help!
