We are staying at a campsite in France which requires a 25 metre EHU. We’ve never bothered with EHU before, but as this is included in the cost of the pitch, we thought we’d give it a go. However I’m really struggling to find a 25 metre cable - there seem to be lots of 15 metre and 20 metre, but no 25 metres. I’m a little anxious about the need for a RCD - the few 25 metre ones that I’ve managed to find do t seem to have RCDs. Does this matter? Can I buy a 15m one and an extension?
Please advise! We go away in the middle of Ju e so time is pressing. Thanks for any advice.
As long as your main unit is a proper camping unit with rcd/MCB etc just get an extension lead. We've occasionally needed the extension but always ensure the connector is not sat on wet ground.
The 25mtr leads(without any trips)will be for caravans and MHs(which will have them onboard).
What ever combination you go for, DO make sure that the cable itself is up to the spec' you require though!...
Many use 1.5mm(which may be fine),whilst others use 2.5mm.
When we've needed to join two hook up cables to reach a campsite outlet, although they were already of the blue plug/sockets, I also used this type of thing-
Plug & socket cover
(admittedly, we lugged it around for years, and used it only once! )
..and if unsure, I'd say buy "branded" stuff..and not some DIY "hook-up lead" that some churn out on the likes of ebay.
(usually with the photo of it taken laying on the patio or lounge carpet!)
Post last edited on 31/05/2018 08:34:16
* This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, as an eBay Partner Network member we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
As already mentioned, just get a decent EHU somthing like the SunnCamp model, which has 10amp MCB and RCD and also has built in "Reverse Polarity" warning light.
The EHU will come with up to 20m lead then you just need an EHU extention cable, to protect were the two cables join you can get a lockable cover (as in Pepe63 link) as an extra safety measure against water ingress and damage to the connection, and to prevent tampering.
Although the covers we have have only been used for storing light bulbs, come to think of it we have two those covers in the unlikely event that we are ever 40m away from the electric post!
I would go for an EHU that comes with 2.5mm cable, that ways you can up the MCB from 10amp to 16amp.
Have a look at my post "EHU Modification" and "EHU amp monitor"
We now have an EHU that just has an inlet, and we carry various lengths of leads, 5m, 10m and 25m.
Enjoy, we also are of to France in June, can't wait especially since it's been 3 years since our last trip.
Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 31/5/2018
We now have an EHU that just has an inlet, and we carry various lengths of leads, 5m, 10m and 25m.
Although we don't have hook-up when we use the tent, if we did,then that's what I'd aim to do...
The cable entry points in some tents(inc' the Outwell we have), look too tight to pass a hook-up "consumer-unit" through, meaning you'd need to ferret X metres of cable out through it(and back in again, when it's possibly wet and muddy!)
Yes I've modified mine in the same way as francais ... Makes it much more practical. If I ever have a join I tend to wrap it in plastic and ensure its not laying on the ground.
Cut the cable about 1m from your EHU connector and fit a 16a socket to the live end and a plug to the kit end. This also means you dont have to drag the whole cable through the cable entry point when packing up - makes things really easy.
That then gives you an EHU kit plus a 14m cable. All you need then is to either buy a 25m standard hookup (caravan) cable and you can use that to plug straight into your EHU kit.
Or you could make the cable yourself - another Plug/Socket plus 25m of 2.5mm Arctic Cable would make for a great quality cable.
Personally I would avoid having a connection outside with an extension lead. The 16a connectors are only IP44 (splashproof) so arent really suitable for being left outside. As mentioned above you could buy a 'chocbox' or weatherproof housing for this but they aren't that cheap and it still means leaving it outside. Not saying anyone would steal it or trip over it but my preference is to have as few connections as possible
Quote: Originally posted by SGThomas on 31/5/2018
It is worth investing in a couple of 15m cables, instead of the bigger reels. They pack more easily and often you only need to use one of them.
If camping in France make sure you also have the two pin type connector 2 pin adaptor
Post last edited on 31/05/2018 08:11:06
Agree, we use 12 metre cables, make life easier, we have 4 of them only had to use 3 once.
Thanks once again for all the advice, I’ve bought a 15 metre EHU this morning in Go Outdoors (on a ‘wow’ offer, £29) which has an RCD and polarity tester. Now I just need a 10 metre extension and the European adapter and I’m ready. ( not in stock this morning, but I also got a very nifty collapsible Outwell light. )
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: 25 metre electric hook up
)
