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How does this work?  Sorry if this is a dumb question, but does it allow you to use home appliances?  What voltage/amps does it use?  We're camping and never thought to use it, but some sites have hook up included in the price and we're wondering whether to go down that route.  Anyone else camp and use hook up?

What equipment do you need? 

Thanks

Jane

Hi Jane

To put it simply it is an extension lead, usually with a small (3 typically) number of 3 pin sockets. It should also have an RCD built in which will trip if there is a fault (say water getting into an appliance). EHUs use a special plug (blue plug with round pins especially designed for outside use) to connect to the hook up box.

They can be bought for 50-70 quid - there are plenty of threds on this forum with plenty of advice. Buying is probably the best option. Just make sure you get one with 20m or so of cable as the hook up box may be some way away from your pitch.

We use ours to run a fridge, lighting, radio, inflating the airbeds, charging a torch, a fan heater when it is cold and a bug killer.

One thing to note is the rating of the EHU. Some sites provide a lower rating for tents compared to serviced pitches for motorhomes and caravans. I think the lowest rating is around 6A which will give a total power of 1440W (6*240), but 10A (2440W) is more typical - so just add up the maximum power you are likely to use at any one time and make sure you don't exceed it, otherwise you are likely to trip out the supply to your tent and maybe the people next to you as well! This does mean that domestic kettles are out and fan heaters need to be around 1KW.

Good luck

Kev

Hi Jane,

We have electric for our trailer tent and have used it in the UK and abroad. Never had any problems. We use it to run the fridge and electric lights mostly but also take a small microwave as it increases the cooking possibilities. Never blown the fuse and it's great in the evening being able to see to read or play cards.

Arianrhod