Is it ok to run an extension cable off one socket on the EHU to run the low load items like the light and the cooler box and battery charger leaving the other two sockets on the EHU for the higher rated items like the kettle etc. As long as I dont exceed the site amp rating it should be ok should'nt it?
Our EHU only has one socket so we use an extension. We keep the extension in the inner tent though and off the floor......................just in case!
Nooooo! As soon as you run an extension lead off, you might as well not bother with a proper EHU. Condensation, exposed sockets, no waterproofing on the extension....argh. And you`re far more likely to overload the campsite electrics with multiple sockets, though this is probably the least of your worries.
Either use a 3 socket EHU or swap your items around. Charge your batteries at night when you`re not using the kettle or light. Or boil water on the stove. CAMPSITE ELECTRICS ARE NOT AS SAFE AS YOUR HOUSE ONES! You`re not even supposed to use standard domestic appliances on EHU, for gawds sake, though of course everyone does rather than fork out for proper outdoor rated one.
This summer I saw an Irish van on a dutch site which had an interesting connector where the mains lead entered the van.
The three pin blue connector had the facility to connect a second two-pin plug into it - also blue and weather shieled and presumably for out door use. The whole thing fitted under the weatherproof protective flap that covers the entry of the mains cable into the van.
This second socket was used to power a cool box in the awning directly below it. A nice idea, but I havent seen this offered for sale anywhere in the UK. The two pin plug makes me wonder if its continental only......
Anyone else seen one of these?
Geoff
------------- Veni Vidi Velcro.... I came, I saw, I stuck around!
There are occasions when there is no other way than to use an extentension lead, such as when using a transformer with integral plug for 12 volt coolbox, television, mobile phone etc. which fouls the weatherproofing flap on the EHU socket.
Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 06/9/2006
. CAMPSITE ELECTRICS ARE NOT AS SAFE AS YOUR HOUSE ONES
At every campsite I have used each electric point is protected by it's own MCB and RCD as required by regulations. The installations also have to be checked anually. Many houses are without any RCD protection whatsoever and there is no requirement for a yearly check. I would argue that campsite electrics are indeed SAFER than your house's electrics.
I have used an electric extension from my ehu for years and never had a problem. I run an electric extension to my utility tent to power kettle, toaster coolbox etc. I only leave the coolbox running overnight on it and the plug part of the extension is covered to stop any rain getting on it but as for condensation that happens in the kitchen at home.
Completely disagree with you. Just by adding an extension lead (used sensibly, kept dry and not overloaded) you will not negate the positives of having a proper EHU.
Yes, you need to be sensible with electricity, but it does seem like there is an absolute hysteria on this forum sometimes about it. Having been a radar engineer I have worked on voltages up to 45,000 Volts (obviously not touching it) and have have various electric shocks up to 750V DC.
Our fully tested and made for the job hook up doesn't allow the phone chargers to be plugged in, it's just the wrong shape. So we use an extension, i can't see how that effects things. You keep all the electrics dry, you don't use more items, so no overload. It's just adapting what you have. The rcd will cut out just the same surely?
------------- Gone are the 'sleeping on the floor' times, I love my TT.
I hac vertical sockets on my EHU and they were very annoying!
So I unscrewed the bottom two and turned them to become horizontal ones! Very easy and now very useable.
Try it if you are confident with electrics. On my EHU there was no need to touch any of the wiring to do this, I wouldn.t recommend doing it fi you have to mess with the wires!
Andrew
on most EHUs, whenever you plug anything in it automatically becomes open to condensation and moisture anyway, the IP44, rating is only inplace when there is nothing in the sockets, with the shutter down, there is only the type where the sutter closes over the socket (which wont accomodate transformers etc) that maintains its rating,
So if you keep the extention in a sensible place, it will have no effect on the safty of the EHU
The RCD will do its job regardless of what u have plugged into it (extension leads, multi adapters or appliances.) My little extension with 4x 13 amp outlets is protected by a 13 amp fuse which means in theory that if I use much more than 3000w or 3kw in total, across the 4 outlets, the extension fuse will pop. By checking the power rating of your appliances, you can keep the total watts within the rating of the extension.
Most sites are protected by a 15 or 16 amp MCB (just a fuse with a trip mechanism rather than a piece of wire that pops). So if you have 2 rcd sockets on your EHU, this means that a total load (power consumption in w or kw) of 3600w or 3.6kw is permitted before you overload.
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Topic: Extenson cable off EHU
