Mainland EU don't bother with polarity but even if polarity is reversed there is no risk provided you don't mess around with anything that is connected to the mains.
saxo1
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
TBH it is not the polarity you need to worry about. The real problem is with a missing earth.
We no longer travel abroad with our caravan, but even in this country we always use our mains tester to check earth is OK.
I did mention this problem to one site owner. I checked several sockets around the camp site and they were not earthed. The owner just shrugged his shoulders and said "so what, must be OK as it had passed its safety check."
I understand the usual trick when your installation is to be checked, is pour some water around the earth spike.
The problem with the run of the mill testers, used by most people, is they are only capable of determining whether an earth is present or not, not if it is at a low enough value to be safe.
You need to pay around £50+ to get one that will read the actual value.
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by Ancient Uncle on 06/5/2023
TBH it is not the polarity you need to worry about. The real problem is with a missing earth.
We no longer travel abroad with our caravan, but even in this country we always use our mains tester to check earth is OK.
I did mention this problem to one site owner. I checked several sockets around the camp site and they were not earthed. The owner just shrugged his shoulders and said "so what, must be OK as it had passed its safety check."
I understand the usual trick when your installation is to be checked, is pour some water around the earth spike.
The caravan itself is not earthed so why worry about it?
Provided no fault occurs in any equipment you are using, then no problem.
But just imagine you are unaware of a fault and you step out of your van while holding the side. You will probably become the link the current needs to go to earth.
In my opinion, just not worth the risk, but it is for your choose. But, if I had the van next door, I would not come running over to rescue you, as I could also get a shock.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Reverse polarity isn't a major problem, a poor or no earth is of concern, but to ensure your safety you are relying on the RCDs in the caravan and the hookup post. You must test the RCD in the caravan every time you connect to the mains.
saxo1
Thanks for the many varied and interesting replies. As I said, it is many years since we travelled to France with the van. We has the reverse polarity lead then but it as since 'disappeared'.
Quote: Originally posted by Ancient Uncle on 07/5/2023
Provided no fault occurs in any equipment you are using, then no problem.
But just imagine you are unaware of a fault and you step out of your van while holding the side. You will probably become the link the current needs to go to earth.
In my opinion, just not worth the risk, but it is for your choose. But, if I had the van next door, I would not come running over to rescue you, as I could also get a shock.
However long before that even occurs the mains in the caravan should have tripped and also the bollard unless they are both faulty. As you say, your choice.
Even if the plug in tester indicates there is an earth it doesn't necessarily indicate that the earth loop impedance value is low enough to ensure that the protection will trip fast enough to ensure personal protection.
The only personal protection is provided by the RCDs.
saxo1
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: Reverse polarity
via mobile 05/5/2023 at 9:04am
