Probably been covered a hundred times but about to camp in Spain then down Portugal. Have a UK mobile mains adapter with the 3 pins in blue plug, which connects to the hookup point at the campsite…..if memory serves this requires a European style adapter…bit not sure which one I will need for my trip….any advice please ?
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------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Most of the sites we were on recently in France used the standard blue plug but a few still persisted with the two pin plug.
What amazed me were the number of French campers caught out by this (e.g. the standard blue plug), in fact they were totally unprepared for the eventuality.
The adaptor recommended by DK is worthwhile having.
Be aware of reverse polarity as well, we carry the example that DK168 posted above, which goes into the post, we also carry a separate short lead for reverse polarity that plugs into the caravan (neither of them are very expensive), it is pretty surprising how many European campsites are reverse polarity and we probably come across that more than campsites that use the European style plug
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 29/6/2025
How is the caravan earthed when using a 2 pin plug.
If you look at the plug on DK’s photo, there’s a round hole towards the top, which receives a short pin on a continental socket (type E); alternatively there’s an earthing strip on the top of the plug (type F).
There’s even a museum of plug types, if you really want to get into it! Link
Quote: Originally posted by Paul and Nikki on 29/6/2025
Be aware of reverse polarity as well, we carry the example that DK168 posted above, which goes into the post, we also carry a separate short lead for reverse polarity that plugs into the caravan (neither of them are very expensive), it is pretty surprising how many European campsites are reverse polarity and we probably come across that more than campsites that use the European style plug
I did not mention reverse polarity as the more recent posts on this subject indicated this is a thing of the past.
I made up a short reverse polarity lead myself (if one knows how to wire up a plug, then it is easy to do), clearly marked, back in 2009 with the intention of camping in EU then.
I carry it in my van to this day still unused.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Been on six sites so far, three of them reverse polarity.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 30/6/2025
Been on six sites so far, three of them reverse polarity.
Not quite a myth then! When did you visit those sites please?
As I have mentioned, I carry my RP lead in my van all the time so I am prepared.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Reverse polarity is often dismissed as unimportant by some, as it doesn't affect actual function of mains equipment. If memory serves, continental (Shucko) sockets with the side earth terminal (no 3rd pin) can have the plug inserted either way round, giving 'correct' or 'incorrect' polarity depending on how you fit the plug! - accordingly, no one seems bothered by polarity of the sockets!
It's concern is that by convention in the UK it's the live conductor that has the single pole socket and/or appliance switch on it to isolate the supply from the 'innards' of the appliance. If the polarity is reversed it means that the 'innards' of any appliance are still live even when a switch is off, which not directly dangerous in normal circumstances, does present a raised risk in fault or tampering circumstances.
My caravan has a 'reverse polarity' indicator on the power control box.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 30/6/2025
Been on six sites so far, three of them reverse polarity.
Not quite a myth then! When did you visit those sites please?
As I have mentioned, I carry my RP lead in my van all the time so I am prepared.
DK
Last week and the week before.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
We found a few sites with RP this last holiday. We have a testing device, plugs into the van internal socket and tells you what's what.
OH not overly concerned about RP, he's an electrical engineer so I leave him to it.
All modern caravans & all modern appliances are same standard UK or continent. Never checked for reverse polarity in 30 odd years of France caravanning. We do seem a bit anal about electrical safety here. Look at the French campers. Domestic leads & plug boards. Extension cable half unwound. Domestic fridges left in the open etc.
Never bother checking for reverse polarity these days! I understood that all UK appliances for the last 30 odd years have been double pole switched and double insulated thus making it irrelevant. I also wouldn't entertain going into an electrical device while it was still plugged in!
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: Eu hookup
via mobile 29/6/2025 at 7:52pm
