It may be common sense to many of you reading this, but it’s worth noting that run-of-the-mill household extension cables are not suitable for use with electric hook ups. Ideally, you should buy EHU cables from a reputable retailer, whether that is online or offline. However, a 230V mains appliance taking a 1A supply from an invertor will require 20A from the battery, which can cause the battery to discharge rapidly and overload the 12V wiring system. It is also important to remember to take the same safety precautions with a 230V supply from an invertor as with a normal 230V mains supply. Generators Yes, you can continue to return items as normal as long as you follow the government guidelines about leaving your house.When you do not have access to a 230V mains hook-up you can use an invertor to provide a 230V supply from your 12V battery. You can also avoid accidents by investing in an RCD or residual-current device (also known as a residual-current circuit breaker). This is a special device that will switch off an electrical circuit that is unsafe. The Equipment You Need and Where to Get It This will be a nominal 230V, single phase, 50Hz supply, which is compatible with UK and modern European caravans, motorhomes, trailer tents, folding campers and tent hook-up connections. Also, make sure you invest in an RCD which, as explained above, will avoid accidents and potential injury. These devices shut off automatically if they detect a problem with the circuit. Cheaper generators may cause electrical spikes or surges in voltage that can result in damage to the caravan’s sensitive electronic control systems. Allowing generators to run for a while to warm up before connecting can sometimes alleviate this problem, but it is better to buy a generator with the technology to provide a smooth surge-free electrical supply.

Here comes the science bit. If you have always had trouble understanding what all the different terms mean, we’re here to help.A normal kettle uses 2000W, or 8.7A. Therefore, we recommended above that you take special low-watt appliances. That one household item would use all the power from a 10A hook up. This electrical supply can be used either directly to power 230V equipment or indirectly via a power supply unit that converts the mains power at 230V AC to a nominal 12V DC, usually in conjunction with a leisure battery. This guide looks at how to use this electricity supply safely and discusses its limitations. Safety is paramount Although the electrical standards require a 25m cable with a CSA of 2.5mm sq these are rarely available for sale so if you must get a 1.5mm sq CSA with only 15m of cable consider the following: Our collections by our couriers are happening as usual. As it stands, delivery times are not being affected too much. Please be aware though that Royal Mail and other couriers are sometimes prioritising essential items so please bear with us if your delivery takes slightly longer than expected. If faced with a reverse polarity situation it is possible to make up a short adapter lead to deal with reverse polarity, where the wiring within one end of the lead is reversed. You should only prepare such an adapter if you are sufficiently competent. Make sure that the adapter is clearly marked to indicate that the wiring is reversed. Reverse polarity explained

Although, as we noted earlier, EHU cables come in a variety of lengths, we recommend you should invest in a one of 25 metres so that you have enough to stretch to the bollard, even if your pitch is further away than you expected. Remember also that most appliances you use will have been designed for the domestic environment and may therefore be vulnerable to condensation. Maintenance The Club recommends you bring a 25m cable with you. A pitch with electrical hook-up will have an electrical supply bollard within about 20 metres. Each Club hook-up bollard is individually protected against overload by a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) and a residual current device (RCD).A generator must always be used outside because of the danger from exhaust and carbon monoxide. Always place it downwind and make sure the fumes do not go directly into other camping units. You will probably need to have a ventilated housing to shield it from rain and help keep the noise disturbance low. Do not forget the exhaust end of the generator will get very hot and can be a hazard to children and animals and give risk of fire if it is near long grass or other flammable material. Watts is used to measure electrical power and amps is used to measure electrical current. An electrical appliance uses a current that’s measured in watts. For instance, most, common hairdryers use a current of 6.5 amps or 1500 watts. For the latest information and advice on COVID-19, please refer to the latest updates by the UK Government. Although electric hook ups are, for the most part, safe; whenever electricity and potentially wet environments are involved you should always be extra careful. Make sure you follow the following tips: