Using Your Campsite Electric Hook Up Safely

Ah, the electric hook-up (EHU). For many campers, it's the gateway to creature comforts – boiling a kettle without faffing with gas, keeping milk cold in a fridge, charging phones easily, maybe even running a small heater on a chilly night. But campsite electricity isn't quite like plugging things in at home. The supply is limited, and safety is paramount.

Tripping the electrics on your pitch (or the whole row!) is a classic camping blunder. It's usually caused by trying to run too many high-power appliances at once. Understanding a little bit about Watts, Amps, and Volts can save you a lot of hassle (and potential embarrassment). I've put together this guide and an interactive calculator to help you figure out what you can safely plug in.

Understanding EHU Basics: Amps, Watts, and Volts

Think of electricity like water in a pipe:

• Voltage (V): This is like the water pressure. In the UK and Europe, it's around 230 Volts. This is generally fixed.
• Current (Amps or A): This is like the flow rate or volume of water the pipe can handle. Campsites limit this flow – common UK limits are 6 Amps, 10 Amps, or sometimes 16 Amps per hook-up. Always check the limit for your specific pitch!
• Power (Watts or W): This is the total energy your appliance uses. It's calculated by multiplying the pressure by the flow rate: Watts = Volts x Amps.

The crucial thing is that the total **Watts** of all the appliances you run *simultaneously* must not require more **Amps** than the campsite supply provides. If you exceed the limit, the circuit breaker will trip, cutting off your power.

The Calculator: Will You Trip the Electrics?

Use my interactive calculator below to see if your planned appliances will overload the campsite supply. Select the Amp limit for your pitch, then tick the boxes for the items you might want to use *at the same time*.

Important: The wattages listed are *typical* averages. Always check the label on your specific appliance for its actual power consumption in Watts (W) or Amps (A). Appliances with heating elements (kettles, toasters, heaters, hair dryers) use the most power.

Essential EHU Safety Rules

Using mains electricity outdoors requires extra care. Always follow these rules:

• Use the Correct Cable: You MUST use a proper outdoor camping mains hook-up lead. These are usually orange (for visibility) or blue, at least 1.5mm² thick (preferably 2.5mm² for 16A), certified (look for CE marks), and have the correct weatherproof **blue CEE 17 plugs and sockets**. Never use a household extension lead outdoors. You can find certified EHU leads here.
• Check Your Unit's RCD: Your EHU lead or the unit it plugs into inside your tent/caravan should have an RCD (Residual Current Device). This is a crucial safety device that cuts the power instantly if it detects a fault. Test it using the 'Test' button before each trip. For extra safety, you can use a standalone plug-in RCD adaptor.
• Keep Connections Dry: Never leave plugs or sockets lying on wet ground. Use waterproof connector covers if available, and keep connections off the ground, perhaps inside a plastic storage box with notches cut for cables if necessary.
• Uncoil the Cable Fully: Always fully unroll your EHU cable from its storage reel when in use, especially if drawing significant power. A coiled cable can overheat, creating a fire hazard.
• Don't Overload Sockets: Just like at home, don't plug too many high-power items into one multi-way adapter inside your tent. Stick to low-power items like lights and chargers on multi-sockets.
• Inspect Regularly: Check your cable and plugs for damage (cuts, cracks, bent pins) before every use. Do not use damaged equipment.

Tips for Managing Power

• Choose Low-Wattage Appliances: Look specifically for camping kettles, toasters, and electric heaters designed with lower power ratings (often 750W-1000W instead of 2000W+).
• One High Power Item at a Time: On a 10 Amp supply (~2300W), you can usually run a low-watt kettle OR a low-watt heater OR a travel hair dryer, plus low-power items like lights and chargers. Don't try to boil the kettle while the heater is on!
• Gas is Your Friend: For boiling water quickly or serious cooking, gas stoves are often more practical and powerful than relying solely on electric hobs, freeing up your EHU for other things.
• Consider Alternatives: For off-grid power or as a backup, check out my guide to the best portable power stations.

Using an EHU safely opens up a world of comfort when camping. Just remember to respect the limits, use the right gear, and prioritise safety. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions