How to use an electric hook-up at campsites

An electric hook-up on a campsite is an important part of any stay. Providing power for cooking, warmth, and charging devices, electric hook-up points (EHUs) come with a huge range of benefits for both touring and static caravans.

In this guide, we discuss how electric hook-ups work at campsites and look at some of their main benefits. Plus, we’ll also look at how to hook up to the electric at a campsite and how to choose a high-quality hook-up cable.

How does an electric hook-up work at campsites?

At campsites, pitches have electric hook-up points which are connected to the site’s main power supply. Through using a high-quality hook-up cable which plugs into both your caravan and the point, electricity will flow into your vehicle’s consumer unit which is like a property’s fuse box. Electricity will then be distributed to sockets, lights and electrical appliances, like kettles, toasters and fridges.

Is an electric hook-up used in static caravans?

Electric hook-up is used in static caravans, but in a different way to touring caravans. Static caravans are connected to the site’s power grid through a buried cable or permanent hook-up point, and electricity is typically metered. When you’re staying in a static caravan, you won’t need a portable hook-up cable like you would with a touring caravan.

Benefits of using an electric hook-up at a campsite

Caravan electric hook-ups at campsites provide many benefits and can help you have a comfortable stay in your caravan. Some of the main advantages include:

• Access to reliable mains power – Power your must-have electrical appliances, such as kettles, toasters, TVs, hairdryers, or heaters without having to rely on your leisure battery.
• Electric heating and hot water - Use a fan heater instead of gas heating and enjoy hot water for showers or washing up that’s been heated by the mains.
• Keeps your leisure battery charged – Many caravans have a charger that keeps your leisure battery topped up when plugged into an electric hook-up. This means that your lights, water pump, and control panel will consistently run smoothly.
• Use of kitchen appliances – Cooking in a caravan becomes easier with low-wattage kettles, microwaves, coffee makers, and slow cookers that can be used without draining the battery.
• Entertainment and device charging – Enjoy entertainment from a TV, laptop or electric radio and charge your phones, tablets and camera batteries without worrying about power usage.
• Cost-effective for longer stays – Some campsites include electric hook-up in the pitch price or charge an affordable daily rate. Over time, this will save you money on gas and batteries.
• Comfortable during the winter – An electric hook-up is particularly useful during winter when solar panels are less effective and heating demand is higher. You’ll also be able to use handy appliances, like dehumidifiers or heated towel rails, without draining your battery.
  
  

How to hook up a caravan to electricity

Using an electric hook-up at a campsite is simple once you know the steps. Remember, it's important to follow guidelines carefully to ensure you complete the task safely. Here's a step-by-step guide to hooking up a caravan to electricity:

• Turn off the caravan isolation switch – Turn off the caravan isolation switch and ensure all electrical appliances and plug sockets are turned off inside your caravan.
• Check the EHU supply point – Ensure the point is in good condition and is turned off if it has a switch.
• Check your hook-up cable – As you prepare your hook-up cable, check it for damage to ensure it’s safe to use. Make sure it’s fully uncoiled before use.
• Connect the cable to your caravan – Plug the female end of your hook-up cable into your caravan’s external electric socket before you connect it to the electric hook-up point. This reduces the risk of shock when handling the other end.
• Plug the male end into the hook-up point – You can then connect the male end of your cable to the electric hook-up point. Push it in firmly until it clicks and turn on the power if there’s a switch.
• Tidy the cable – Hide any excess cable under your caravan so that it doesn’t become a trip hazard. You could also consider using a cable protector to make it more visible to yourself and anyone who might be passing by.
• Check the power is working – Inside your caravan, turn the caravan isolation switch and any of the other switches you turned off in your consumer unit back on. Then turn on appliances one by one.
• Use power safely – Don't overload the supply and opt for low-wattage appliances where possible
• Disconnect safely when leaving – When leaving the campsite, turn off the power at the EHU point if it has a switch. Unplug the male end of your cable from the point first, then unplug the female end of the cable from your caravan.
• Coil the cable neatly – Winding up the hook-up cable too tightly can cause damage. Coil it neatly so it’s ready for when you next need it.
  
  

Choosing the best electric hook-up cables for caravans

There are many features to look for when buying a suitable electric hook-up cable for your caravan. These include:

• Correct plug type
• At least 25m in length
• Flexible and durable
• Safe for outdoor use
• UV and moisture resistant
• Fully waterproof if possible
• Bright colour to avoid being a trip hazard

You should never use household extension leads as they’re not designed for outdoor or high amp use and may overheat. You should also avoid thin cables which are too small to effectively power a caravan and can be prone to overheating.

What happens if the EHU supply overloads?

If your caravan electric hook-up connection overloads on a campsite, it’ll trigger a safety shutdown, usually by tripping a circuit breaker either on the campsite’s EHU point or inside your caravan. This will cut off the connection and you’ll no longer be able to use your electronic appliances and devices.

If this happens during your trip:

• Unplug any high-wattage appliances you’re using
• Check your caravan’s consumer unit to see if anything has tripped
• If nothing tripped inside, go to the hook-up point and check if it has its own breaker
• If it does, reset it. Make sure you check with site staff if you’re unsure of what to do or can’t get access.
• Turn appliances back on one at a time to avoid triggering it again

Specialist caravan insurance through Ripe

Now you know how to use an electric hook-up, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while on the road. But before you set off on your next caravan adventure, you might want to consider specialist caravan insurance.

Caravan insurance through Ripe can help to financially protect your home from home against theft, loss, damage, and more. Learn more about specialist caravan insurance and get a quote online today.