The Camping Forum

[nutgone]

Any flexible cable is fine for occasional outdoor use. As long as it's in good shape, with no nicks or cuts, & definitely no dodgy repairs with insulation tape.

Proper EHU leads are generally made from "Arctic" flex (or something similar). Normal PVC cables shouldn't be "worked" (IE: moved about) in temperatures below freezing, whereas Arctic flex will remain pliable down to much lower temperatures.
This "Arctic" flex is also much harder wearing than normal flex, but for what you are describing, after the EHU unit, just to run power around the tent, your reel will be fine.

Don't forget, anything past that proper, protected EHU device is fully protected. Camp site electrics may even be considered too well protected in many respects, as they have so many RCDs or RCCBs in line, this is what results in them tripping so much. It's what is known in the trade as "nuisance tripping", a necessary evil of making sure everyone is properly protected.

Oh yes, & you're right; you should always try to unroll all of your lead so it can dissipate it's heat safely.

[pjmerrell]

Thanks again for your advice and information, it's great knowing you'll be safe rather than just guessing.

Paul

[subaqua]

Thanks for the advice guys, at least I'm on the right track just wanted to check to make sure it would be safe really, with a small family safety is obviously paramount.

Just to ask another silly question, if I have a 5 or 10m extension reel, as long as its un coiled completely, would this be safe enough to run round the outside of the tent just "tucked" under the footprint, or would it be better to look for "external" quality cable, or can a "normal" extension reel cable be used outside ie is it weather proof.

Thanks again

Paul

a normal extension lead will be fine. some campsites want orange leads ( IEC standard colour for electical services) as they better visible from power mowers . just tucked under the footprint at edge is fine but do make sure fully unwound unless the leads are rated for full load in the coiled position ( this is how vacuum cleaner makers get away with an auto rewind coil) if you really want to yopu could get blue "arctic flex" which is rated for cold temperatures . normal PVC insulation starts to crystallise at about 1deg C . artic flex is rated for -18 deg C

[AlanI]

Very useful thread - thanks to all who have posted.

This coming year (2012) will see us camping using a family tent for the first time - usually it's been a small 2-man tent that we've taken along on our motorcycle tours. We've now decided that for m/c tours B & B's will be the order of the day hence the upgrade to a larger tent (Bear Lake 4) for camping trips using the car. Anyway, getting to the point - as we've added considerably to our gear inventory we'll also be taking advantage of campsite electrical supplies and am currently looking around for various cable alternatives etc.

Unfortunately, look as hard as I may I am unable to find anything like this in Germany http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/mobile-mains-kit-p155317 which appears to be top notch but unfortunately doesn't come with the option of a European socket block (2 pin).

So, I've been considering this http://www.kabel-licht.de/Kabeltrommeln ... bad9f43aee in combination with this http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/6207 ... 4&ref=list

Do any of the wise here have an opinion to offer with this combination?

One final point which I haven't seen mentioned yet and which was brought to my attention at the recent Camping Exhibition here in our region, is that cable rated for outdoor use also has the capability of withstanding being run over by vehicular along with pedestrian traffic without running the risk of damaging the internal cores.

[nutgone]

That combination should be fine, as long as it all goes together.

[AlanI]

Thanks nutgone.

[subaqua]

Very useful thread - thanks to all who have posted.


One final point which I haven't seen mentioned yet and which was brought to my attention at the recent Camping Exhibition here in our region, is that cable rated for outdoor use also has the capability of withstanding being run over by vehicular along with pedestrian traffic without running the risk of damaging the internal cores.

maybe in Germany but in the UK protection for inner cores would be an Armoured cable . A tad heavy for a camping supply.

there is HiTuf but I wouldn't like to try and see http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HT ... hSW19.html

[Davep123]

Hello,

I'm looking at buying an Electric hook up for my camping trips.

So I'm doing a bit of research at the moment.

Can anybody confirm

does the plug (commando style, I believe it is called) thats plugs into the outlet on the campsite. Should it be 3 pin or 2 pin ? is there a standard ? or which is most popular for the uk ?

many thanks

[Wayne]

Yes its the 3 pin plug

16A 3pin Commando Plug (Blue)

[Davep123]

Thanks,

I've looked at

http://www.outdoorworlddirect.co.uk/cru ... a5050.html

but it only has an RCB not an MCB

can anbody post a link to a similar item which has RCD & MCB I assume it's best to have both ??

[subaqua]

Thanks,

I've looked at

http://www.outdoorworlddirect.co.uk/cru ... a5050.html

but it only has an RCB not an MCB

can anbody post a link to a similar item which has RCD & MCB I assume it's best to have both ??

the link pic shows a Double pole MCB to the right of the RCD. sometimes the RCD can be a combined device called an RCBO ( provides protection against overcurrent and earth leakage ) but camp shops and web developers don't understand this.

[subaqua]

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/mobile-mains-kit-p155317

same item and the description states a MCB present.


Go outdoors will pricematch and beat it by 10%

[misterfox]

Help, We're going to France for the first time and am needing to buy a hook up. Are all hook ups universal or do I need some sort of adaptor for the point I'm using at the campsite? The other end has British 3 pin sockets so I dont need anything at that end.

[nutgone]

Most French sites will have the 3 pin blue plug, which most camping EHUs already have on them.

However, some French sites still have the European sockets, for which you can buy an adaptor. These are available at ALL camping shops. (If they don't have one, they aint a camping shop ).

Easy enough to spot. it's a European, 2 pin plug, with a short length of flex & a blue socket on the end. Should be priced around a fiver.

Here's a pic (colours may vary).....



& here's a link for one....
http://www.aktive8.com/Camping/Towing-and-Car-Camping/Camping-and-Caravan-Electrics/Maypole-MP371-Euro-Hook-Up-Adapter-230v/00011869p.aspx