Electrical Items using EHU

3, 4, 5 are important but it depends what else you are using. Most people use ordinary domestic TVs and DVDs, I think, while on EHU. See the Advice and Training section at the head of the page and, in particular, this - 

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/technical-advice/mains-electrical-installation/

Hi.

Most club sites EHU are 16 amp so in theory anything you use at home can be used on site.Some other site like CL's can have a lower current ie 10 amp or even 6 amp and in this case you need to be careful how you use the appliances. I think that maybe the guy in the shop meant low wattage rather than low voltage.Most of the things I use in the van are the same as the ones I use at home.

Mike

I agree in that he meant 'low wattage' use.

Your TV and DVD player will be fine, about 1amp each, just be aware of having the other three items on together, singularly they should be OK on nearly every CC site and remember the caravan charger and maybe your hot water/heater will be drawing some of that 16amps you plug into.

We use the same items that we use at home ,with the exception of the electric kettle ( we use a gas one ) , we just don't use them all at the same time ...........

As  a  VERY  simple  rule  of  thumb  count  each  KILOWATT

as  requiring  4  amps,  then  add  up  the  amps  you  are

using  or  want  to  use  --  if  the  total  is  below  14  then  you

should  be  within  the safe  working  load  of  any  CC site  with

a  bit  to  spare.  But  don't  forget  to  include  things  like  the

heating  etc  etc  --  all  these  should  be  found  in  the  caravan

handbook.

As  a  single  'vanner  I  do  use  a  small  low  wattage  kettle 

on   C C sites  but  on  others  I'm  like  Huskypup  in  using 

the  gas  kettle .

Brian  A B M

On club sites with a 16 amp supply you should be safe as long as you do not use everything at once particularly the kettle and toaster. Do be aware though that if you have the internal heater and water heating on electric that can use a lot of electricity and they might be better on gas if you are using the others in any number.

Kettles vary a bit in power but one at about 2,200 watts would be Ok in most instances. The toaster might be a problem and a low wattage one might be a better bet if it is to be used with the kettle and a microwave but it all depends on what else you are running.

If you are on a site with 10 amps or 6 then I would get low wattage kettle and toaster or use the grill for the toast. Do watch the power of your heating and water heating if they are on electric. If both on full ours can draw 9 amps and that definitely restricts what else you can use.

I would check the power of 3,4 and 5 to see what they are and it would give you a better idea as to what can be run together as without that it is difficult to be sure what power they are using..

Did you miss hear the salesman. He must have said low wattage and not low voltage.

You can buy a low wattage kettle usually around 900-1000 watts but remember it will take a lot longer to boil. Most of us use normal domestic electric items but are careful not to have them all switched on at the same time. Be aware that a microwave consumes a lot more power than its stated heat output

As many have said before, as long as you avoid items drawing a lot of current at the same time ie. kettle and toaster you will usually be fine. We use domestic versions of everything.

However there are sites that ask in colder weather for you to be aware that if each van is drawing power for fan heaters/kettles etc then the mains to the site may have a problem supplying everyone's needs and there may be drops in voltage or the supply may even trip out at the breakers.

Thanks for the advice.

Must of miss heard him.

I think I'll go with a whistling hob kettle (old school) and us the grill for toast.  Thant way there is never going to be a problem, and just remember to watch what is plugged in at the same time.

Luckily our heating and fridge are both gas powered so that shouldn't impact.

Thank you, I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. 

if you do your camping on club sites, you might as well use their leccy, youve paid for it....a small 700w travel kettle is always a good thing...

with all your appliances using gas (dont they also get powered by leccy?) you might be getting through some gas, especially in winter, so have a look at the thread 'surviving on a non-ehu site' for tips about cheap gas....safefil or gaslow...