Electric Hook Up (EHU) 230 Volts

Leisure Battery EHU Solar Panels Generators
Leisure Battery Electric Hook Up (EHU) Solar Panels Generators

Description

The EHU is usually the preferred method of a power supply for many caravanners (not all). This is due to its convenience of being able to run almost all of the appliances worry free. Where the EHU is not used as the main supply on site it is usually used at some point to charge up the battery as it is the most convenient method.

When you are running on the EHU you will generally find that your water pump, lights and some other 12 volt appliances will often run better / quicker as your caravan charger is putting a little more voltage through to the battery. This is one benefit of running on a mains supply along with being able to easily run other mains current appliances like you’re your fridge, extra lighting, electric heaters and recharging batteries on laptops etc.

If you are connecting up to an EHU point on site, then you may well find that you have been restricted to a maximum current in some cases as low as 5 amperes. However this is often higher, but some sites do have low limits due to how far the EHU point is from their own mains supply point. It is always advisable to check with the site prior to your visit on what the maximum current draw is on their EHU points. If you do forget, then you should be able to find this marked on the EHU point when you connect up your caravan.

Maintenance

The mains supply on a caravan should be pretty well maintenance free. The sockets / plugs on the EHU cable will not be waterproof, but they will be water resistant stopping general rain etc from getting in and shorting out your connection. The cable will be at least double insulated protecting the live cables. You should only every use a maximum of one cable when hooking up and this is usually a maximum of 25 metres. However it may be possible to use longer but always seek professional advice from a qualified electrician before doing so. The longer the cable gets the more voltage drop off you will receive. This could affect the performance of your equipment and could possibly cause damage to their circuits. It is always advisable to check the condition of your electrics every time that you connect up. Here are the main points on what you should check every time you connect up your caravan.

  • Check plugs and sockets to make sure that there are no cracks or splits in the casing. Never connect up to the mains if you find these faults. Dampness could get in and short out the line and even make other items touching the cable live.
  • Check that cables have not been pulled from the sockets and plugs. Do not use the lead if this is the case as the cable will no longer be securely held in the socket or plug. Should the cable be accidentally pulled again it could result in a short or exposing live wires.
  • Check that your lead has no kinks in it, these could cause cracks or breakages in the insulated layer resulting in the shorting out of the cable, or even worse making other items touching the cable live.
  • Check the cable for cracks or where part of the insulated layer has been breached. Never use the cable, as this could short out or make other items live that is touching the cable.
  • Check the plug on your caravan to ensure that you have a clean stable connection when you connect your EHU lead. Where the socket is not loose.
  • Check the socket on the sites EHU point. If have any query that this may not be safe at all then please contact the site owner immediately and do not connect you lead. This could be cracks in the casing or a loose socket etc.

Safety: If you are ever unsure if an item is safe to use, do not use it until you seek professional advice from a qualified electrician.

EHU
This EHU is a home installed socket to save wires trailing out of windows.

Connecting Up

It is always advisable to connect up your caravan in the following order to reduce the possibility of an electrical accident.

  • Switch off your caravans mains isolation switch.
  • Uncoil your EHU cable so that it is run between the two points where required and make sure that any access cable is not bundled up so that any heat build up can be reduced. Never leave a cable on a reel or tightly wound up when in use.
  • Plug in the socket (female) end in to your caravan.
  • Insert the plug (male) end in to the sites EHU point.
  • Switch on your caravans isolation switch.

When disconnecting from the mains reverse all of the actions listed above as below.

  • Switch off your caravans mains isolation switch.
  • Remove the plug (male) end in to the sites EHU point.
  • Remove the socket (female) end in to your caravan.
  • Coil your EHU cable with care ensuring that you do not create and folds or kinks in the cable.

WARNING!

All electricity can cause shocks, injuries and damage to your equipment. If you are in any doubt as to your electrical system, always seek professional advice from your dealer, product manufacturer, caravan manufacturer or a qualified electrician.

These pages are designed to give you an idea on how your electrical system works. Any work that you partake on your electrical system is solely at your own risk. We hold no responsibility regarding any action you take based on these pages.

Information here has been researched as best as possible, where over time rules and regulations change which may not be reflected on these pages.