Mains hook-up cable

[Lost in the wilds]

Thanks Mark, do you ever really need 25m of cable?

We do have a generator and will take it on our next trip.

Chris

[zildjian]

'Surfglobe' found a tiny generator to take along to 'top up' his leisure battery which is probably a good idea, I did experiment with one but for what we do it would have been a luxury item (had it worked which it didn't)

[rubberrat]

We frequently need 25m + cable. Lots of sites, particularly in Europe have a power supply for four or even more pitches, so if you are at the furthest point, you need it.

Not uncommon in UK either, used 2 x 25m twice last year.

If I used a generator at a festival (rare) then I (and anyone near me) would want that to be as far away as possible - which is why I arrive early to get an 'edge' pitch.

My genny is an ancient - probably 90's - Honda 600w thing that is quietish and reliable, but still a bit heavy.
Used mostly for battery chgarging if the solar panels are not getting enough sun.

[zildjian]

So now I can add it needs to be of sufficient length to keep a site warden happy that you are not 'stealing' electric from the wrong hook-up

(not me personally you understand, but a neighbour telling me)

[Lost in the wilds]

OK Mark, thanks for that. We'll be doing a lot more lost in the wilds stuff than sites but I'll get cables and plugs so we're covered for all eventualities.

Chris

[TrueDink]

I carry a cable for the very few times there is free electricity on European Aire's. It's handy to have. The only time it gets used frequently though is to charge my batteries at home.

[Lost in the wilds]

Mark,

I am about to display my total lack of electrical knowledge. On your list of items you carry you mention 'polarity tester'. How does this bit of electrickery work and what are the consequences if I happen to hook up to power that is wired in reverse to UK standard?
My Tischer has continental style sockets. Rather than change them I just intend using an adaptor on the infrequent occasions we hook up.

By the way, anyone with a Tischer know how the battery charging is controlled?

Thanks, Chris

[rubberrat]

So.. this is the thing you need..



Search 'socket tester' on ebay etc.

Two benefits, the first being being able to check that the power point you have plugged into is actually on - amazing how often you spend ages searching for a fault in the camper only to find the site point has tripped.

Also detects earth faults (Dangerous) and reverse polarity - a particularly french specialty.

Reverse polarity can damage your Zig unit - although they are often fine. But best not to push your luck as they are an expensive bit of kit to replace. This is the unit that also deals with battery charging regulation as well as power distribution.

We have a short blue lead with one end wired reverse live neutral and well labelled to put in the line when the tester detects this.





We too have left the continental sockets in and made up a continental-to-4-gang (UK three pin) extension with a short lead and run things off that.

A note to SKarosser owners - No power from mains in your camper? check that when you stuffed that pan in the cupboard under the sink it didn't click off the internal RCD trip. Guess how I know this?

[Lost in the wilds]

Thanks Mark, that all makes sense - I'll get a tester.

Chris