Correcting Reverse Polarity In Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Reverse polarity is a common issue that can occur when plugging into an Electrical Hook Up (EHU) on a campsite, especially when touring on the continent. It is when the live and neutral wires are the wrong way round on the EHU bollard. This is usually due to human error, as electricians outside of the UK and Europe don't always follow the same colour-coding conventions.

To fix reverse polarity, you can buy or make a short adapter cable that swaps the live and neutral wires around. You can then connect this adapter cable to the campsite bollard, before plugging your hookup lead into it. This ensures that the polarity is corrected as early in the chain as possible. It is important to clearly label this adapter cable to avoid any confusion.

You can also buy socket testers to check for reversed polarity. These typically cost around £10-£15 and can be bought online or at hardware stores.

What is reverse polarity?

Reverse polarity is a condition where the wires of an outlet are connected in reverse. In a healthy wiring outlet, there are two wires, the live wire and the neutral wire. In the case of reverse polarity, these wires are switched, which can lead to electrical problems that can cause injuries, fires, and other disasters.

In the context of a direct current (DC) circuit, reversing the polarity means changing the positive and negative connections so that the current flows in the opposite direction. In an alternating current (AC) circuit, reversing the polarity refers to changing the direction of the alternating current wave.

Reverse polarity can have several effects. For example, it can cause a motor to spin in the opposite direction, or it can make a magnet repel other magnets instead of attracting them. In the case of electrical circuits, reversing the polarity can cause damage to some electronic components and create safety hazards if not done properly.

Reverse polarity is particularly important to understand when it comes to motorhomes and caravans. This is because motorhomes generally have a single-pole trip, which means that the electrical trip only detects a short on the live side. In a reverse polarity situation, the live wire is coming down the neutral, so if there is a problem, the trip won't be activated. This can lead to safety issues as any faults or shorts will not be detected, potentially leading to electrical shocks or fires.

To fix reverse polarity, you can use a reverse polarity tester or socket tester to identify which wires are correct. Once you have identified the incorrect wires, you can then switch them back to the correct positions and test the outlet again to ensure it is working properly. It is important to note that if you are not confident in your ability to fix reverse polarity, it is best to consult a qualified electrician.

How to test for reverse polarity

Testing for reverse polarity is an important safety measure to take before plugging your camper into a power source. Reverse polarity occurs when the live and neutral wires are the wrong way round, which can cause appliances to fail and even damage your camper.

To test for reverse polarity, you can use a socket tester or a multimeter. A socket tester is a simple plug-in device that will indicate whether the polarity is correct or reversed, as well as other electrical issues. A multimeter is a device with probes that can be used to test whether a wire is live.

• Purchase a socket tester or multimeter. These are available at hardware stores or online.
• If using a socket tester, simply plug it into the power source you intend to use for your camper. The tester will have lights that indicate the status of the electrical connection. If it indicates reverse polarity, do not proceed to plug in your camper.
• If using a multimeter, set it to measure voltage in the AC range. Touch one probe to the narrow slot of the outlet and the other probe to the wider slot. If the multimeter reads zero, it indicates reverse polarity.
• If you find reverse polarity, do not plug in your camper. Contact the campsite manager and request to move to another site.
• You can also use a surge protector with voltage protection to protect your camper from reverse polarity and other electrical issues.
• If you own an older camper with unpolarized outlets, consider hiring a licensed electrician to update the wiring and install polarized outlets.

How to fix reverse polarity

Reverse polarity is a common issue that can occur when you plug into the Electrical Hook Up (EHU) on a caravan site, especially when touring on the continent. It happens when the live and neutral wires are the wrong way round on the EHU bollard. While this is an unusual occurrence in the UK, it is a good idea to know how to fix it.

The first step is to buy a socket tester, which will indicate if there is reverse polarity. These are simple to use and will usually have three lights on the front, with labels explaining what each light means. If it indicates reverse polarity, switch off your van’s master switch and unplug from the bollard. If necessary, consult the site warden before you do anything else.

To correct reverse polarity, you can make a short lead, like a 16 Amp EHU lead with a blue plug and socket. This should only be about a foot (30cm) long. The plug is wired up in the correct way, with brown to live, blue to neutral and green/yellow to earth. However, the socket at the other end needs wiring up the wrong way, with brown to neutral, blue to live and green/yellow to earth. If you are unsure about this, consult a local qualified electrician, who will be able to make it for you for a small charge.

It is important to mark the lead clearly with "Reverse Polarity Correction Lead" so that it stands out. While it is illegal to sell these "reverse polarity correction leads" in the UK, it is not illegal to make one for your own use. If you are unsure about any aspect of reverse polarity and using a "reverse polarity correction lead", ask a qualified electrician.

What are the dangers of reverse polarity?

Reverse polarity is a serious issue that can lead to electrical shocks, fires, and other disasters. It occurs when the wires of an outlet are connected in reverse, with the hot wire and the neutral wire in the wrong places. This can cause a significant increase in the potential for electrical shocks, which can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

One of the main dangers of reverse polarity is the increased risk of electrical shocks. With reverse polarity, the hot wire is connected to the neutral side of the circuit, which means that electrical devices and appliances can remain energised even when they are turned off. This can result in a shock or electrocution hazard if someone touches the appliance or comes into contact with exposed wires. The risk of electrical shocks is particularly high if the outlet is accessible to children or pets.

Another danger of reverse polarity is the potential for fire accidents. If the reverse polarity goes undetected, it can damage wires or components, leading to sparks and potentially causing a fire. This is a serious concern, as fires can lead to extensive property damage, injuries, and even loss of life.

Additionally, reverse polarity can cause damage to electrical equipment and appliances. With the incorrect wiring, voltage may be present on the wrong side of a circuit, leading to circuitry damage and potentially rendering devices inoperable. This can be costly to repair or replace, and it can also be a safety hazard if the damaged equipment is not properly functioning.

To avoid the dangers of reverse polarity, it is important to have a qualified electrician check and correct the wiring. It is also recommended to invest in appliances with built-in diodes, which act as a safety switch against reverse polarity. Surge detector devices can also help protect your home or office from the dangers of wire polarities.

How to prevent reverse polarity

Reverse polarity is a common issue that can occur when you plug into the Electrical Hook Up (EHU) on a caravan site, especially when touring on the continent. It is caused by the live and neutral wires being the wrong way round on the EHU bollard. This can be dangerous as it can lead to a live voltage being present on the toaster or appliance even when it is switched off. Modern caravans are fitted with a Residual Current Device (RCD) that can detect this and switch off the power.

To prevent reverse polarity, you can follow these steps:

• Buy a socket tester, which will typically have three lights on the front to indicate the status of the connection.
• Plug the socket tester into the EHU bollard before plugging in your caravan.
• If the socket tester indicates reverse polarity, switch off and unplug from the bollard.
• Create a short lead, about 30cm long, with a blue plug and socket. Wire the plug correctly (brown to live, blue to neutral, and green/yellow to earth).
• Wire the socket at the other end the wrong way (brown to neutral, blue to live, and green/yellow to earth).
• Clearly mark the lead as a "Reverse Polarity Correction Lead".
• If you are unsure about creating this lead, consult a qualified electrician.

Additionally, always ensure that you have an earth connection when plugging into a campsite. You can use a non-contact voltage tester to check for a "hot skin" condition, where the exterior of the RV is at 120 volts, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal. It is also recommended to test all the sockets inside your caravan to ensure they are wired correctly.

Frequently asked questions