Camper Electrical Hookup: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hooking up your campervan to an electric supply can be a daunting task, but it's an essential step to enjoying home comforts like appliances and lighting when you're out on the road. This process is known as an electric hook-up or shore power connection, and it allows you to charge your leisure batteries and power appliances using mains electricity. This guide will walk you through the basics of connecting your camper to electricity, whether at a campsite or your own home.

Understanding shore power

Shore power is a way to connect your campervan's electrical system to the mains power supply. This allows you to charge your leisure batteries and run appliances directly from the mains, saving your leisure batteries.

Shore power is particularly useful for campervan users who are taking extended trips or who want to use high-power appliances. It is also essential for those who want to keep their campervan parked indoors or at home, as it allows them to keep their leisure batteries topped up and give them a full charge before heading off on a trip.

To install shore power, you will need to follow these steps:

• Install a campervan electric hook-up inlet in the side of your van. This is where you will plug your van into the mains power supply.
• Connect the campervan electric hook-up inlet to a consumer unit. A consumer unit contains an RCD (Residual Current Device) and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers). These safety mechanisms protect your electrical system in the case of a fault.
• Connect the consumer unit to a battery charger. The battery charger converts the mains power into the correct voltage to charge your leisure batteries.
• Connect the battery charger to the leisure batteries.
• (Optional) Wire a plug socket into the consumer unit. This allows you to charge devices directly from the mains when plugged into shore power.

When installing shore power, it is important to ensure that your electric hook-up system complies with local electrical regulations to maintain the validity of your insurance and for your van to pass its MOT. You will also need to ensure that the power source is compatible with your RV's internal electrical system. Most RVs will require either a 30-amp or 50-amp shore power connection.

Shore power typically consists of a long extension cable, a waterproof socket, and a consumer unit to distribute the power safely. It is important to note that 230V power is much more dangerous than 12V power, especially with a high current flow, so it is recommended to have your system designed and checked by a professional.

Connecting to shore power

Shore power is a way to connect your campervan's electrical system to the mains. It allows you to charge your leisure batteries and run appliances directly from the mains, saving your leisure batteries.

Step 1: Install a campervan electric hook-up inlet

You will need to install a campervan electric hook-up inlet in the side of your van. This is where you will plug your van into the mains.

Step 2: Connect the campervan electric hook-up inlet to a consumer unit

A consumer unit contains an RCD (Residual Current Device) and several MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers). It is a box of breakers for AC systems. The RCD ensures that the power supply is automatically cut to all circuits if a ground leakage or short circuit is detected. MCBs are designed to break the flow of current if a short circuit, high current, or overload is detected.

Step 3: Connect the consumer unit to a battery charger

Connect your battery charger to the consumer unit using 3-core cable. Some battery chargers come pre-wired with a plug head, in which case you will need to snip off the plug head and strip back the live, neutral, and earth wires before connecting to the consumer unit.

Step 4: Connect the battery charger to the leisure batteries

Connect your battery charger to the leisure battery common busbars, with a circuit breaker on the positive wire between the battery charger and busbar.

Step 5: Wire a plug socket into the consumer unit (optional)

Wiring a plug socket into the consumer unit is optional but useful. It means that when you are plugged into shore power, you can charge your devices directly from the mains. Grab some 3-core cable and run one end into the consumer unit, then wire the other end to a plug socket: live (brown) to live, neutral (blue) to neutral, earth (yellow and green) to earth.

Using a 30/50 amp adapter

Adapters are a great way to hook up your camper to electricity, especially when electrical connections are not straightforward. Using a 30/50 amp adapter is a common practice among RVers, as it allows them to connect to different power sources. Here's a detailed guide on using a 30/50 amp adapter for your camper:

Understanding the Basics

Before using a 30/50 amp adapter, it's important to understand the electrical system you're dealing with. RVs typically use either 30-amp or 50-amp service. You can easily identify which type of plug your RV has by looking at the number of pins: 30-amp plugs have three pins, while 50-amp plugs have four.

Choosing the Right Adapter

The type of adapter you need depends on the power source available and the requirements of your RV. If you have a 30-amp RV and want to connect to a 50-amp power source, you'll need a 30-amp to 50-amp adapter. On the other hand, if you have a 50-amp RV and need to connect to a 30-amp power source, you'll need a 50-amp to 30-amp adapter.

Adapter Styles

Adapters come in two main styles: dogbone-style and plug-style. Dogbone-style adapters are heavy-duty and weather-resistant, making them a popular choice for outdoor use. They often feature built-in handles for convenient grip and easy removal. Plug-style adapters, on the other hand, usually have a grooved design for easy removal.

Using the Adapter

When using a 30/50 amp adapter, the female end of the adapter will plug into your RV cord, and the male end will plug into the power source. This setup allows your RV to utilise the available power source while ensuring the electrical system remains protected.

Power Limitations

It's important to note that using an adapter does not increase the power capacity of your RV. For example, if you have a 30-amp RV and use a 30-amp to 50-amp adapter, you will still be limited to 30 amps of power. Similarly, if you have a 50-amp RV and use a 50-amp to 30-amp adapter, you may need to be cautious about running multiple power-hungry appliances simultaneously.

Safety Considerations

When using a 30/50 amp adapter, always prioritise safety. Ensure that your adapter is properly sized and suited for your specific application. Additionally, be mindful of the power limitations of your RV and the campsite's power source to avoid overloading the electrical system.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right 30/50 amp adapter for your camper, you can enjoy the comforts of modern appliances and electronics during your camping trip.

How to wire a consumer unit

Wiring a consumer unit is a complex task and you should always consult a professional electrician if you are unsure. However, here is a step-by-step guide on how to wire a consumer unit in a campervan.

Step 1: Understand the Basics

Before you begin, it is important to understand the basics of electricity and how it works in a campervan. Electricity in a campervan is typically either 12V or 240V, with 12V being the standard for most vehicles. The electrical system in a campervan consists of various components, including batteries, solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, and fuses. These components work together to provide power to the campervan's appliances, such as lights, fridge, and water pump.

Step 2: Plan Your Electrical System

Before you start wiring, it is crucial to plan your electrical system carefully. Make a list of all the appliances you will be using and calculate their power requirements. This will help you determine the size and number of batteries, solar panels, and other components you need. Consider how you will use your campervan, such as how often you will be off-grid and what type of batteries you will be using.

Step 3: Gather the Necessary Tools and Components

Ensure you have all the necessary tools and components for the job. This includes items such as wires, connectors, crimping tools, heat shrink tubing, fuses, circuit breakers, consumer unit, and a multimeter for testing. It is also important to refer to the specific guidelines and regulations for wiring installations in campervans, such as the BS 7671 in the UK and the NEC in the US.

Step 4: Calculate Wire Sizes

Calculate the appropriate wire sizes for your system based on the length of the wire, the amperage of the appliances, and the acceptable voltage drop. Use a wire size chart or calculator to determine the correct wire gauge for each component. This will help ensure that your system has minimal voltage drop and functions efficiently.

Step 5: Cut and Strip Wires

Cut the wires to the appropriate lengths and strip the insulation from the ends using wire stripping tools or a Stanley blade. Be careful not to nick or cut any wire strands, as this can compromise the connection and insulation.

Step 6: Connect Wires Using Crimp Connectors

Use crimp connectors to connect the wires together. Insert the stripped wire ends into the crimp connectors and use a crimping tool to cold weld them together. Match the colour and size of the crimp connectors to the current rating of the wires. This method provides a secure and flexible connection that is less prone to rattling apart due to vibrations.

Step 7: Protect Connections with Heat Shrink Tubing

After making the crimped connections, slide heat shrink tubing over the exposed metal wire and apply heat with a heat gun until it shrinks tightly around the connection. This provides insulation and protection to the connection. You can also use electrical tape as a temporary measure, but heat shrink tubing is more durable and safer.

Step 8: Install the Consumer Unit

Install the consumer unit, also known as a breaker box or panel board, in a central location in your campervan. It serves as the control centre of your electrical system, distributing power to various circuits and providing safety protection. Connect the wires from your appliances and devices to the consumer unit, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 9: Test and Troubleshoot

Once you have completed the wiring, use a multimeter to test each circuit and ensure that everything is functioning properly. Refer to your multimeter's instructions to learn how to use it effectively. If you encounter any issues, carefully check your connections and consult a professional if needed.

Step 10: Finalize and Secure Wiring

Tidy up the wiring by bundling wires together with cable ties and using electrical tape for colour coding. Support hanging wires with plastic hangers every 50 cm to prevent wear and tear. Use anti-chafe tape where the wires pass through metal holes to protect them from abrasion.

Surge protection

There are two main types of surge protectors for campers: portable and hard-wired units. When choosing a surge protector, it is important to consider whether your RV is set up for 30 amp or 50 amp service, as well as your budget and the level of protection you require. Some RVs may already have a built-in electrical protection system.

Portable surge protectors can be easily connected to the shore power inlet or consumer unit and offer flexibility, as they can be used with different RVs. On the other hand, hard-wired units are permanently installed in the RV and offer the advantage of being always connected and ready to use. They can also be tucked away, saving storage space. However, they cannot be transferred to another RV if you decide to upgrade or change your vehicle.

When choosing a surge protector, look for products that are specifically designed for RVs and campers, and ensure they are rated for the appropriate voltage (e.g. 230V in the UK/EU or 120V in the USA). They should also be able to handle your typical current draw, such as 16A or 30A. Some features to look for in a surge protector include automatic shut-off in the event of high or low voltage, protection against reverse polarity, open neutral, and open ground issues, and diagnostic displays that show power issues.

• Southwire Surge Guard RV Power Protection (portable and hard-wired options available)
• Progressive Industries EMS (portable and hard-wired options available)
• Hughes Autoformer Power Watchdog (portable)
• Camco Power Defender Voltage Protector (portable)
• GEARGO RV Surge Protectors 30 Amp RV Circuit Analyzer (portable)

Frequently asked questions