How to Connect Your Van SAFELY to an Electric Hook Up (EHU)

[@LiveforTravel]

👇For all the items we use in our Motorhome please see our Amazon Storefront* below👇 www.amazon.co.uk/shop/livetodrive?ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_own_livetodrive_dp_cHOrbbaZQsH51 * As an Amazon Associate we earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support :)

[@psycharol]

I had NO IDEA of the danger I was in all my PAST dealings with cables. Only this week I couldn't get the plug out of the van, (arthritic hands) so some kind lady put her hands inside to pull it out. I had already disconnected from the campsite but not with any intelligence. The plug would not come out and a young chap working onsite removed it and told me "Get a new one this is rusty and dangerous), You learn something every day, thank you!

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. We certainly learn something each and every day. Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@TheGazzadj]

Great advice, thank you, I didn't know about making sure the power unit is off first before you hook up. Rgds Gary

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. I believe it reduces the chance of tripping or blowing any RCD’s/fuses. We just do it as best practice.

[@TheGazzadj]

@@LiveforTravel Ok, thank you. I have just bought the power cable and home adapter from your Amazon affiliate link.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. That’s appreciated 👍

[@TheGazzadj]

@@LiveforTravel You are more than welcome.

[@petergoumas5884]

Thank you for this video, I'm thinking of buying a campervan and was getting quite stressed thinking about the electrics, I feel a lot more informed and confident now.

[@LiveforTravel]

Really happy the video has helped. Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@alastairstephen8832]

Very helpful for a new user , thanks

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and your support.

[@CamperVanya]

My late husband (a senior fire officer, so he knew a bit about fires) used to always say that these cables should be fully extended and we had a long one so even when there was little length needed we would snake it out along the ground behind the moho. I now do it because I've been well trained! 😁

[@LiveforTravel]

Sue, thank you. Sincerely. Your late husband must have seen so many things in his career. The video is simply trying to highlight the dangers and requirements and I have already received many positive comments on here and by email. Unfortunately, if you see the pinned comment, it is not always accepted. Now, I have no problem with someone disagreeing with me; years spent in middle management has taught me not to look at disagreement as a problem, just a challenge. I am also old enough to understand we all make mistakes. Where I draw the line is when I give facts, not conjecture or hearsay, and they are not accepted. I obviously have too much time on my hands because the “debate” has prompted me to write for another video on the subject and why such “challenges” do not make for the right choice. This is safety we are talking about here. So I will discuss that, yes, if a cable is overlapping, even in a circle pattern but it is loose and spread out it is fine, even if some is under the van. But to suggest a cable cannot be overloaded, when every electrical item in the van is on that one single cable….. This might be why there is a sticker on our van that shows you must not drive it with the blinds closed! My only issue with filming the video will be that it is going to test my acting skills 😉 just wait and see why 😂🤦‍♂️

[@CamperVanya]

@@LiveforTravel I’ll look forward to the video! 😆

[@DS-fo4ed]

I subscribed today second video in. Very informative. And yes, I just bought a MH last week. And I’m a Brummie

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks and all the best with your new motorhome.

[@carolynandcocohaywood2638]

Always great advice, thanks.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thank you for your feedback and ongoing support.

[@raylangivens1521]

Thank u for your help very informative

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching.

[@clivegoss5734]

Thanks so much for your video it’s just what I’m looking for because I’ve just started caravaning and I’m looking for all the help I can get, just in this one video you’ve answered a lot of questions for me, thanks again and I’m definitely subscribing 👍

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. It is lovely to read your comments and kind support through subscribing to the channel. We sincerely appreciate it. 👍

[@badbaddog]

Hi there, great video however I have one question regarding earthing. Is it necessary to have an earth running from the campervans MCB onto an earth spike located near the campervan due to induction in the extension cable. I ask this question because many years ago, as a much younger man, I helped set up a small live music event and the power running the stage was acquired via a very long extension lead. The problem was the poor singer kept getting shocked on his lips when singing into the microphone. Rightly or wrongly...we remedied the problem by grounding the earth at the stage end using a ground spike. That all said, is this something that needs doing for a campervan? Any advise on earthing and related safety would be appreciated.

[@LiveforTravel]

That is a great question. In my ‘simple’ world I assume and trust that the camper van and motorhome manufacturers install what is necessary. I personally have never used a grounding spike nor noticed any other camper using either. I have however found an interesting article here: tinybuildelectrics.com/miniture-circuit-breakers-in-campervan-electrical-systems/#:~:text=Double%20Pole%20Miniature%20Circuit%20Breakers,1%20of%20BS%207671). I will discuss this next time I am with Jamie of JB Caravans (habitation check) and depending on the answer may do a video on the subject.

[@gilltate3029]

Your vlogs are always informative and very helpful xx

[@LiveforTravel]

That is really nice to hear (or read 😊). Thank you.

[@Zalley]

What is your opinion on using a “Mobile Mains Kit with 3 UK 3-pin Sockets & 240V Site Plug, Power Extension, Electical Hook up for Camping, Motorhomes & Caravaning, 15m Cable, RCD & MCB” instead of a permanent hook up? Would be grateful for your input as considering buying one. Thank you.

[@sylviapage8572]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@LiveforTravel]

Great. Thanks for your feedback.

[@kevinward6063]

I have key VW key from a scrap yard that fits my VW van with a tag that has "electric hook up " on it. If was to forget to disconnect my EHU I can't insert my key without that little reminder. The key also has a carabena that clips to the EHU cable to Keep them together when not needed.

[@LiveforTravel]

Now that is a great idea. Thank you for sharing that for everyone reading the comments.

[@brianjackson2131]

another great vid, thank you , q am i right in thinking my hook up will not charge the engines battery only the les battery ?

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. Depends on the van. Some have the solar charge both the leisure battery and the vehicle. Ours does not charge the van.

[@tonydoyle7972]

Hi, im a newbie /rookie to campervan life. Me and my wive have recently purchased a second hand campervan and been on 4 camps....The problem i have had is getting power from the power supply EHU to the leisure battery, which results in the fridge not working properly etc. The leisure battery charges up fine whilst driving....But i think i'm doing something wrong on the hook up cable is faulty (it was second hand). Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated.

[@LiveforTravel]

@@tonydoyle7972 that's difficult to answer as different vans are wired and configured differently. I would suspect it is not the EHU cable as that will either be working... or it won't. On our van, the fridge is set to battery when driving and to electric when hooked up on a campsite. Many vans, like ours, won't be wired for the fridge to function from a leisure battery as absorption fridges (unlike compressor) use a lot of power. Hope you get it resolved soon.

[@familycampervanadventures8842]

This is a great "good practice" video. Unfortunately not everyone follows this sort of advice. I even see a lot of motorhome/campervan owners leave a live electric hook up cable on their pitch when the go out for the day. They get a bit confused when they come back to it being unplugged 😄

[@LiveforTravel]

I think the viewer who has commented on this that disagrees with me has a different opinion 😊 which is why I have written a follow up video that will restate the importance, reassure viewers we try hard to only give the right advice and then….. I am going to have some fun discussing the comments I have received. 🤔😊

[@familycampervanadventures8842]

@@LiveforTravel well if you know your only going to draw a few amps then maybe a coiled cable will be ok, but I wouldn't take the risk. And if you're paying £4 + a night for electric I like to use it (not waste it, but use it instead of gas/diesel). It doesn't take much effort to be safe 😀

[@LiveforTravel]

@@familycampervanadventures8842 totally. We use a heating system (lots of energy), the toaster (quite a lot of energy) and the fridge is an absorption model so it is as greedy as me 😊

[@kimberleyaxxxx934]

grand stuff - thank you

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@alenrussell4253]

Can you show me how to hook up a trickle charger on my fiat ducato 2015

[@LiveforTravel]

Connection of chargers should never be made with both the positive and negative terminals on the battery. The positive can be attached directly but the negative should be attached somewhere else on the frame of the van. On the Ducato there are connections under the bonnet for jump starting/charging as the video below highlights. How to Jump Start a Fiat Ducato | BATTERY LOCATION & CONNECTION POINTS (Not Where You Might Think) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZmwmaWumaxgpK8

[@lesleybarlow7592]

Hi Paul, I've actually had experience of a overheated extension lead that was still coiled up and had a heater plugged into it whilst working in an office with the door closed. It wasn't until someone else came in and noticed the fumes that I was aware there was a problem. Also, is this not the reason why we are told to fully extend the cable on our vaccum cleaners?

[@LiveforTravel]

Thank you. Yes the “fact” (sorry not aimed at you) is that a cable that is coiled, dependant on what amps are being pulled, will heat up. This heating up is increased when there is no way the heat can escape. When we use devices at home the cable is typically only supplying power to one device; or in the case of using a 4-way gang, 4 devices. The issue with an EHU on a campsite is there is only the one cable and one plug for every single item you may use in the van. That could be obvious items that we should be aware of; for example, a toaster, a hair dryer etc, and other items we may not consider; the heating system and the fridge, the latter being a power greedy Absorption unit. So, a coiled single cable has the potential to overheat. A cable that has melted, irrespective of if there has ever been a fire caused or not, is a fire risk. The same cable when it is a cheaper 1.5mm core (which again is strongly advised not to be used) is just waiting to cause issues. Many thanks for your ongoing support. It is sincerely appreciated. A full video review of the comments on this video has been written and will be filmed next week 😊

[@rowan718]

First time we took out our van took an hour to work out why no power. Didn’t know some site’s hook up require a twist of the plug at the post. Not something anyone told us. Still forget !

[@LiveforTravel]

We haven’t come across that type yet.

[@richardcope3850]

Good video. All common sense stuff to most of us and please see my reply below about the fire I have seen caused by a wound cable. My Ford Transit Nugget Plus alarms if you turn the ignition on whilst plugged in. Don't always eat chocolate biscuits in the van. Custard Creams are available :-)

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks Richard and thanks for your support with your reply below (or above 😊). Custard creams….. of course! Good choice!

[@TheKingy4]

My battery is flat, can I connect my crafter to the mains? Thanks

[@LiveforTravel]

@@TheKingy4 if you are asking can you connect the van to EHU to charge the vehicle battery, that depends on the converter who built it. Our van does not trickle charge the vehicle battery either from EHU or solar.

[@dragonzgamesTEDz]

hello would youy consider a wind up radio Wind Up Solar Radio, Survival Hand Crank Dynamo AM/FM Emergency Weather Radio, with Rechargeable USB Phone Charger, LED Bright Flashlight for your moterhome?

[@LiveforTravel]

Yes we would.

[@nicktew5617]

Hi. We have just bought our first Moho, a Swift Kontiki 660, 2003. I love your videos and find them very informative and helpful. Wonder if you might run a session on the control panel in a van and what each button operates. Also do you fill your water tank up at home before you travel or on-site? Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. We have done videos for both the Truma and Roller Team control panels but they are obviously only helpful for people with the same. We normally fill up the water beforehand, there is a hose at the storage site, unless we are going on a fully serviced pitch. Don’t personally have any concerns with carrying 100 litres of water and the fuel consumption difference is negligible.

[@nataliesteel9605]

Thanks you so much

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and your support.

[@CampervanJon]

Oh DEAR says the person who purchased a 20mtr cable last week with 1.5mm cable. Should have done a bit of research first so many many thanks for this

[@LiveforTravel]

It is so easy to do. We didn’t know about it in the early days either. The issue is when you use more of the amps and it is highlighted by a few “good” camping websites about the issue. Personally I think they shouldn’t be allowed to sell them but they work and for the majority they won’t probably be an issue but it is recommended to go with 2.5mm core. Thanks for watching and your support.

[@markandrews70]

I wrap the cable around the door mirror

[@LiveforTravel]

A very good suggestion. Thank you for sharing.

[@superstar999100]

Is this not still coiled?

[@davidsally_pizzatony]

Simple but great advice, I’m at an age when I need to have a written list 😂

[@LiveforTravel]

I sometimes think I’m at an age where I need someone to write the list 😂 Many thanks for watching and feedback.

[@urbanfox53]

Hi, we are newbies to Motorhoming and have bought an old 02 plate Bessacarr E795. We are quite pleased with our purchase but after watching your video re EHU cable we checked our cable only to find that the outer cable insulation had split!, so many thanks for that pearl of wisdom. Another mine field we encountered was what tv to purchase for said vehicle, there are many types to choose from, some are rubbish while others are very good (we bought a good one), Do i feel a mobile tv review coming on!. We bought a duel power model 240/12 volt, and prices vary wildly. Thanks once again.

[@LiveforTravel]

It is like anything in life really… always something new to either find out or learn. When we ourselves look back a couple of years it seems surreal how many things we had to find out. Naturally we still are finding things and will doubtless keep doing. Many thanks for watching our video and for your lovely feedback. It really does mean a lot to us and keeps us moving along making more content. We wish you all the best in your new memory maker.

[@terrygiles]

The regulations state the cable should be 25meters +/- 2meters

[@LiveforTravel]

@@terrygiles could you send me a link?

[@brianthetrain9283]

Do you do training for a living, as you are bostin at explaining anything.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thank you. I did used to prepare management presentations but ironically never enjoyed standing in a room to present them. Sincerely appreciate your support for the “very” long time you have watched and commented.

[@paulbowers7343]

First, make sure you're standing barefoot in a puddle of water......

[@LiveforTravel]

😂 remember there is a sticker on the inside of the door that shows you that you can’t drive with the blinds closed 😊