Hooking up at home

[Christine J-R]

This is probably a stupid question but here goes. I have an external water proof plug socket at home - standard 3 pin. I would like to use it to attach my electric lead so I can heat the van, top up battery, power freezer etc before going away. Can I attach my electric (EHU) lead to it. I have seen things that look like a 3pin plug on one end and then a caravan plug fitting on the other but am not sure if these are safe, apologies again if this is a really stupid question, many thanks

 

[golly]

This is probably a stupid question but here goes. I have an external water proof plug socket at home - standard 3 pin. I would like to use it to attach my electric lead so I can heat the van, top up battery, power freezer etc before going away. Can I attach my electric (EHU) lead to it. I have seen things that look like a 3pin plug on one end and then a caravan plug fitting on the other but am not sure if these are safe, apologies again if this is a really stupid question, many thanks

I cut the connector off a hookup cable and put on a regular 3 pin plug rather than use an adaptor.

 

[pappajohn]

Not a stupid question at all.
Yes, the adaptor leads are just as safe as any other extension leads.
Don't worry about rain getting into the socket, providing they aren't laid in a puddle etc they are designed to keep rain out.

 

[Beryl]

I cut the connector off a hookup cable and put on a regular 3 pin plug rather than use an adaptor.

Same. We have a separate lead for home, I made it up to the right length with a caravan connector one end and a 3-pin plug the other.

 

[pappajohn]

I cut the connector off a hookup cable and put on a regular 3 pin plug rather than use an adaptor.

That's going to be expensive ...buying a new lead for on site use.
If going to that expense just have the 3 pin socket replaced with a commando/shuko socket

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[bladerunner]

The EHU to 3 pin is what I've used at home for 10 years (though plugged into garage) and into generator.

 

[St3v3]

Fine, just make sure the lid on your outside socket is clicked shut properly though.

 

[golly]

That's going to be expensive ...buying a new lead for on site use.
If going to that expense just have the 3 pin socket replaced with a commando/shuko soc

That's going to be expensive ...buying a new lead for on site use.
If going to that expense just have the 3 pin socket replaced with a commando/shuko socket

And what would be the cost of changing the socket ? not a big difference I think.

 

[Sapper520]

It’s what I use to connect to the van at home. Plugs into my waterproof outdoor socket.

 

[Christine J-R]

Thank you all, I am reassured they are safe

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[Tonks]

That's going to be expensive ...buying a new lead for on site use.
If going to that expense just have the 3 pin socket replaced with a commando/shuko socket

Not really. Last year I had a 10m piece of EHU cable made up with a 'van socket' on one end and a three pin plug on the other, to hook up my van to my outside power supply. I think it cost under a tenner.

 

[DavidG58]

The style of 16A socket shown in OP would bother me if used on an outside power supply

The non glanded cable entry is not waterproof enough , the vertical cable would actually encourage water ingress

Either do as suggested swap 16A plug for a 13A so no joint, or buy a lead made up with one already, or make sure your adaptor has a proper cable gland

photo only to show type of connector not to debate colour of cable

 

[Sapper520]

The style of 16A socket shown in OP would bother me if used on an outside power supply

The non glanded cable entry is not waterproof enough , the vertical cable would actually encourage water ingress

Either do as suggested swap 16A plug for a 13A so no joint, or buy a lead made up with one already, or make sure your adaptor has a proper cable gland

photo only to show type of connector not to debate colour of cable

View attachment 581117

Although mine is plugged into a waterproof outdoor socket…..it’s under cover and never gets wet. It shares the socket with my motorcycle Optimate charger for our bikes.

 

[pappajohn]

The style of 16A socket shown in OP would bother me if used on an outside power supply

In my defense, the picture wasn't there when I replied.
Though I do agree, the socket must be the waterproof gland type.

 

[phillipsheila]

Dont forget to unravel the hook up lead

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[Christine J-R]

One with a gland is what I will get

 

[lorger]

I’m not a electrician so hopefully someone will correct me if I’m wrong, the max watts through a normal U.K. plug is 3000 so if you have ALDE heating don’t turn it on full. Also make sure you don’t have other items on that will take you over this.
As I said I may be wrong, it’s been known before

 

[peterc10]

At home we use that adaptor with our hook up lead to plug our motorhome in all the time we are not travelling in it