Which amp hookup

Simon Meadwell

Simon Meadwell

Joined
Jan 28, 2016
Posts
2,792
Likes collected
3,435
Location
Stockport, Cheshire
Funster No
41,498
MH
Bravaria i740 AClass
Hi
We have a choice of 6amp 10 amp or 16amp on our pitch in south of france this august
How do you know which you require as bigger amp more cost
We would have following on electric
Led lights turbo vent water pump hairdryer occasionally?
 
You're hairdryer will dictate the amps. All the rest will run off 6 amps. You can get travel ones under 1200W which you could probably use with 6 amps too. :)
 
Simon Meadwell said:
Hi
We have a choice of 6amp 10 amp or 16amp on our pitch in south of france this august
How do you know which you require as bigger amp more cost
We would have following on electric
Led lights turbo vent water pump hairdryer occasionally?
Click to expand...
Are your lights and water pump not 12v, you may have a battery charger to run as well unless you have solar.
 
As ever @DBK has hit the nail on the head. You will be able to run everything off 6amps except a typical hairdryer of 1600 watts which will take 7amp on its own.
It’s worth buying a low wattage dryer for MH use.
 
If you go for low amps remember if you use the hair dryer and kettle together or any big amp electrical you’ll trip the feed.(y)(y)

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Speve said:
If you go for low amps remember if you use the hair dryer and kettle together or any big amp electrical you’ll trip the feed.(y)(y)
Click to expand...
If they are offering you a choice it could be a site where they stick the appropriate fuse into the box and lock it up, you may have to then find someone to reset it for you.
 
Also worth remembering if you have the hot water heater on in the van whilst on hook up as that will use quite a bit of power when running.(y)
 
Mikeco said:
If they are offering you a choice it could be a site where they stick the appropriate fuse into the box and lock it up, you may have to then find someone to reset it for you.
Click to expand...
Yes and that’s a pain as well and some put an extra charge if you trip more than two or three times.(y)
 
Only way to know is add up all the 230v appliance wattages.
Don't forget your fridge and chargers input wattage.

Up to 1380 watts you will need 6amp
Up to 2300 watts you need 10 amps
Up to 3680 watts you need 16 amps

You can always turn off one or more appliances to run another one though on a lower amperage hookup.
Something like a fast boil house kettle will be 3000 watts and you may need to turn everything else off to be sure not to trip.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Last edited:
If you're staying at a campsite why not consider using the shower block power sockets for the hair dryer.
 
At 6A, you'll need to be careful if you do any heating (water/kettle/toaster/hob/curlers/drier/...)
Even low wattage devices might trip the supply if used together.
6A is fine for general operation of the motorhome (fridge/charging batteries/lights/...)
 
Not wishing to in anyway hijack the thread, do appliances like a motorhome fridge, water pump, tv have their wattage marked on them? If they are designed to be used on hookup then they would be 230v. If you know the available ampage, then you can easily find the wattage. But what if you don't know the ampage? Sorry if I'm being thick.....

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Yes, they do specify wattages, but don't confuse 12V with 230V and remember that most will not be consuming whatever they require all the time.
When on 6A mains, you may need to juggle what you're using to ensure that only one "heavy" item is used at a time.
Most Europeans survive quite happily on 6A EHU.
It's us Brits that have been used to 16A over here (and have acquired a plethora of devices to make the most of it) who may trip up (or off).
 
Simon Meadwell said:
Hi
We have a choice of 6amp 10 amp or 16amp on our pitch in south of france this august
How do you know which you require as bigger amp more cost
We would have following on electric
Led lights turbo vent water pump hairdryer occasionally?
Click to expand...

How long are you staying for?
 
Taran_Las said:
If you're staying at a campsite why not consider using the shower block power sockets for the hair dryer.
Click to expand...
This is what I do. I have purchased a hair dryer and a hot air brush, in supermarkets, for the princely sums of 9 € (spain) and 16€ (Germany) respectively. Having euro plugs already fitted makes it so much easier in the campsite shower sockets.
 
We are on 10 amp and have the heating on bit if we put the electric kettle on to boil we have to turn heating off. Same with Nikki s hairdryer, one on one off. (y)
 
Speve said:
Also worth remembering if you have the hot water heater on in the van whilst on hook up as that will use quite a bit of power when running.(y)
Click to expand...

I can only quote on what is fitted in my 2012 Autotrail but Electric water heaters in some Truma units are not actually that big. 800w seems to be average. So while a reasonable amount not over the top like those daft hair dryers. ! ;) :D
 
Last edited:
We stay on campsites all over Europe - it's always the microwave that's the critical factor.
 
We often use a plug in portable fan heater when on hook up to save our gas. It's got settings, 1500 and 3000 w so even on the 1500 setting itl still draw 6.5 amps so a 6 amp supply doesn't work for us. IMO you'd be better off going for the 10 A option at least. Or, if they're happy to upgrade it, start at 6 and suck it and see..
 
Burgo said:
I think you've made a mistake somewhere, as that would be 1,934 a year for a 6amp supply which is ridiculous !!
Click to expand...

Just check it out !, generally we pay about 4.50 / 5.00 per night here in the UK, so what makes the Euros any different ?, we pitch up quite regular, and it’s generally €5.00 pro nacht, absolutely ridiculus, but fact is fact
 
DBK said:
You're hairdryer will dictate the amps. All the rest will run off 6 amps. You can get travel ones under 1200W which you could probably use with 6 amps too. :)
Click to expand...

I always send the better half to the shower block to dry her hair,,tripped too many leccy posts over the years to risk it now,,BUSBY.
 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top