Vellfire - Setting up for Caravan Park Electrics - Australia

[Alan Singer]

In Australia, normal household power is 230 - 240 Volts and 10Amps but many camping sites and caravan parks provide connections for 240V - 15 amp power.
Has anyone tried or succeeded in setting up their van for external power and house batteries - so 240 volt power sockets built into the van that can be powered by either 240 volt "shore power" or 240 volts supplied by house battery and inverter?

 

[Rojie]

4 hours ago, Alan Singer said:

In Australia, normal household power is 230 - 240 Volts and 10Amps but many camping sites and caravan parks provide connections for 240V - 15 amp power.
Has anyone tried or succeeded in setting up their van for external power and house batteries - so 240 volt power sockets built into the van that can be powered by either 240 volt "shore power" or 240 volts supplied by house battery and inverter?

 

 

Hi Alan,

 

Mains voltage here varies from 220 to 240.

I'm not an electrician, but domestic supply is well over 10 Amps; closer to 30 is my guess

 

Some campsites offer mains hook ups; known as EHU.

Different sites have differing maximum current.

 

These EHU points are common in converted vans. I have an EHU, with 5 off 240v outlets throughout the Van.

And a similar number of 12v outlets from a leisure battery.

 

I am not sure what House Battery is; but I assume a Leisure battery.

 

As 240v can be lethal it is essential that anyone wiring your van must be competent (and well insured in case of mishap).

Comparatively speaking, a 12V leisure set up is straight forward but does need expertise as a split charging relay needs to be fitted.

 

ANY wiring passing through metal panels must be suitably protected and insulated.

 

I know Melbourne is a tiny place; but you must have some expertise nearby.

Check out any American RV outfits.

 

I don't use an inverter; but know they can work. A small quiet generator may be worth considering too.

 

10 Amps is a lot of current; suggest you check what Oz campsites provide.

 

Good Luck

[Alan Singer]

Thanks Rojie