What's in Power & Off-Grid Setup?
A typical caravan/motorhome electrical system has two halves: a 240V mains side fed from the campsite hook-up, and a 12V leisure side fed by the leisure battery (charged by the alternator, hook-up or solar). The right kit keeps both sides safe and reliable.
Mains Hook-Up
CEE blue plug cables (typically 16A in the UK) connect the campsite supply to your van's mains inlet. Always use the correct cable rating and an RCD-protected supply.
12V & Off-Grid
Leisure batteries, MPPT solar controllers, inverters and DC-DC chargers run the lights, fridge, water pump and small 240V appliances when there's no hook-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 16A or 10A hook-up cable?
16A is standard for UK caravans and motorhomes. 10A is for some older sites or low-amp installations. Check your van's mains inlet rating - 16A is safe for most setups.
How long can the hook-up cable be?
25m is the standard maximum to avoid voltage drop. Longer than that and you risk dim lights and tripping breakers under load.
Can I run a kettle on hook-up?
Only a low-watt camping kettle (around 750-1000W) on a 6A supply. A standard 3kW kitchen kettle will trip the supply almost every time.
Do I need a separate leisure battery?
Yes - the engine starter battery isn't designed for deep-cycling and won't survive being run flat repeatedly. A leisure battery handles this discharge cycle properly.
