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Is it ok to run an extension cable off one socket on the EHU to run the low load items like the light and the cooler box and battery charger leaving the other two sockets on the EHU for the higher rated items like the kettle etc. As long as I dont exceed the site amp rating it should be ok should'nt it?

thanks

Nigel

Nooooo! As soon as you run an extension lead off, you might as well not bother with a proper EHU. Condensation, exposed sockets, no waterproofing on the extension....argh. And you`re far more likely to overload the campsite electrics with multiple sockets, though this is probably the least of your worries.

Either use a 3 socket EHU or swap your items around. Charge your batteries at night when you`re not using the kettle or light. Or boil water on the stove. CAMPSITE ELECTRICS ARE NOT AS SAFE AS YOUR HOUSE ONES! You`re not even supposed to use standard domestic appliances on EHU, for gawds sake, though of course everyone does rather than fork out for proper outdoor rated one.

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 06/9/2006

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. CAMPSITE ELECTRICS ARE NOT AS SAFE AS YOUR HOUSE ONES

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At every campsite I have used each electric point is protected by it's own MCB and RCD as required by regulations. The installations also have to be checked anually. Many houses are without any RCD protection whatsoever and there is no requirement for a yearly check. I would argue that campsite electrics are indeed SAFER than your house's electrics.

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 06/9/2006

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Condensation, exposed sockets, no waterproofing on the extension....argh.

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There is no protection against condensation or water on a 3 socket EHU.

Hi

I have used an electric extension from my ehu for years and never had a problem. I run an electric extension to my utility tent to power kettle, toaster coolbox etc. I only leave the coolbox running overnight on it and the plug part of the extension is covered to stop any rain getting on it but as for condensation that happens in the kitchen at home.

Just be sensible is all it takes.

cheers

steve

Sorry Val,

Completely disagree with you. Just by adding an extension lead (used sensibly, kept dry and not overloaded) you will not negate the positives of having a proper EHU.

Yes, you need to be sensible with electricity, but it does seem like there is an absolute hysteria on this forum sometimes about it. Having been a radar engineer I have worked on voltages up to 45,000 Volts (obviously not touching it) and have have various electric shocks up to 750V DC.

As with most things, just be sensible.

Mike

We use an extension with "surge protection" purely for ac adaptors & mobile adaptors as they won't push into the vertical 3 socket EHU. 

2tents

on most EHUs, whenever you plug anything in it automatically becomes open to condensation and moisture anyway, the IP44, rating is only inplace when there is nothing in the sockets, with the shutter down, there is only the type where the sutter closes over the socket (which wont accomodate transformers etc) that maintains its rating,

So if you keep the extention in a sensible place, it will have no effect on the safty of the EHU

The RCD will do its job regardless of what u have plugged into it (extension leads, multi adapters or appliances.) My little extension with 4x 13 amp outlets is protected by a 13 amp fuse which means in theory that if I use much more than 3000w or 3kw in total, across the 4 outlets, the extension fuse will pop. By checking the power rating of your appliances, you can keep the total watts within the rating of the extension.

Most sites are protected by a 15 or 16 amp MCB (just a fuse with a trip mechanism rather than a piece of wire that pops).  So if you have 2 rcd sockets on your EHU, this means that a total load (power consumption in w or kw) of 3600w or 3.6kw is permitted before you overload.