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Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 20:40
by baldiebird
Hi,
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I am just about to embark on my first camping trip since purchasing my van in December. I wondered what the maximum wattage for appliances would be on electric hook up as I don't want to knacker the internal electrics. My van is a 1980 Aircooled Westfalia.
Thanks
Baldiebird
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 20:42
by jamesc76
really dependson what breakers you got plus not all campsites have the same amount of power!
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 20:58
by baldiebird
Breakers
Not sure if it has any of those
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 21:06
by kevtherev
baldiebird wrote:Hi,
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I am just about to embark on my first camping trip since purchasing my van in December. I wondered what the maximum wattage for appliances would be on electric hook up as I don't want to knacker the internal electrics. My van is a 1980 Aircooled Westfalia.
Thanks
Baldiebird
it's not wattage .. it's amps
Most campsites give you at least 8 amps before their breakers go off.
Which means you can safely use a kettle and lighting.
if you are using a fan heater.. best turn it off while the kettle boils
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 21:12
by baldiebird
Basically, the Mrs has a 2KW hairdryer she wants to use so I suppose if a kettle will be fine (usually 3KW) then I suppose I will be OK.
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 21:31
by Bessie the camper
baldiebird wrote:Basically, the Mrs has a 2KW hairdryer she wants to use so I suppose if a kettle will be fine (usually 3KW) then I suppose I will be OK.
just some info for you wattage / voltage = amps
so
1000w (1kw) / 230 = 4.3amps
2000 / 230 = 8.6 amps
3000 / 230 = 13 amps
hope this helps
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 21:50
by baldiebird
Thanks for the info.
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 17 Feb 2010, 23:38
by andisnewsyncro
baldiebird wrote:Breakers
Not sure if it has any of those
Please get your electrics checked properly before using them for the 1st time
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 18 Feb 2010, 00:06
by Ian Hulley
The standard blue 3 pin hook-up used in the UK and increasingly around the rest of Europe is rated at 16 amps max.
Ian
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 18 Feb 2010, 00:43
by 1664
kevtherev wrote:Most campsites give you at least 8 amps before their breakers go off.
If you're paying for hook up and the breakers at the post are less than 16Amp go back to the reception and demand your money back. Sick of the sight of this old con
Re: Maximum wattage for hook up
Posted: 18 Feb 2010, 02:30
by Red Westie
UK hookups tend to be higher amperage than in Europe, usually 16amps. Some however are 10amps.
The situation abroard is much more patchy.....rarely do you get 16amps the norm being 10 or even just 6amps.
Typically French/German/Dutch with run around with hookup leads that look no thicker than your average Hover Mower extension lead.. Honest!
Martin