Author Topic: Power problem  (Read 8470 times)

Offline speedjester

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Power problem
« on: May 31, 2003, 07:56:54 am »
After reading everyones comments on Beer Cooling problems over the years, i have decided to take a fridge and possibly a gennie.
BUT, does anyone know what converters we need to plug it into the power supply on the camp sites electric supply as we are supposedly going to have a power supply near our pitch????

Not being a Sparkie if i get it wrong i will probably bring down the french grid.

Offline Gilles

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2003, 08:37:47 am »
the adaptator is available in every good DIY store from this side or the side of the channel !

I don't know when do you arrive on campsite but if it's after thursday, your wish to be near a power supply is just a good dream.
.
BTW why do you mentioned that French are so disorganised  :o ?
Le Mans is life, anything before and after is just waiting...

... it's not the taking part but the winning that counts !

Offline speedjester

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2003, 09:11:56 am »
is it just a normal plug adapter or something special campsite thing!

Disorganised because i still don't have tickets yet, normal ACO!

Sorry Gilles, not personnel!

Offline Esprit

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2003, 11:55:35 am »
Various enquiries lead me to believe that it's a standard European 2 pin power connection.

I've got various bits and pieces, euro plugs etc., ready to wire up when we get to Houx so if I've been given duff advice, please let me know!

Thanks

John

Offline Fletch

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2003, 01:03:07 am »
Have camped on Houx 5 out of 7 years at LM and we are lucky to be there this year (if tickets arrive!) and I am sparkie by trade!
You will need an adaptor lead to go from standard French plug to 16A socket (industrial type) as used on caravans and available from most caravan shops for around a fiver (I bought components and made my own). Then a cable to your pitch and then convert to standard UK sockets. Cable to pitch may need to be considerable length, maybe 10m or as much as 50m, so be prepared. I always take plenty of cable just in case, the thought of warm beer doesn't bear thinking about. Please contact me if you are unsure. E-mail: p.f.cooke@talk21.com . If you are on Houx- Non numbered then power is not available.

Offline Esprit

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2003, 10:24:14 am »
So basically if I've got a standard 2 pin French plug I can just wire this at one end and a UK 4 way adapter at the other and the job's done?

I can't quite understand why the caravan / industrial connector is required.

Regards

John


Offline smokie

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2003, 11:14:01 am »
Yes Esprit, I think you're right.

I'm guessing Fletch was assuming you wanted to connect to a standard caravan/camping three pin connection.

Offline Stu

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2003, 11:31:08 am »
If you can't connect you'll almost definetly get the plug at Carrefour or one of the DIY stores. I'm taking 100m of 1.5mm cable and will be on Houx Annexe near to the top bogs on monday night if you get stuck. Also if you're a bit unsure about wiring up a new plug, give me a shout. Also don't trust a french sparky as I've worked with them before and their mental. Anything goes.

Stu



Offline Fletch

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #8 on: June 03, 2003, 12:52:06 am »
Sorry about the confusion.
You can wire a French plug to a UK 13A 4way trailing socket, no problem.
16A caravan plugs/sockets are not necessary. It's just the way we do it because we take plenty of made up cables and plug them together and no custom making of cables necessary and they are splashproof unlike standard 13A plugs/sockets. You never know how far away from the power you will be.
Plugs are available in French supermarkets.
Please feel free to contact me for further advice.
Should have plenty of spare bits if any stuck.

Offline Fletch

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Re:Power problem
« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2003, 12:56:17 am »
Sorry, bit tired.
Last sentence should read: " ...if anyone stuck"
Roll on next Tues!!