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Thanks for doing this. I'd like to check 3 things with you.
1 . In the second paragraph you mention connecting the cable first to the van. I wonder whether the explanation of how to do this should come next, before going on to mention the hook-up post. Perhaps something like this:
'Remember to plug the cable into your van before plugging it into the power supply and it is good practice to unwind the cable fully to avoid any chance of a heat build-up The end with the hinged cap plugs into the motorhome. This is achieved by opening the flap enough to plug into the socket on the van and then releasing so that it closes onto the outside of the socket. The cap is moulded so that it hooks over a ridge on the outside of the socket and prevents the two accidentally sliding apart. The other end of the cable plugs into the hook up post. A little quirk of the Caravan Club hook-up posts is that you have to turn the plug a quarter turn clockwise before you are connected to the electricity.'
2. I also wonder if it would help to say something about how to recognise a hook up post, particularly as they are often shared and not always sited at the actual pitch. I know someone else is doing something about amperage but perhaps its also useful to let people know this can vary, and to check what amperage is provided.
3. Regarding reverse polarity: you say 'This is where the live and the neutral (brown and blue wires) are connected up the wrong way round.' Do you mean the 'other way round', or do you actually mean 'the wrong way' i.e. someone has made a mistake? I'm not being pedantic, I genuinely don't know.
Thanks Chris, I will have a think about the rewording. I am also hoping that someone will write an in depth peice on reverse polarity so that I can insert a link to help clear up any questions that people may have. For what it is worth to my way of thinking they are connected up 'the wrong way' but it would be interesting to hear other people's views on that.
Thanks Chris, I will have a think about the rewording. I am also hoping that someone will write an in depth peice on reverse polarity so that I can insert a link to help clear up any questions that people may have. For what it is worth to my way of thinking they are connected up 'the wrong way' but it would be interesting to hear other people's views on that.
European supplies are generally protected on both the live and neutral cables, generally UK is only protected on the live side, this is the reason that some refer to this as reverse polarity, with the standard 2 pin euro domestic plugs you can fit either way round.
A good investment is a small socket tester which will identify most issues with supplies, use one of the plug adaptors to UK 3pin socket, and test before you connect to the van, wherever you are, it only takes a minute to check.
Perhaps the most important aspect of using a polarity tester (and this comment refers to other FAQ sections about mains) is that it will show whether the supply post has a good earth. In my view this is more important than whether the polarity is reversed, since most appliances these days are either double pole switched / insulated or made of plastic rather than a conducting material.
Thanks Chris, I will have a think about the rewording. I am also hoping that someone will write an in depth peice on reverse polarity so that I can insert a link to help clear up any questions that people may have. For what it is worth to my way of thinking they are connected up 'the wrong way' but it would be interesting to hear other people's views on that.
Thanks Chris, I will have a think about the rewording. I am also hoping that someone will write an in depth peice on reverse polarity so that I can insert a link to help clear up any questions that people may have. For what it is worth to my way of thinking they are connected up 'the wrong way' but it would be interesting to hear other people's views on that.
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