Phase reversed EHU sockets in Europe

[Jabberwocky]

The only thing you definitely need for abroad is a converter for the plug from the normal plug to a continental two pin type as some sites will not have the usual hook up socket. Our van came with one.
Opinions vary on the phase reversal question.
Plenty to read on here about it if you do a search.

Thanks for quick reply. If I understand correctly, you mean one of these:

JW

 

[briwy]

Thanks for quick reply. If I understand correctly, you mean one of these:

JW

Yes that's the one

 

[Jabberwocky]

Yes that's the one

Thanks. I will wait to see if one comes with the van before I buy - thanks for tip off

 

[Bigted]

Thanks. I will wait to see if one comes with the van before I buy - thanks for tip off

There should be one with the van!

 

[briwy]

Always thought it odd that the converter comes with the van but no cable. Obviously needs a cable to be any use.

 

[calicasas]

We get this in France, Spain, Italy, Corsica, Sciliy, Sardinia & Portugal. I always carry a made up reverse polarity lead with me.

Also got this in Germany 2 years ago.
I recall someone on this forum saying that their Cali was wired with reverse polarity at the socket on the side of the van... From new!
I always carry out a polarity check before plugging in...

 

[B J G]

During many years of caravanning in France I found (after reading about this issue way back) polarity a hit & miss affair. I checked everytime I plugged in as a routine task. I also made a short cross over plug<>socket cable as it it is simpler than dismantling an end to swap wires over.
Remember that with switching off a mains appliance with wrong polarity leaves the Live supply still ON through the appliance ie you are really switching the Neutral on and off.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[Jabberwocky]

During many years of caravanning in France I found (after reading about this issue way back) polarity a hit & miss affair. I checked everytime I plugged in as a routine task. I also made a short cross over plug<>socket cable as it it is simpler than dismantling an end to swap wires over.
Remember that with switching off a mains appliance with wrong polarity leaves the Live supply still ON through the appliance ie you are really switching the Neutral on and off.

Better safe than sorry.

Where can I get suitable/good UK and European polarity checkers? Thanks JW

 

[jts46]

Try RS or (radio spares as i used to know it)

 

[WelshGas]

Where can I get suitable/good UK and European polarity checkers? Thanks JW

You only need 1 to plug into your kitchen 240v 3 pin UK socket.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13A-UK-Ma...759555?hash=item464899f343:g:KU4AAOSwnLdWtJfk




Plug in the EHU to the California, Plug in the Polarity checker in kitchen socket. If wrong Polarity then unplug EHU and insert Polarity crossover cable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EU-Europe...486659?hash=item3a8f12f203:g:mPcAAOxy4XNSMsdj

 

[Jabberwocky]

You only need 1 to plug into your kitchen 240v 3 pin UK socket.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13A-UK-Ma...759555?hash=item464899f343:g:KU4AAOSwnLdWtJfk

View attachment 17961


Plug in the EHU to the California, Plug in the Polarity checker in kitchen socket. If wrong Polarity then unplug EHU and insert Polarity crossover cable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EU-Europe...486659?hash=item3a8f12f203:g:mPcAAOxy4XNSMsdj

View attachment 17960

Thanks for help WG. I keep telling myself I will be ready when my Cali is delivered! Thanks again. JW

 

[B J G]

The parts needed to make your own polarity crossover are on EBAY (minus cable) for a reasonable cost.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16A-3-Pin...856854?hash=item3ac4066616:g:YNIAAOSw8gVX3Aih

 

[Jabberwocky]

The parts needed to make your own polarity crossover are on EBAY (minus cable) for a reasonable cost.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16A-3-Pin...856854?hash=item3ac4066616:g:YNIAAOSw8gVX3Aih

Thanks BGJ

 

[AlanC]

Try RS or (radio spares as i used to know it)

Showing your age now

Aan

 

[B J G]

Try RS or (radio spares as i used to know it)

Think they only supply Trade Account Customers.

 

[larrylamb]

It will be expensive if it's RS, plenty of cheaper alternatives although their free next day delivery service is excellent.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks to all. Got my bits for electrical safety ordered and delivered. Thanks again. Best motoring forum ever!!

 

[sidepod]

Such a shame VW went to all that trouble to fit double pole RCBO's to cover this very subject.

Carry on

 

[Loz]

Such a shame VW went to all that trouble to fit double pole RCBO's to cover this very subject.

Carry on

Exactly.... shame they forgot the portable earth spike an lump hammer


...oh yea, that's me

 

[AlanC]

Such a shame VW went to all that trouble to fit double pole RCBO's to cover this very subject.

Carry on

At the risk of extending this thread;

Surely a RCBO detects current leakage and breaks the circuit as a safety measure?

There should not be any current leakage with a simple phase reverse, unless the item plugged in has a fault, which could be the case whatever the phase?

Alan

 

[sidepod]

The point is it breaks both poles, L and N so any reversed polarity issues are cleared during trip.

UK homes only isolate L during a trip hence polarity is an issue.
Euro homes isolate both L and N.

 

[larrylamb]

At the risk of extending this thread;

Surely a RCBO detects current leakage and breaks the circuit as a safety measure?

There should not be any current leakage with a simple phase reverse, unless the item plugged in has a fault, which could be the case whatever the phase?

Alan

Correct, there is slightly more chance of accidental electrocution through wrong polarity though. For example breakfast time, slice of bread gets stuck in toaster. If the toaster is switched off but still plugged in then the heater elements are probably still live as you go digging the toast out with a knife. As long as equipment is used correctly, wrong polarity will probably go unnoticed.

 

[snowy55]

If you've got an electric toaster in your Cali and you go digging about in it you deserve to be electrocuted!

 

[sidepod]

I give up!

 

[larrylamb]

I give up!

Sorry, didn't know there was a monopoly on electrical answers.