Electrical Safety

12V vs 240V

The electrical systems depend on the model. Some vehicles have both systems below, and some have only 12V power with no 240V mains system:

• 12V power comes from the house battery. It runs lights, the water pump, USB ports and other low-power equipment, even when you're not plugged in. Whether it runs the fridge depends on the fridge. A compressor fridge can run on the battery. A three-way (absorption) fridge may run on the battery only while the engine is running, and need gas or 240V when you're parked. Follow the controls and instructions supplied with your vehicle.
• 240V power, where fitted, needs a connection to an external power supply, usually a powered site at a caravan park or campground. It runs the microwave, kettle, toaster, power sockets and, in some larger vans, the living-area air conditioning.

Our power management guide lists what usually runs on each system and explains how to keep the house battery charged.

How do I plug in to mains with an extension cord?

The 240V power inlet is on the outside of the vehicle. Use the lead supplied with the vehicle, or one your rental company has approved, and connect it to a suitable outlet with safety-switch (RCD) protection, such as a powered site at a caravan park or campground. Follow your rental company's instructions and the campsite's rules.

The supplied lead is usually a 15 amp lead. Its plug has a larger earth pin than a 10 amp plug, so it won't fit an ordinary household power point. Don't use an adaptor, change the plug or join on a household extension cord to make it fit. Use a single, continuous lead. If you're not sure which outlet or lead to use, ask your rental company or the campsite.

The Tasmanian Government's guidance on using electricity safely in caravans explains these safety basics in more detail.

Unplug the 240V lead before you move the van or motorhome.

Battery

The house battery is usually a deep-cycle battery, and in most campervans it's separate from the engine battery. How it's wired and how it charges depend on the vehicle. Depending on the model, it may charge from a powered site, while you drive, or from solar panels where fitted. Check your vehicle's handover information or manual, or ask your rental company, for how your vehicle charges and what happens if the house battery runs flat. Our power management guide has general tips on keeping it charged.

Generators

Generator rules vary between rental companies and vehicles. Don't assume a generator is supplied, or that you can connect one to your hire vehicle. Check with your rental company before your trip, and check the campsite's rules before running one there.

Next steps

• Power management: what runs on the battery and how to keep it charged
• Overnight parking: finding powered sites
• Utility failures: what to do if the power stops working

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.