For caravans, motorhomes, camper vans, 5^th wheelers and camper trailers you will need a 15 amp, 3 pin plug electrical extension cord.  These 15 amp cords are mostly a different colour (usually orange) than the 10 amp (usually grey) household electrical extension cords.

What is a Mushroom?

The extension cord connects from the ‘mushroom’ power supply box (female power inlet connection) at the caravan/trailer park to the external (male power outlet connection) plug on your RV.  The extension cord may also be used for connection to a generator.

Electrical Cord Care and Maintenance

Care should always be taken when dealing with electricity and power cords and should be regularly inspected for any wear or fraying.  It is important to replace worn, damaged or frayed cords.

Your RV will most likely have an earth leakage circuit breaker.  To avoid electrical shock never modify lighting outlets, plugs or cords. All electrical work should be undertaken by a licensed electrician. 

15 amp electrical cords usually come in 10, 15 and 20 meter lengths.  The cord should be fully unwound before use as a wound cord may overheat and catch fire. 

For safety reasons there are maximum lengths (including in line length combination of cords). 

Extension cord recommended lengths:-

Joining the cords is not recommended as the join is not weather proof.  Liquids and electricity do not mix.  However, a weatherproof plug and socket cover is available from a caravan or motorhome accessory store.

What Lengths of Extension Cord Do I Need to Carry? In some caravan/trailer parks the power supply box can be some distance from your RV so it is recommended you carry different length cords for this purpose.  The shorter one for when your RV is closer to the power supply box and the longer one when it is further away. For easier convenient storage, purchase a reel on which to store your extension cord. If you need to maintain a state of charge for your RV batteries whilst your motorhome or caravan is stored at home it is recommended you get an electrician to install a 15 amp power point at your residence.  The 15 amp power extension cords are not suitable for use for standard domestic power points.

Safety switches are not the same as fuses or circuit breakers but rather an additional form of protection to be used with circuit breakers and fuses.  Safety switches monitor the flow of electricity and automatically shut off the electrical supply when current is detected leaking from faulty wiring, switches or electrical appliances. Portable safety switches are available.

Surge protectors safeguard your wiring and electrical appliances for voltage surges such as lightning strike.

What is a circuit breaker ?

Circuit breakers cut the power off when the wiring has too much electrical current flowing through it.  Circuit breakers and fuses do not provide personal protection against electrical shock.
 

How do I supply power to my tent ?

If using an extension cord to supply power to a tent, and the onsite connection point does not have safety switch protection for the outlet, it is recommended that a portable safety switch be used. If there is to be more than one appliance connected in the tent use an approved portable socket outlet box.