Motorhome Electric Hook-Up Guide (2026 UK Campsite Power Explained)
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Electric hook-up (often called EHU) is one of the most useful facilities available on UK campsites. It allows motorhome owners to safely power appliances such as kettles, heaters, lighting, and battery chargers.
If you’re new to motorhome touring, connecting to campsite electricity might seem confusing at first. Fortunately, the process is simple once you understand the basics.
This guide explains how motorhome electric hook-up works, how to connect safely, and the common mistakes beginners should avoid.
If you’re completely new to touring, you may also want to read our Ultimate Motorhome for Beginners Guide and Motorhome Setup Checklist (First Campsite Setup) which covers everything you need to do when arriving on a campsite.
Table of Contents
What Is Motorhome Electric Hook-Up?
What Equipment Do You Need?
How to Connect Electric Hook-Up (Step-by-Step)
Understanding UK Campsite Power Limits
Motorhome Hook-Up Safety Tips
Common Electric Hook-Up Mistakes
FAQs
What Is Motorhome Electric Hook-Up?
Electric hook-up is a campsite power supply that allows motorhomes to connect to mains electricity.
Most UK campsites provide power through a hookup bollard, usually located next to your pitch.
Once connected, you can power:
interior lighting
fridge operation
phone and laptop charging
electric kettles
heaters and fans
battery chargers
Many motorhomes automatically charge the leisure battery when connected to EHU.
What Equipment Do You Need?
To connect your motorhome to campsite electricity you will normally need:
Electric Hook-Up Cable
Usually a 25-metre orange cable with a blue connector.
Mains Adapter Plug
Allows connection between your motorhome and the campsite bollard.
Polarity Tester
Some campsites may have reverse polarity, and this device helps detect it.
Cable Storage Bag
Keeps cables tidy and prevents damage during travel.
These items are considered essential motorhome accessories for touring.
How to Connect Electric Hook-Up (Step-by-Step)
Connecting electric hook-up safely takes only a few minutes.
Step 1 – Turn Off Appliances
Before connecting power, turn off high-power appliances such as kettles or heaters.
Step 2 – Plug the Cable Into the Motorhome
Always connect the cable to your motorhome before connecting to the campsite bollard.
This reduces the risk of handling a live cable.
Step 3 – Connect to the Campsite Power Bollard
Insert the plug into the campsite electric hook-up point.
Most bollards have a switch or breaker which must be turned on.
Step 4 – Switch On the Power
Once connected, switch on the power supply at the bollard.
Your motorhome should now receive electricity.
Step 5 – Check Your Motorhome Power System
Inside the motorhome, check that:
lights work
battery charging indicator is active
appliances operate normally
You are now fully connected to campsite power.
Understanding UK Campsite Power Limits
Most UK campsites provide between:
10 amps – smaller campsites
16 amps – larger campsites
This limits how many appliances you can run at once.
For example:
Appliance | Power Use |
Kettle | High |
Electric heater | High |
Battery charger | Low |
Lighting | Low |
Running too many high-power appliances may trip the campsite breaker.
Motorhome Electric Hook-Up Safety Tips
Electricity is safe when used correctly, but a few simple precautions are recommended.
Always fully uncoil the cable
Coiled cables can overheat when carrying electricity.
Keep cables away from walkways
Avoid creating trip hazards on your pitch.
Protect plugs from rain
Most plugs are weather-resistant, but keeping connections off the ground helps prevent water damage.
Turn off power before unplugging
When leaving a campsite, always turn off the bollard switch before disconnecting.
Common Electric Hook-Up Mistakes Beginners Make
Many new motorhome owners make a few small mistakes when using campsite electricity.
Plugging into the bollard first
This can leave a live cable in your hands.
Always plug into the motorhome first.
Running too many appliances
Using kettles, heaters and cookers together can trip the campsite power.
Forgetting to unplug before leaving
It sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you might think!
Not carrying a long enough cable
Some campsite bollards may be far from the pitch, so a 25-metre cable is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Electric hook-up is one of the biggest advantages of motorhome touring. It allows you to enjoy many home comforts while staying on a campsite.
Once you understand the basics, connecting to campsite electricity becomes a quick and simple part of your setup routine.
For beginners, the key points to remember are:
plug into the motorhome first
connect to the bollard second
respect campsite power limits
disconnect safely before leaving
Following these simple steps will keep your motorhome electrical system safe and reliable.
FAQs
Do all campsites have electric hook-up?
No. Some basic campsites or wild camping areas do not provide electricity.
What cable do motorhomes use for electric hook-up?
Most motorhomes use a CEE blue connector cable, typically 25 metres long.
Can a motorhome run everything on electric hook-up?
Usually yes, but power limits mean you may need to avoid running multiple high-power appliances at the same time.
Does electric hook-up charge the leisure battery?
Yes. Most motorhomes charge the leisure battery automatically when connected to mains power.
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