French electric adapters

stonflo
stonflo Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited March 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

This question has probably been asked before. We will be stating on French site which advises the use of what I assume is a continental adapter for the electrics but the plug type is a puzzle. THey have said to use a IP/44(P17). Any help as to what this
is?

Mike

Comments

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #2

    As far as I am aware IP  is the rating of the device re waterproofness etc and P 17 the plug type. That is the same plug as is used on CC sites in this country. Hopefully, someone can confirm this shortly. Not many French sites require a continental adapter these days. Although it is probably worth buying one from a caravan accessories shop, they are not very expensive. I always check for polarity as well, and carry a switching lead, although a lot on here, in another recent thread, do not feel this is required.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #3

    P17 is a plug/socket for industrial purposes and can be red, yellow or blue. The IP44 is the protection it gives, first figure 'intrusion' against and second figure how waterproof.

    It looks to be they are saying its your bog standard 16 amp blue 3 pin plug/socket, although most go away with a continental adaptor for the quirky 2 pin found on some campsites.

  • SandraandJohn
    SandraandJohn Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited March 2016 #4

    The only adaptor we have ever needed was a european to 16A adaptor. You should be able to get one of these from any decent camping or caravanning store such as Winfields or Go-Outdoors. Trick with this is to ensure that your live is on the live side not
    the neutral. We normally carry a mains tester with us just in case the live and neutral have been reversed on the site that we are visiting. Hope that helps haver a great trip.

  • stonflo
    stonflo Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited March 2016 #5

    Thanks for the replies. I have a two pin plug conversion lead which I must confess that I have never had to use in France. It was just the numbers I did not know.Winking

  • royandsharont
    royandsharont Forum Participant Posts: 735
    100 Comments
    edited March 2016 #6

    We have had to use a two pin convertor link lots of times in France and less so in Spain but I don't think in any of the other european countries we have visited. Regards, Roy

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