5 amp hookup what can I use?

Pippah45
Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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edited May 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

i know I have the info somewhere but I thought some kind person here could save me a search!  2008 Van,  I have the fridge on gas at the moment but can I run that and the water heater on 5 amps?  No one sharing the bollared yet but site may fill up tonight
perhaps.  Thank you in advance.  

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,872 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #2

    Pippah

    You could probably run the fridge, charger and water heater on the lower setting. However if you  also want to boil a low wattage kettle you would need to turn off the water heater. Over many years I have discovered that site ampage is not always what it
    seems. We have recently been on a campsite with claimed 6 amp electricity and I was able to use the water heater on full power as  well has have the fridge on. Best not to be to experimentle if you are locked in a cabinet but many sites you have access to
    the trip switch so if you go overboard with using too much power or just plain forget you can always reset your power like you would at home on your consumer unit.

    David

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited May 2016 #3

    Thank you very much David - gas kettle it is then - since its Safefill gas prices think I will turn the water on that way and just do the fridge it's wonderfully hot here atm @ at Huelgoat if any other CTs are here!

  • Geejay
    Geejay Forum Participant Posts: 232
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    edited May 2016 #4

    The Club's leaflet is here and gives guidance on ratings.  On 6 amps we used the fridge + low wattage Kettle or fridge + Truma blown air heater on lowest setting, but not the 3 together.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,872 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #5

    Pippah

    If you have plenty of gas and can refill locally if needed you will get hot water a lot quicker. If you wanted to conserve your gas you could try a combination of lowest electric setting and gas which might make a bit of a saving.

    David

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
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    edited May 2016 #6

    Not needed the heating but by putting hot water on gas and using a low wattage kettle we have been problem free.  Fridge was fine on electrics as draws very low wattage. It is heating and water heating you have to watch and if you have a microwave make sure
    kettle is not on a same time.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited May 2016 #7

    5amps gives you something like 1150W to play with.  A fridge is about 125W, a water heater iirc 750W so they should be safe how much more depends on how close to 5amp the breaker really is.   For me I would stick to fridge and water heater plus the incidentals
    lights, TV battery charger and use gas to heat and cook. 

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited May 2016 #8

    We survived for a month in Italy with a supply of 4/5 amps. Keep the hot water on setting "1" which should be 1 kW. You can still use fridge, pump etc. but if you want to use microwave or low power kettle just flick the heater off until finished.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited May 2016 #9

    Thank you everyone great answers.  I have opted to keep the fridge cool and chargers pump etc on electric leaving the water and cooking to gas.  

    Which is better with gas water heater - leave it on all the time at moderately hot or just turn it on before washing up and shower?  I don't use site facilities but this could be an option if Brittany Ferries won't take me home tomorrow!  Plenty of gas unless there is a big delay.  I have the big Safefill but can't find the euro adaptor So it will have to last me.  Please Brittany Ferries run!  I haven't deployed the solar panel yet either!  

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited May 2016 #10

    Thank you everyone great answers.  I have opted to keep the fridge cool and chargers pump etc on electric leaving the water and cooking to gas.  

    Which is better with gas water heater - leave it on all the time at moderately hot or just turn it on before washing up and shower?  I don't use site facilities but this could be an option if Brittany Ferries won't take me home tomorrow!  Plenty of gas unless
    there is a big delay.  I have the big Safefill but can't find the euro adaptor So it will have to last me.  Please Brittany Ferries run!  I haven't deployed the solar panel yet either!  

     

    Same as home. Put the heater on only when you need it. There is always some small heat loss to the surroundings so don't keep the water hotter than it needs to be.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #11

    Well I will have to do better next time had quite a cold rinse to my shower and shampoo!  Luckily the aquaroll has been in the sun!  Never mind the bbq pork rib and asparagus wrapped in bacon made up for that!  Half a disposable charcoal one works well for
    small amounts.  Wink And keeps the midges away.

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