Power sockets at French campsites
- Thread starter Simon_m
- Start date
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http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=7&TopicID=194391
Don't know much about them but wondered if this link would help....That thread is a bit old though.
Don't know much about them but wondered if this link would help....That thread is a bit old though.
Dave Davenport
Guru
- Location
- Hampshire
Quite a few, especially the older municipal sites still have standard two pin types but lots have the three pin 'outdoor' type these days.
I think it varies from campsite to campsite. In Italy (where I've spent most time recently) the blue Euro three-pin sockets are pretty much universal, but according to the Camping and Caravanning Club, in France, Germany and Spain a lot of campsites still have the old national-style sockets. I don't know how recent that page is, but quick look Google Image search threw up a few examples of sockets using two-pin plugs (but the people who posted the pictures of them may have done so because they are unusual).
As insurance I'd suggest getting one of these
which would cost about a tenner. You may well also be able to find them in hardware and camping goods shops on the continent - but equipped for the euro two-pin plugs.
As insurance I'd suggest getting one of these
which would cost about a tenner. You may well also be able to find them in hardware and camping goods shops on the continent - but equipped for the euro two-pin plugs.
subaqua
What’s the point
- Location
- Leytonstone
that would be fine for converting an IEC 60309 (commando) socket to a BS1363 13A outlet but not if the french site has the french 2 pin jobby ( yes you can take that as a euphemism when it comes to french stuff)I think it varies from campsite to campsite. In Italy (where I've spent most time recently) the blue Euro three-pin sockets are pretty much universal, but according to the Camping and Caravanning Club, in France, Germany and Spain a lot of campsites still have the old national-style sockets. I don't know how recent that page is, but quick look Google Image search threw up a few examples of sockets using two-pin plugs (but the people who posted the pictures of them may have done so because they are unusual).
As insurance I'd suggest getting one of these
which would cost about a tenner. You may well also be able to find them in hardware and camping goods shops on the continent - but equipped for the euro two-pin plugs.
PS its not a euro socket its a international standard.
IME, having camped in both Italy and France in recent years, the international outdoor sockets are the norm. I think I have only used the French style plug once in my travels. Note, that the Italians use a different plug system and I have never had to use an Italian domestic plug on a campsite.
Well duuuh.
Last edited:
Banjo
Fuelled with Jelly Babies
- Location
- South Wales
Went camping in France (Brittany and Normandy) last year and in about 6 different sites only ever needed the same plug we use on British campsites.Maybe we were just lucky.
subaqua
What’s the point
- Location
- Leytonstone
I take it you mean you realise you posted the socket adaptor for doing the reverse of what you wanted hence the Duuhh.
just to be clear though- if the french campsite has the 2 pin outlet then the 60309 "blue commando" adaptor posted , wont fit and as it stands that adaptor probably isn't IP 44 which the 60309 plug on a lead to inside your tent will be , where you can plug a sensible converter in. so not only at the first sign of water will the RCD likely trip the rest of those on the same circuit will be mightily upset.
OP
OP
Simon_m
Guru
http://www.somersetcamping.co.uk/detail.asp?p=202229&product=Mobile+Mains+Power+Unit
As we are a large group, we will need a lot of juice each night in France. (another euphemism in cycling!) Think we will get one or two of these, see above link. Plus got domestic 2pin plugs for hotels and in case some french campsites use it too. Thanks
As we are a large group, we will need a lot of juice each night in France. (another euphemism in cycling!) Think we will get one or two of these, see above link. Plus got domestic 2pin plugs for hotels and in case some french campsites use it too. Thanks
steveindenmark
Legendary Member
Most of the ones I have been in have the caravan hook up type connectiond. You can get them very cheaply on E Bay and amazon.
Are your travelling with a support vehicle? If not you might want to shorten that cable.
Also you can get converters that convert two-pin sockets to the three-pin euro-standard (sorry international standard) ones. That way you can use the same extension lead wherever.
Like this:
http://www.somersetcamping.co.uk/detail.asp?p=201458&product=Euro/Continental Mains Hook Up Socket Conversion Lead
- although note that this one is fitted with a Schuko plug and you might need an adapter for that! (you think two-pin sockets in Johnny-Foreigner-land are all the same? Nope).
The RCD is probably a bit OTT (IME if the campsite has upgraded to the pukka three-pin sockets then the cabinets are fitted with RCDs) but they won't do any harm - but the campsites that haven't upgraded may not have RCDs which would be an additional reason to get an adapter to use the three-pin cable.
Also you can get converters that convert two-pin sockets to the three-pin euro-standard (sorry international standard) ones. That way you can use the same extension lead wherever.
Like this:
http://www.somersetcamping.co.uk/detail.asp?p=201458&product=Euro/Continental Mains Hook Up Socket Conversion Lead
- although note that this one is fitted with a Schuko plug and you might need an adapter for that! (you think two-pin sockets in Johnny-Foreigner-land are all the same? Nope).
The RCD is probably a bit OTT (IME if the campsite has upgraded to the pukka three-pin sockets then the cabinets are fitted with RCDs) but they won't do any harm - but the campsites that haven't upgraded may not have RCDs which would be an additional reason to get an adapter to use the three-pin cable.
