Quick Summary
Yes, you can get electricity in a tent using a campsite Electric Hook-Up (EHU). You'll need a camping mains unit — a weatherproof cable with a blue 16-amp site plug and built-in RCD protection. Most UK campsites offer 10 or 16 amp supplies.
Never use a standard domestic extension lead outdoors. Prices start at £44.99 for a complete unit.
One of the most common questions we get at Newquay Camping Shop is: "Can I get electricity in my tent?" The answer is yes — and it's easier than you might think. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Electric Hook-Up (EHU)?
Electric Hook-Up (EHU) is a service offered by many UK campsites that allows you to connect your tent or caravan to the site's mains electricity supply. You plug in using a special cable, and you get a supply of mains power — typically 10 or 16 amps — that you can use to charge devices, power lights, run a fan heater, or use a small appliance.
EHU pitches usually cost a little more than standard pitches, but the convenience is well worth it for many campers.
What Equipment Do I Need for Camping Electric Hook-Up?
To use electric hook-up at a campsite, you'll need a camping mains unit — a weatherproof cable with a blue 16-amp site plug on one end and UK sockets on the other, with built-in RCD protection for safety. Never use a standard domestic extension lead outdoors — they're not weatherproof and not safe for this purpose.
We stock three options at Newquay Camping Shop:
🔌 Crusader Mobile Mains Unit with USB — £44.99
A great entry-level option. 15m cable, 3 UK plug sockets (16 amp), and 2 USB sockets (5 amp) — enough to run lights, charge phones, and power a kettle, all from one unit.
🔌 Crusader Mobile Mains Electric Hook Up 15m — £49.99
Steps up with full RCD and MCB electrical protection (10 amp double pole MCB, 25 amp RCD), 3 UK sockets, 15m cable with blue 240v site plug, and pole fitting clips. CE approved and built for reliable campsite use.
🔌 Crusader Mobile Mains Electric Hook Up 15m With USB — £59.99
The top-spec option — same full RCD/MCB protection as above, but adds 3 USB ports alongside the 3 UK sockets. Ideal if you're charging multiple devices at once.
How Do I Use Electric Hook-Up Safely?
- Always use cables and equipment rated for outdoor use
- Keep connections off the ground and away from water
- Never overload the circuit — add up the wattage of everything you're running
- Unplug when you leave the tent unattended
- Check the campsite's amperage before you arrive so you know what you're working with
What Can I Power in a Tent with Electric Hook-Up?
With a standard 10-amp EHU supply, you can comfortably run phone, tablet, and laptop chargers, LED camping lights or fairy lights, a small fan or fan heater on a low setting, a travel kettle, or a CPAP machine.
What If My Campsite Doesn't Have Electric Hook-Up?
If your campsite doesn't offer EHU — or you're wild camping — portable power stations, solar panels, 12V appliances, and USB power banks are all good alternatives. Pop into Newquay Camping Shop and our team can help you find the right setup for your style of camping.
Frequently Asked Questions: Camping Electric Hook-Up
How many amps is a campsite electric hook-up?
Most UK campsites offer either 10-amp or 16-amp electric hook-up. A 10-amp supply gives you roughly 2,300 watts of power, while a 16-amp supply gives you around 3,680 watts. Always check the campsite's amperage before you arrive so you know how much power you have to work with.
Can I run a kettle on a campsite electric hook-up?
Yes, but be careful. A standard travel kettle draws around 800–1000W, which uses a significant portion of a 10-amp supply (2,300W total). If you're running a kettle, turn off other high-wattage appliances like heaters to avoid tripping the campsite's electrics. A dedicated camping kettle with lower wattage is a safer choice.
What's the difference between RCD and MCB protection?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects you from electric shock by cutting the power if it detects a fault. An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects against overloading by tripping if too much current is drawn. Both are essential safety features in a camping mains unit — never buy one without RCD protection.
Can I use a normal extension lead for camping?
No — standard domestic extension leads are not weatherproof and are not safe for outdoor or camping use. You need a dedicated camping mains unit with a blue 16-amp site plug, weatherproof sockets, and built-in RCD protection. These are designed specifically for campsite conditions.
What can I run on a 10-amp campsite hook-up?
On a 10-amp supply (approximately 2,300W), you can run phone and laptop chargers, LED lights, a small fan heater on low setting, a travel kettle, a cool box, or a CPAP machine. The key is to add up the wattage of everything you're running at once and stay under the total limit. Avoid running multiple high-wattage appliances simultaneously.
