10 replies to this topic

[dolly]

Please could anybody tell me who has actually been to Gandspette what the polarity is there ?I have visions of electrocuting ourselves because we dont know whether it is a neg or pos polarity.  perhaps at the same time we could list all those foreign sites that we have down here and include their polarity as well.
Thanks to anybody that can help.
Dolly x

[deniseandpaul]

We are staying there at easter so i can let you know what it is like if you want.

[klyne]

Dolly

I have been there quite a few times and I can't remember. This is not something to worry about. Have a look at my website under 'Help and Information' which gives a brief guide to Continental Electrics. If you have more questions after that please come back to me.

David

[phutchison]

We went to La Garangeoire last year - great place.

On the electric supply bollard, you had the option to use the French connector, or just the usual one. What was surprising is that one of these was reversed, and the other normal!

[dolly]

D & P
Yes please if you wouldnt mind letting us know and also thanks David will have a look now.
Dolly x

[twooks]

among the many joys of continental camping is the fact that the polarity of electrics is not necessarily a constant. altho we generally find that reversed option is the case in most places.
you'd be advised to invest in a polarity tester - not expensive, if your ' van doesn't have one already.
in practice, it's not that big a problem.

[dolly]

Built in polarity tester ??? I didnt know that !!  Well we have just upgraded to a 2004 model so would that have one in or is this specific to certain makes?
Dollyx

[klyne]

Dolly

Your comments have prompted me to think whether I was wise to mention built in built polarity switch over switches on my web page. It was something that was built into vans originating from about 10/12 years ago, I have not seen it in modern vans. I would be greatful if anyone has any information on the built in ones.

David

[twooks]

most 'vans i look at have a polarity tester / light, but, then I'm not a 'tugger'.
            

[Evans of Sprot]

twooks, on Mar 7 2004, 06:05 PM, said:

Altho we generally find that reversed option is the case in most places. you'd be advised to invest in a polarity tester - not expensive, if your van doesn't have one already. In practice, it's not that big a problem.

True: mostly.

[Dail]

Dolly,

It really isn't such a big deal to check and correct if necessary, the polarity of the mains supply to your caravan.


Invest in a polarity tester.   The bollard next to you on the same site could have crossed polarity in Britain or France, so always check.  I think polarity testers cost around a fiver.  They consist of three lights on the back of a 13 amp plug.  Plug it in and switch on. The sequence of lights tells the whole story.  It is all written on the back of the tester.

If it is wrong, plug your changeover lead, a short cable with a plug on one end and a socket on the other, with ONE of them wired reverse polarity, into the bollard, plug your mains lead in the other end and Voila! job done.  The polarity is reversed and you can sleep like a baby confident of your electrical safety.

It is that easy Dolly,,, honest.


Dave