Is hook up safe with no RCD?

[JandP]

Our daughter and her family, including 2 small children will join us on holiday in a couple of weeks. They will stay in their tent next to our van and to give them maximum independence they want their own hook up. I have seen hook up cables for tents on ebay for about £15 but they are simply a length of hook up cable with the blue plug on one end and a strip of sockets on the other but no RCD so are they safe. Is an RCD needed or do the site electrics provide adequate protection? Thanks, Jim.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Jim,

In principal the sites bollard should have a functioning RCD, and that should be adequate BUT with electrics you can't be too careful. I would recommend you forget the simple extension leads, and opt for a proper camping typewhich has an RCD and weather protected sockets built into the trailing end.
There are some on Ebay for about £35 - what price peace of mind?

 

[Gafferbill]

.......I agree with the Prof and also point that some sites will not allow you to have electricity in a tent unless you have the equipment he describes. These sites will often rent you the correct equipment.

 

[JandP]

Thanks for your advice, its clearly the right thing to do especially as I have just remembered the 2 dogs, (dont want to electrocute them!). I now have the right kit so thats one problem solved, now if any of you know where I left the tent poles we will be all set! Jim.