Camping Electrical Safety: Keep Your Power Safe on the Road

Plugging in a motorhome or setting up a generator can feel like a breeze, but a quick mistake can turn a fun night into a dangerous one. Below are the most useful, down‑to‑earth tips to make sure your campsite electricity stays safe—whether you’re parking at a UK site or traveling across Europe.

Check Your RV Wiring Before You Go

Start with a visual inspection. Look for cracked or frayed cords, loose connections, and any scorch marks on the panels. Those signs mean the wiring is stressed and could spark. If you spot anything, replace the part before you hit the road; cheap fixes later won’t save you from a fire.

Next, test your 12‑volt system. A simple multimeter can tell you if the battery is delivering a steady voltage (around 12.6 V when the engine’s off). If it drops too low, you might be overloading the system with too many devices. Keep high‑draw gadgets like electric kettles on the 230 V outlet instead of the 12‑V sockets.

Don’t forget the circuit breaker panel. Flip each breaker on and off while the RV is stationary to make sure they click cleanly. A breaker that sticks or won’t reset could fail when you need it most. Reset any tripped breakers, and note which circuits they protect so you know where to cut power quickly if something goes wrong.

Using Generators and Portable Power Safely

Generators are great for off‑grid sites, but they bring extra risk. Always place the unit on a flat, non‑flammable surface—think concrete or metal—not on dry grass or wooden decks. Keep at least two meters of clearance from the RV and any tents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Run a carbon monoxide detector inside the motorhome whenever the generator is on. These cheap detectors warn you before the gas reaches dangerous levels. Also, never run the generator in an enclosed garage or under a covered awning; the fumes will accumulate fast.

When you hook the generator up, use a heavy‑duty, outdoor‑rated extension cord with a proper grounding pin. Check the cord regularly for cuts or exposed wires. Plug the generator into a dedicated inlet on the RV, not into the regular house‑style socket—this avoids overloading the RV’s wiring.

Finally, turn off the generator and let it cool before you refuel. Fuel vapors can ignite if the engine is still hot. A quick habit of letting the unit sit for a few minutes before topping up can prevent a nasty fire.

Beyond the big items, here are a few quick habits that make a huge difference. Always unplug appliances when you’re not using them—idle chargers still draw current and can heat up. Store all cords neatly so they don’t get pinched by the vehicle’s doors or step on by foot traffic.

If you’re camping in a site with provided electricity, inspect the hookup point. Look for rust, loose bolts, or broken plugs. Bring a spare plug adapter and a short, weather‑proof extension cord in case the site’s supply is short or the plug is damaged.

Remember, safety is about prevention, not reaction. A quick visual check, a few simple tests, and a habit of unplugging when done will keep you, your family, and your gear out of trouble. So next time you fire up the power, do it with confidence, not worry.