What cable size for a caravan hookup?

2.5mm² cable is standard for 16A caravan hookups. For runs over 25m, check voltage drop - you may need to upsize to 4mm². Each hookup must have individual 30mA RCD protection. Use SWA or cable in ground-rated ducting for buried runs.

Why is caravan hookup limited to 16A?

BS 7671 Section 708 limits pitch supplies to 16A for safety. Caravan internal wiring is designed for this limit. Higher currents could overload caravan systems and connections. Caravans needing more power should use multiple hookups or on-site facilities.

What type of socket for caravan hookups?

Blue CEE 16A sockets (IEC 60309, 2P+E, 6h) are mandatory. These industrial connectors are weatherproof and standardised across Europe. Socket height must be 0.5-1.5m above ground level. The blue colour indicates 230V single phase.

Do I need RCD protection for each pitch?

Yes, BS 7671 requires individual 30mA RCD protection for each caravan hookup socket. This means separate RCDs or RCBOs for each outlet, not shared protection. This prevents one pitch trip affecting others and ensures personal protection.

What about marina electrical installations?

Marinas follow BS 7671 Section 709 with stricter requirements due to water proximity. Additional requirements include: 3% maximum voltage drop (vs 5% standard), increased IP ratings, and consideration of tidal movement for cable routing. 16A and 32A supplies are common.

How do I calculate diversity for a caravan site?

BS 7671 guidance suggests: first 10 pitches at 0.75 diversity factor, next 20 at 0.50, remainder at 0.30. A 50-pitch site: (10×16×0.75) + (20×16×0.50) + (20×16×0.30) = 120 + 160 + 96 = 376A design current for the main feeder.

What earthing system for caravan sites?

TT earthing is common for caravan sites (earth electrode at each distribution point). PME is generally not permitted due to dangers if the neutral is lost. Each distribution pillar needs its own earth electrode with adequate resistance (<200Ω for 30mA RCDs).

Can I use standard domestic sockets outside?

No - outdoor sockets for caravans must be blue CEE industrial type. Standard 13A sockets are not weatherproof enough and don't meet BS 7671 Section 708. Even weatherproof 13A sockets don't provide the same safety as proper CEE connectors.

What about electric vehicle charging at caravan sites?

EV charging is separate from pitch hookups. Dedicated EV points need their own circuits - typically 32A per charger. Cannot use caravan 16A hookups for EV charging. Some sites add dedicated EV charging areas with Mode 3 chargers.

How do I test caravan site installations?

Full testing per BS 7671 Chapter 6: earth electrode resistance, insulation resistance, RCD operation times (<40ms for Type AC at 5×), loop impedance, and prospective fault current. Document with Electrical Installation Certificate. Annual inspection recommended.

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Caravan & Marina Hookup Cable Sizing Calculator

Calculate the correct cable size for caravan sites, holiday parks, and marina electrical hookups

Caravan & Marina Hookup Quick Facts

Caravan hookups: 16A maximum per BS 7671 Section 708
Marina berths: 16A or 32A per BS 7671 Section 709
Blue CEE 16A connectors standard for caravans
30mA RCD protection mandatory for each outlet
Maximum 3% voltage drop for marina installations

Cable Size Calculator

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 compliant

1. Load Current

2. Cable Length (meters)

3. Installation Method

Lighting circuit (3% voltage drop limit)

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Common Hookup Installations

Single caravan pitch hookup

16A supply, 2.5mm² cable, individual RCD protection

Caravan site feeder (10 pitches)

63A-100A feeder, distribution pillar, 2.5mm² radials to each pitch

Marina berth (small boat)

16A supply, 2.5mm² cable, weatherproof pillar with RCD

Marina berth (larger vessel)

32A single or three-phase, 6mm² cable, individual isolation

Holiday park distribution

Three-phase feeders, section pillars, balanced phase loading

Related Outdoor & Commercial Installations

Caravan sites share outdoor installation challenges with outdoor lighting and outbuilding supplies. Adding EV charging to your site? See our EV charger calculator. For site facilities, check commercial kitchen requirements.

Caravan & Marina Hookup Cable Sizing

Caravan and marina hookup cable sizing follows BS 7671 Sections 708 (Caravans) and 709 (Marinas). These special locations have strict requirements for connector types, RCD protection, and voltage drop limits. Cable sizes must account for the outdoor environment, potential water exposure, and the need for robust mechanical protection.

Hookup Installation Costs (2024)

Typical UK installation costs including distribution equipment, cable, and labour.

Installation Scenario	Materials	Labour	Total
Single caravan hookup point	£200-400	£250-400	£450-800
Caravan pitch pillar (4 outlets)	£600-1000	£500-800	£1100-1800
Marina berth pillar (2 outlets)	£800-1400	£600-1000	£1400-2400
Site feeder cable (per 100m)	£800-1500	£600-1000	£1400-2500
Distribution pillar installation	£1500-3000	£1000-1800	£2500-4800

Prices as of 2024. Costs vary by site layout, ground conditions, and specification.

BS 7671 Section 708 - Caravan Parks

Section 708 covers electrical installations in caravan and camping parks. Key requirements: 16A maximum per pitch, blue CEE 17 connectors (IEC 60309), individual 30mA RCD per socket, and socket height 0.5-1.5m above ground. Distribution must be designed for diversity across the site.

BS 7671 Section 709 - Marinas

Section 709 covers marina and boat shore connection electrical supplies. Stricter than caravan sites due to water hazards: 3% maximum voltage drop (vs 5%), IP ratings suitable for location, and careful consideration of cable routes across tidal areas. Both 16A and 32A supplies are used depending on vessel size.

Distribution Pillar Design

Distribution pillars (service bollards) provide multiple hookup points from a single feeder. Pillars contain isolators, RCDs, and sockets. Design must account for: IP rating (minimum IP44 outdoor), cable entry points, metering if required, and emergency isolation. Stainless steel construction is common for marina environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Site EV charging points

Voltage Drop Calculator

Critical for long site runs

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