Caravan & Camping Site Voltage Drop Calculator
Calculate voltage drop for caravan park and camping site pitch supplies
⚠️ PME EARTHING RESTRICTIONS APPLY
BS 7671 Section 708 requires additional protective measures for PME supplies at caravan sites. Consider earth electrode supplementation or TT earthing system. Consult a specialist.
Caravan Site Quick Facts
- BS 7671 Section 708 applies to caravan/camping parks and similar locations
- Standard pitch supply: 16A socket outlet (3.7kW) per pitch
- PME earthing restrictions apply - additional protective measures required
- Socket outlets must be 0.5-1.5m above ground, accessible to each pitch
- Distribution cables often run 100m+ across sites - voltage drop critical
Values from BS 7671 Table 4D1B (PVC copper at 70°C)
Need a Caravan Site Electrical Specialist?
Get quotes from contractors experienced in Section 708 installations
Common Caravan Site Scenarios
16A pitch - close to distribution (30m)
16A with 4mm² (11 mV/A/m). At 30m: (11 × 16 × 30) ÷ 1000 = 5.28V (2.30%) ✓
16A pitch - mid-site (60m)
16A with 4mm² (11 mV/A/m). At 60m: (11 × 16 × 60) ÷ 1000 = 10.56V (4.59%) ✓ near limit
16A pitch - far corner (100m)
16A with 6mm² (7.3 mV/A/m). At 100m: (7.3 × 16 × 100) ÷ 1000 = 11.68V (5.08%) ⚠ over 5%
Site feeder - main distribution (150m 3Ø)
100A with 35mm² (1.25 mV/A/m). At 150m: (1.25 × 100 × 150 × 0.866) ÷ 1000 = 16.24V (4.06% on 400V) ✓
Glamping pods with 32A supply
32A with 10mm² (4.4 mV/A/m). At 50m: (4.4 × 32 × 50) ÷ 1000 = 7.04V (3.06%) ✓
Related Specialist Installations
Marina installations have similar requirements under Section 709 with stricter 3% voltage drop. For standard outdoor supplies, see our submain calculator. Use our cable sizing calculator for current capacity verification.
BS 7671 Section 708 Requirements
Section 708 covers caravan and camping parks. Key requirements: 16A socket outlets at each pitch (minimum), IP44 protection minimum, 30mA RCD protection mandatory, socket height 0.5-1.5m, accessibility from each pitch, and specific PME earthing restrictions. These requirements address the unique hazards of temporary accommodation with electrical hookup.
Caravan Site Electrical Installation Costs (2024)
Typical UK costs for caravan park electrical infrastructure.
| Installation Scenario | Materials | Labour | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 16A pitch outlet | £150-300 | £200-350 | £350-650 |
| Feeder pillar (4-6 outlets) | £800-1500 | £500-900 | £1300-2400 |
| Site distribution cable (per 50m) | £500-1000 | £400-700 | £900-1700 |
| Main site distribution board | £2000-4000 | £1000-2000 | £3000-6000 |
| Earth electrode system | £200-450 | £250-500 | £450-950 |
Prices as of 2024. Site installations vary significantly by scale and terrain.
PME Earthing Considerations
PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supplies present risks in caravan sites because caravans are vehicles with chassis connected to earth. If the PME neutral breaks, exposed metalwork could become live. Section 708.411.4 requires additional protective measures: earth electrode supplementing PME earth, main protective bonding, and equipotential bonding. Some sites use TT earthing to avoid these complexities.
Socket Outlet Specifications
Caravan pitch outlets must comply with BS EN 60309-2 (industrial connectors): blue 16A 2P+E for standard pitches. Outlets need minimum IP44 rating, be positioned 0.5-1.5m above ground, accessible without entering the pitch, and protected by individual 30mA RCDs. Each outlet must have a unique identifier visible for maintenance and emergency response.
Diversity Calculations for Caravan Sites
Unlike domestic installations, caravan sites benefit from significant diversity - not all pitches draw full load simultaneously. Typical diversity: first 10 pitches at 100%, next 10 at 80%, next 10 at 60%, remainder at 50%. A 50-pitch site with 16A outlets (800A connected) might size main feeder for 350-400A. Always verify diversity assumptions with site owner's usage data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Electrical Calculators
Get Quotes from Caravan Site Electrical Specialists
Looking for an electrician experienced in caravan park and camping site installations? Tell us about your project and we'll connect you with qualified contractors in your area. Free, no obligation quotes.
Trade professional or electrical business? Use the form above and let us know - we offer lead referrals in your area, bulk calculation tools, and white-label partnerships for merchants and suppliers.
More Electrical Calculators
Voltage drop, cable sizing, conduit fill and more. All BS 7671 compliant, all free.
View All Calculators