Caravan Electric Hook-Up Lead
Choosing the right length — and using it safely
An electric hook-up lead is one of those caravan essentials you don’t think much about… right up until it’s the thing stopping you settling in properly on site.
Most issues aren’t about brand or price — they’re about length, routing, and how the lead is used once it’s connected.
This page covers what actually matters.
What is a caravan hook-up lead?
A caravan electric hook-up (EHU) lead connects your caravan to the site’s mains electricity supply, usually via a hook-up bollard. In the UK and most of Europe, these are typically 16A blue CEE connectors, designed for outdoor use.
The lead supplies power to everything from battery charging to sockets, heating systems, and appliances — so correct use matters.
Hook-Up Cables on Amzon
Which length is best?
There’s no single “correct” length — it depends on how and where you tour.
10m – Fine for pitches where the bollard is very close, but limiting elsewhere
20m – A common minimum for UK touring
25m – A good all-round choice for most sites
30m – Useful on continental sites or where bollards are shared or poorly positioned
Many experienced caravanners carry one longer lead, rather than relying on a short one and hoping for the best.
Extra length can always be laid out safely.
Too little length can’t be fixed without adapters or extensions — which introduce their own risks.
Safety essentials (this is the important bit)
🔌 Always fully uncoil the lead
Never leave the hook-up lead curled or wound when it’s connected and carrying power.
When electricity flows through a tightly coiled cable:
Heat builds up
The cable can overheat
Insulation can soften or fail
Even if the load seems small, heat has nowhere to escape when the cable is coiled.
Rule of thumb:
If it’s plugged in, it should be fully uncoiled.
🚶♂️ Route the cable sensibly
Avoid creating trip hazards
Don’t run the lead under the caravan where it can be trapped or damaged
Keep it away from sharp edges, wheels, and moving parts
If a cable protector or routing channel is available on site, use it.
🌧 Use outdoor-rated leads only
A proper caravan hook-up lead is:
Weather-resistant
Designed for outdoor use
Fitted with the correct connectors
Domestic extension leads are not a safe substitute.
🔄 Connect in the correct order
A good habit is:
Plug the lead into the caravan first
Then connect to the hook-up bollard
Switch the bollard on last
When disconnecting, reverse the process.
This reduces the chance of live pins being exposed.
A simple but sensible setup
Many caravanners find this works well:
One 10m and one 25m hook-up lead
Stored loosely coiled (not tightly wound)
Fully uncoiled whenever in use
It’s simple, flexible, and avoids most common problems.
Final thought
Electric hook-up leads don’t need to be complicated — but they do deserve a bit of respect.
The right length, used properly, gives you reliable power and peace of mind.
Poor routing or a tightly coiled cable can quietly create risks you don’t see until something goes wrong.
As with most caravanning kit, calm, simple habits beat clever solutions every time.
Downloadable Checklist
TalkWrench members can download a printable Hook-Up Safety Check from the Reference Library — ideal for arrival day or unfamiliar pitches.