Caravans can run on normal household 240V AC power (the standard 3-pin plug) or DC power from a battery. Some appliances, like 3-way fridges, can automatically switch between these power sources.
But before you plug your caravan into a standard power outlet, there are a few important things you need to know. I’ll keep this simple—so stick with me!
To safely connect your caravan to mains power, you’ll need a 15-amp extension lead. Unlike your standard 10-amp household lead, a 15-amp lead has a larger earth pin—and that’s not just for fun; it’s a built-in safety feature.
If you find that your 15-amp lead doesn’t fit into a power point, it’s because you’re trying to plug it into a 10-amp outlet, which isn’t designed to handle the higher current. DO NOT modify the 15-amp lead to make it fit—that’s illegal and dangerous.
Some campsites, farm stays, or older properties may only have 10-amp outlets, which means your 15-amp caravan lead won’t fit. The correct—and legal—solution is to use an Ampfibian power adapter.
This handy device safely steps down the connection, allowing you to plug your 15-amp lead into a 10-amp outlet without risking damage or fire.
Unfortunately, some people bypass this safety feature by modifying plugs to force a connection. Here’s why that’s a terrible idea:
The Ampfibian adapter is specifically designed to meet Australian safety standards. It includes:
✅ A built-in Residual Current Device (RCD) – shuts off power in the event of a fault.
✅ A circuit breaker – trips before your household wiring overheats.
This ensures that if your caravan draws more than 10 amps, the adapter will cut power before the circuit gets overloaded—preventing fires, electric shocks, or melted wiring.
Many caravan appliances draw a lot of power. For example:
It’s surprisingly easy to exceed the safe limit if you’re using multiple appliances at once. That’s why caravans are designed to use 15-amp power, and why using a modified 10-amp connection is such a bad idea.
A 10-amp outlet is wired for exactly that—10 amps maximum.
If you modify a 15-amp lead and plug it into a 10-amp outlet, you’re now trying to draw more power than the circuit is designed for, which can cause:
🔥 Overheated cables and melted connections—leading to fire.
⚡ Short circuits that damage electrical systems or cause electrocution.
Some people claim they’ve used modified leads for years without a problem—but all it takes is one bad day, and you could burn your van, house, or yourself.
With an Ampfibian adapter, your power supply is protected, and insurance companies won’t reject your claim if something goes wrong.
So, why take the risk? Do it once, do it right.
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The information provided by us is for general informational purposes only. Use common sense or see a professional.
