johnsue Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 Hi Ref April MMM Interchange section. We have the plug in tester but on our first trip abroad we were advised by other UK motor homers if it showed reverse polarity just to plug the continental 2 pin adaptor in to the post the other way round & it worked. Is this OK as it sounds too simple or should we obtain another adaptor & have it reversed as per the article ? We are going abroad again mid May for a few weeks so want to make sure we are prepared. *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 Many continental sites now us the blue 16 amp connector and you cannot plug this in the other way round. If some sites still have the old white plugs then they SHOULD also have a third earth pin that ensures its only plugged in one way. But some have these pins missing. Having no earth connection is significantly more dangerous that having reverse mains polarity, especially as modern vans have RCDs that switch both live and neutral when unbalance is detected. C. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 john&sue - 2011-03-17 10:56 AM Hi Ref April MMM Interchange section. We have the plug in tester but on our first trip abroad we were advised by other UK motor homers if it showed reverse polarity just to plug the continental 2 pin adaptor in to the post the other way round & it worked. Is this OK as it sounds too simple or should we obtain another adaptor & have it reversed as per the article ? We are going abroad again mid May for a few weeks so want to make sure we are prepared. *-) It's not always possible to plug them in 'the other way round' or upside down - and sometimes the edge of the box is in the way. Why not simply get an extra adapter and modify it, they're not expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aultymer Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 Having an earth is so much more important than so called reverse polarity. Unless, of course, you are prone to tinkering inside electrical appliances while they are still plugged in. Then the Darwin awards kick in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klyne Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 The Continental adaptors you buy in the UK are multi fuctional. In Germany they can be reversed as they use earth strap is on the side of the plug where as in France, as has been mentioned, the bollards have a male earth pin which prevents reversal. If you decide you want to reverse the polarity it is best to make up a short lead with CEE17 (blue) sockets on either end and reverse the live and neutral wires at one end. Reverse polarity can be present whether the bollards are have 2 pin connectors or the more modern blue plugs, particularly in France. Most modern motorhomes and caravans now have double pole protection in their electrical system so the risk should be much reduced but both the CC and C&CC still recommend reversing polarity, whether thats because they have to cover all options I don't know. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyishuk Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 We have found that some sites with the blue connectors have been wired incorrectly and show as reverse polarity we carry a short lead with the blue plug and socket, but "wired" for reverse polarity. that can be plugged in line with the usual lead. That said, there seem to be plenty of happy campers in europe who knowingly , or otherwise, have been using reversed polarity for years. Maybe is a Brit paranoia ! Rgds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshortcircuit Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 tonyishuk - 2011-03-18 6:15 AM We have found that some sites with the blue connectors have been wired incorrectly and show as reverse polarity Rgds The sockets in the continent have not been wired incorrectly. Because they use double pole switching then the requirement for polarity is not the same. The earth is essential and in a "healthy" installation, not being tinkered with, reversed polarity no problems. As you say, Maybe is a Brit paranoia ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwaviation Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Just unplug it when not in use.... Simples! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 My van has unswitched sockets, double pole breakers & an RCD so polarity is of no concern. If you really want switched sockets just make sure they are or change them to double pole switched ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Check polarity (?).............Been going to the continent in the camper for years, never done that, and I've plugged into some dodgy looking poles :D Just assumed the RCD would do something :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Jones Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 pelmetman - 2011-03-18 9:56 AM Check polarity (?).............Been going to the continent in the camper for years, never done that, and I've plugged into some dodgy looking poles :D :D Yes, but we're not just talking about Poland Dave :D ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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