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OpenVan.camp Editorial · Last updated:

Hydro — Canadian "electric hookup"

Electrical Canada

Hydro, hydro hookup, Canadian electric hookup, hydro service, 30 amp hydro, 50 amp hydro Canada

In Canada, "hydro" is the everyday word for electricity at a campsite — the electric hookup. It comes from the historical dominance of hydroelectric utilities (BC Hydro, Hydro-Québec, Hydro One) and is used on signs, in reservations, and in campsite descriptions.

Typical Canadian campsite hookup levels: 15 A (basic), 30 A (most common), 50 A (large rigs). Outlets are usually NEMA L5-30 / TT-30 for 30 A and NEMA 14-50 for 50 A — same as the US. A "site with hydro" simply means a powered site; "no hydro" means dry camping. Often combined with water and sewer in a "fully serviced" site.

Related terms

Shore Power Serviced site — Canadian campsite with hookups Unserviced site — Canadian dry campsite Full Hookup Dogbone adapter
Van Life Glossary

Content is available under CC BY 4.0 license. Source: OpenVan.camp.

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