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Shore Power
Shore, shore power, mains electricity, 230V hook-up, landline power, campsite mains, EHU, CEE hook-up
Shore power is mains electricity (230V AC in Europe, 120V in North America) supplied to a motorhome or caravan via a cable connection to a campsite power post, allowing 230V appliances and battery charging.
The standard European campsite socket is a CEE 17 (blue "commando") plug, rated 16 A, 230 V. Most campsite hook-up points supply 6 A (1,380 W), 10 A (2,300 W) or 16 A (3,680 W). When connected, current flows through the onboard charger, which powers the 12 V systems and charges the leisure battery simultaneously. The term "shore power" is borrowed from nautical terminology.
FAQ
Why is there not enough power at a campsite for all appliances?
Most European campsites supply 6 A or 10 A — 1,380 or 2,300 W. An electric kettle (2,200 W) plus a coffee machine (1,200 W) already exceeds the limit. The solution: avoid running high-draw appliances simultaneously, or choose a campsite with a 16 A hook-up.
Do I need an adapter for European campsite power?
The European standard is a blue CEE 16 A plug (IEC 60309). Most factory motorhomes already have this socket onboard. For a DIY campervan you will need a CEE male → 230 V 16 A socket lead. Never connect via a household extension reel without an RCD — it is a serious safety risk.