Electric hook-up vs a power station

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked 18 October 2026

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The short answer: an electric hook-up (EHU) pitch gives you mains power, usually 16 A (about 3.68 kW) on most Camping and Caravanning Club sites, with some limited to 10 A (about 2.3 kW), and as little as 5 A on some other sites (Club). The Caravan and Motorhome Club says nearly all its sites supply a maximum of 16 amps (Caravan and Motorhome Club). A portable power station goes anywhere but stores a fixed amount of energy and has a lower output limit. Many people use both: hook-up when it's available, and a power station for pitches without it.

Compared on manufacturers' published specs and official guidance. Ferncharge has not tested these products.

Side by side

	Electric hook-up	Portable power station
Power limit	Pitch rating: 16 A on most Club sites (3,680 W at 230 V), some 10 A (2,300 W); some other sites 5 A	The stated continuous AC output, for example 300 W (EcoFlow RIVER 3) or 1,800 W (BLUETTI AC180)
Energy	Unlimited while connected	Fixed: the stated Wh, less losses
Where	Hook-up pitches only	Anywhere, including non-hook-up pitches
Kettles and heaters	Possible within the pitch limit. The Club warns domestic kettles can draw 10 A or more	Only within the output or a stated boost mode. See kettle
Kit needed	A hook-up lead with BS EN 60309-2 plugs; for tents, a proprietary tent hook-up unit	The power station, and optionally solar or a car charging cable
Noise and fumes	None at the pitch	None (no fuel)
Cost	Pitch fees vary: check the site	Varies by model: check the maker's UK product page (examples linked below)

Hook-up limits: watts = volts × amps

The Club explains that the total rated wattage of everything switched on at once must stay below the supply: 230 V × 10 A = 2,300 W, or 3.68 kW at 16 A (Club). It also notes:

Microwave ovens advertised at 800 W may need up to twice that, especially at start-up.
Your caravan or motorhome's sockets may be on a 10 A breaker even on a 16 A pitch.
Electrical splitter cables are prohibited on Club sites.
Fully unwind the hook-up cable to avoid it overheating.

Charging a power station on hook-up: its AC charging input counts towards the pitch limit. BLUETTI states 1,440 W AC input for the AC180 (about 6.3 A at 230 V), and EcoFlow states 305 W for the RIVER 3 (BLUETTI UK; EcoFlow UK). On a 10 A pitch, fast-charging a large power station while boiling a kettle could trip the pitch breaker.

Camping without electric hook-up

Without hook-up, a power station covers low-power needs well: phones, lights, a 12 V cool box, a 12 V blanket and laptops. Size it with the calculator. High-power items (kettles, hair dryers, heaters) need a large output, a stated boost mode, or gas. The Club suggests considering gas for high-power items such as kettles when power is limited (Club).

Example models (alphabetical; see the spec table): Anker SOLIX C1000 · BLUETTI AC180 · EcoFlow RIVER 3 · Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. Each name links to the maker's UK product page, where you can check the current price.

Generators: on Club sites, generators may only be used at the site manager's discretion, and must always be used outside because of carbon monoxide (Club).

Inverters on a leisure battery: the Club notes that a 230 V appliance taking 1 A from an inverter needs about 20 A from a 12 V battery, which can drain it quickly and overload 12 V wiring.

Safety on hook-up

In tents and awnings, use a proprietary hook-up unit made for tents, with an RCD and MCB. Test the RCD each time, keep equipment off the ground, and stop using electricity in damp conditions (Club).
Never use ordinary 13 A household plugs and sockets or taped joints to extend a hook-up cable.
For the power station itself, see our safety guide.

FAQs

Is electric hook-up or a power station better?

Neither is better for everyone. Hook-up gives far more power while you're on the pitch. A power station gives you power anywhere, within its capacity and output. Many campers use hook-up where it's offered and a power station elsewhere.

How many watts can I use on a 10 amp hook-up?

About 2,300 W in total at 230 V, per the Camping and Caravanning Club's formula. At 16 A, about 3,680 W.

Can I charge my power station from the hook-up?

Yes, through its mains charger. Its charging watts count towards the pitch limit: check the stated AC input.

Can I go camping without electric hook-up?

Yes. Plan your power needs with the calculator and use low-power or 12 V appliances, or gas for cooking and boiling water.

Related: Camping · Kettle · Campervan · Safety

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