Which electric hook-up plug for campsites in Europe?
Tell us where you are going: you will know which socket awaits you on the bollard, which adapter to bring and what you can plug in.
Step 1 of 2: the countries
Where are you going?
Tick every country of your trip.
Why the country matters
Most European campsites have the same blue socket. A few countries are exceptions: then you need an adapter.
More countries will follow with the campsite directory.
In short
In Europe, campsites have a round blue socket, the EN 60309-2 industrial socket (known as “CEE”), at 230 V: your blue hook-up cable fits almost everywhere. The amperage, set by each campsite, is usually 6 to 16 A. The exception: in Switzerland many bollards have the Swiss T13 socket, so you need an adapter.
The blue campsite socket
European campsites follow the same standard for their bollards (HD 60364-7-708, adopted in each country): every pitch has a round blue three-hole socket, the EN 60309-2 industrial socket, often called a “CEE” or “commando” socket.
This socket is rated for at least 16 A. But the campsite decides how much it gives you: its bollard often trips at 6 or 10 A. That amperage, announced by the campsite, is what counts.
A known exception: in Switzerland many bollards have the Swiss T13 socket. The Touring Club Suisse advises carrying an adapter, and some campsites hire them out at reception.
What you can plug in, by amperage
The bollard trips if everything running at the same time exceeds its power: the amperage multiplied by 230 V. Add up the power written on the label of every appliance switched on at the same time (heater, kettle, battery charger…).
| Announced amperage | Power available at the same time |
|---|---|
| 4 A | about 900 W |
| 6 A | about 1,400 W |
| 10 A | about 2,300 W |
| 16 A | about 3,700 W |
Add up the power written on the label of each appliance switched on at the same time.
Campsite electricity, country by country
More countries will follow with the campsite directory.
Frequently asked questions
Which plug do I need to hook up my caravan or motorhome at a campsite?
A cable with a blue CEE plug (EN 60309-2 standard) at each end: the male plug goes into the bollard, the female connector into the vehicle. It is the campsite socket all over Europe, except in Switzerland where you often find the Swiss T13 socket.
Do I need an adapter to camp in Switzerland?
Yes, it is safer. Many Swiss bollards have the national socket (T13). You need an adapter with a Swiss plug on one side and a blue CEE socket on the other. The Touring Club Suisse advises carrying one; some campsites hire them out at reception.
Why does the campsite bollard keep tripping?
Because everything running at the same time exceeds the bollard’s power: about 1,400 W at 6 A, 2,300 W at 10 A. Switch off a power-hungry appliance (electric heater, kettle, hair dryer) before turning on another, then ask reception to reset the bollard if you cannot reach it.
What can I plug into a 6 A hook-up?
About 1,400 W at the same time (6 A × 230 V). Add up the power written on the label of each appliance switched on: above that, the bollard trips.
Why should I unwind the whole cable?
A coiled cable heats up when current flows, especially with a power-hungry appliance. Unwind it completely, even if the bollard is close.
How can I find out a campsite’s amperage before leaving?
When the campsite announces it, it is shown on its Campernest page, in the “Access by caravan and motorhome” block. Otherwise, ask the campsite when booking.
My campervan has no external socket: how do I hook it up?
With a cable that has a blue CEE plug at the bollard end and a household socket at the vehicle end. Keep the bollard’s amperage in mind for what you plug in.
Sources (2)
This information is general. Before plugging in, check the socket and amperage shown on the bollard or ask the campsite reception. Never use a damaged cable or adapter.