How do you plan to run that washer/dryer you've sneaked into your RV? Will your DC power system handle it along with all the other AC appliances on board? If not — and your camper lacks a shore power system — you're likely in for a very frustrating trip.
When preparing for an extended camping trip, a reliable shore power system is essential. It allows you to power your camper from an external mains supply, so you can comfortably run high-energy appliances that your leisure battery cannot sustain for long. A caravan power inlet does not need to have a built-in RCD, either — however, sockets with an integrated RCBO simplify wiring, improve safety, and help ensure compliance with local regulations.
As we'll cover shortly, a shore power inlet socket also saves your battery reserve for when you really need it. In this blog, we'll cover how you can choose the right power inlet, because installing the wrong one can lead to serious compliance issues and compatibility problems.
Do I Still Need a Shore Power System If My Van Has Enough Solar?
From our experience, there's no such thing as "enough power" when you're out there living in your camper. Even after upgrading to a large auxiliary battery, it doesn't take long before you start eyeing that compact washing machine you saw online. Yes, those three large solar panels on the roof plus the portable solar blanket will bring you closer to true self-sufficiency — but they still won't always deliver as planned.
Therefore, a shore power system remains crucial for any adventure vehicle — whether it's a caravan, campervan, RV, motorhome, or boat. It lets you plug into a 230V–240V AC power point to recharge your batteries or run appliances directly. The key reasons why you should consider adding a shore power system to your vehicle include:
Recharge During Non-Sunny Days
The first reason to have shore power in your camper is for recharging your leisure battery when solar power is unavailable. Some of these times include during rainy seasons, extended cloudy periods, or winter months with shorter daylight hours.
A Reliable Backup Charging Solution
Even the best machinery tends to fail at some point. Similarly, a shore power inlet socket can give you a dependable backup to recharge your leisure battery bank if your solar system stops working.
Of course, you could also charge via your vehicle's alternator and DC-DC charger. However, it makes little sense to drive around unnecessarily when your vehicle is already parked right next to a shore power hookup.
Maximise Your Inverter Charger
An inverter charger is a type of inverter that functions as both a DC-to-AC inverter and an AC battery charger. These units have become increasingly popular in recent years and are now more common than traditional inverters.
The charging (or standby) mode of an inverter charger usually activates automatically when you connect your adventure vehicle to a shore power outlet. Most modern models will even bypass the DC circuit, powering connected appliances directly without drawing power from the battery.
Fully Recharge Before the Trip
While preparing for your road trip or off-grid camping adventure, you should fully recharge your leisure battery bank before departure. Using a shore power system is the easiest way to do this, as you simply connect your extension lead to the inlet socket. If you already have an inverter charger installed, recharging should begin automatically.
If you have a separate AC battery charger instead, you just plug it into any socket wired to the shore power inlet. Then connect the charger directly to your battery bank while it remains in its original location.
Run High-Load Appliances
Some AC-powered appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, electric heaters, and induction cooktops, consume a lot of power — typically between 1,500 and 3,000+ watts. Your auxiliary battery cannot sustain this kind of load for long unless an equal or greater power supply is available.
Therefore, you can plan your trip so that you run these high-load appliances while connected to shore power. This allows you to complete your tasks without worrying about draining your battery.
Spontaneous Convenience
No matter how large your DC energy reserve is, it will never be enough for every situation. Therefore, you'll want to make use of the mains grid supply whenever possible. If your RV, caravan, or campervan has a shore power system, this becomes very straightforward since you just plug in the extension lead.
The best part is that shore powering is no longer limited to dedicated hookups at caravan parks. With a 15A to 10A shore power adapter, you can connect your camper to a standard 10A household outlet almost anywhere — at a service station, a friend's apartment, a church, or even a police station (provided they don't mind).
What Makes a Good Shore Power Inlet Socket for Your Caravan or RV?
Whether your camper is old or brand new, a well-designed shore power system can make a significant difference during your travels. At its core, the system consists of an inlet power socket and an extension lead that connects to the shore power hookup point at a caravan park, campsite, or any other 230/240V AC supply.
As we mentioned earlier, our focus today is solely on shore power inlet sockets. Here are the eight most crucial features to consider when choosing one for your van, RV, or even boat:
Nominal Voltage Rating
One of the key things to confirm when selecting a shore power inlet socket is its rated voltage. Most of Australia currently operates on 230VAC; however, some areas — such as rural Western Australia — still use 240VAC.
Therefore, the inlet socket you choose should be capable of handling 230/240 VAC to ensure compatibility with power points across the country.
Standard Current Rating
The standard output for shore power points at campsites across Australia is 15 amps. This is a requirement under Australia/New Zealand electrical regulations, specifically AS/NZS 3001, which covers transportable structures, vehicles, and connectable sites such as campsites and caravan parks.
Unlike in the United States — where caravan parks and campsites often provide shore power pedestals with varying current output options — Australian sites typically offer only the 15A option. Therefore, the main caravan power inlet you choose should be a 15A version for optimal compatibility.
Standard Socket Configuration
Another regulatory requirement your shore power inlet socket must meet is its configuration. According to AS/NZS 3112, all plugs and sockets must use a Type I connector. This features a three-pin configuration with two flat pins in an inverted "V" shape and one vertical pin.
The standard further specifies that the earth pin for 15A plugs must measure 9.08 mm × 1.63 mm, making it wider than the 10A version (6.35 mm × 1.63 mm).
Therefore, the 15A inlet socket you choose for your camper must comply with this requirement. Otherwise, you may have difficulty finding a compatible shore extension lead. If the power lead also fails to meet this Type I configuration, you won't be able to connect to standard 15A sockets across Australia.
Wider vs Narrow Opening
Modern caravans and RVs typically feature 15A shore power inlets with a wider rim compared to older models. As a result, many manufacturers design caravan power leads with a wide plastic shroud around the female plug, although some still produce smaller versions.
To be on the safe side, we recommend choosing a shore power inlet socket with a wider opening. This ensures compatibility with extension leads that have either a narrow or wide shroud around the female plug.
Weatherproof Protection
When properly connected, standard moulded Type I plugs often provide a degree of water resistance. However, some modern shore inlet sockets feature a specialised design that helps keep out environmental elements even when an extension lead is plugged in.
If that's not possible, you should ensure the inlet socket you choose at least has a weatherproof flap cover to protect the terminal connections when not in use.
Takeaway: Here at Campervan Builders, you can find both basic and more advanced shore power inlet sockets for your adventure van or RV. Some of the options currently available include:
- CVB Black 15A 240V External Inlet Socket with RCBO — IP44 rating and weatherproof flap cover
- CVB White 15A 240V External Inlet Socket with RCBO — IP44 rating and weatherproof flap cover
- CVB Black 15A 240V Plug-and-Play Inlet Power Socket — weatherproof flap cover
- CVB White 15A 240V Plug-and-Play Inlet Power Socket — weatherproof flap cover
Solid, Durable Construction
The shore power inlet for your camper should be well-made from durable materials to ensure longevity. Since it will be mounted on the exterior of your van, it must be able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including sun exposure and physical impacts.
Otherwise, it would be a waste of time if your new inlet socket begins to deteriorate just three or four months after installation.
Ease of Installation
If you're a DIY enthusiast, you may consider installing a shore power socket yourself. However, you should have basic AC electrical wiring knowledge and be prepared for hands-on work.
Installing this type of power inlet typically involves a recessed mounting style, meaning you'll need to drill and cut a section of your adventure van or RV. Thus, you should have the appropriate tools ready, including a drill, drill bits, a tape measure, a hole saw, a screwdriver, pliers, and possibly wire strippers.
That said, Electrical Code AS/NZS 3000 insists that 240VAC wiring be carried out by a licensed electrician. The installation must also comply with the relevant regulatory framework, specifically AS/NZS 3001 for relocatable installations such as caravans, RVs, and campervans, or AS/NZS 3004 for boats.
After installation, your electrician will provide a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW). Some campsites and caravan parks may require this certificate as proof that your camper is safe to connect to their shore power supply. Then, many insurers will request it if you need to make a claim following an incident.
Therefore, even if you choose a DIY approach, you will still need a qualified electrician to complete the final connection, inspection, and testing of your shore power inlet installation.
Built-in Safety Features
One of the reasons the Australian government recommends using a licensed electrician to install shore power systems for recreational vehicles is to ensure safety. They trust that a professional will comply with the relevant electrical codes, all of which are designed to safeguard users of the 230–240 VAC power supply.
For instance, the code AS/NZS 3001 requires caravans, RVs, and connectable installations to have a properly installed residual current device (RCD). This device can be added separately at the switchboard or another suitable location in your camper. However, modern shore power inlet sockets may include a built-in RCD, which simplifies both wiring and operation.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Caravan Power Inlet
These are the most critical features to consider when shopping for a shore power inlet socket for your caravan, campervan, RV, or motorhome in Australia. There are other factors as well, such as design, size, and pricing. However, most of these units tend to be similar in size and are typically available in either black or white finishes.
In terms of pricing, a basic shore power inlet socket can start from as low as $42 at our store. More advanced models, such as those with a built-in RCBO, can cost up to $180.
Whichever socket you choose, we provide solid warranty support on all of them. So, you can buy with confidence, without concerns about quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shore power inlet do Australian caravans need?
The standard output for shore power points at campsites across Australia is 15 amps, as required under AS/NZS 3001. Australian sites typically offer only the 15A option, so your main caravan power inlet should be a 15A, 230/240 VAC version with a Type I three-pin configuration for optimal compatibility.
Can I install a shore power inlet socket myself?
You can handle the hands-on preparation, such as drilling and cutting the mounting recess, if you have basic AC electrical wiring knowledge. However, Electrical Code AS/NZS 3000 insists that 240VAC wiring be carried out by a licensed electrician, who will also provide a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) after the final connection, inspection, and testing.
Does a shore power inlet socket need a built-in RCD?
No. AS/NZS 3001 requires caravans and RVs to have a properly installed residual current device (RCD), but it can be added separately at the switchboard or another suitable location. That said, modern inlet sockets with a built-in RCBO simplify wiring, improve safety, and help ensure compliance with local regulations.
How much does a shore power inlet socket cost?
At our store, a basic shore power inlet socket starts from as low as $42. More advanced models, such as those with a built-in RCBO, can cost up to $180. All of them come with solid warranty support.
Ready to hook up to mains power on your next trip? Browse our full range of shore power inlets and caravan power leads at Campervan Builders today.
