SHORE POWER :
230V AT THE CAMPSITE.

The blue plug, the RCD, the onboard charger. When the grid does the work, your installation better be up to the task.

1. How shore power works

At a campsite or service area, you plug your van into the 230V mains via a CEE 2P+E connector (blue, IEC 60309 standard). It's the round blue plug standard across Europe — don't confuse it with a domestic socket.

The current flows through your onboard RCD/RCCB (30mA trip), then feeds your battery charger and optionally your interior 230V sockets. It's the only way to fast-charge a large battery bank without driving.

European campsites limit power per bollard. In practice:

**6A = 1,380W:** The minimum. Enough for a battery charger, but forget the hairdryer at the same time.
**10A = 2,300W:** The European standard. Charger + a small appliance works fine.
**16A = 3,680W:** The luxury tier. Charger + air conditioning or kettle, without tripping.
**Mandatory safety:** 30mA RCD (type A minimum for lithium systems), polarity checker, H07RN-F cable in 2.5mm² minimum cross-section, IP44 rated outdoor connectors.

2. Choosing your onboard charger

The onboard charger converts 230V mains to 12V (or 24V) to charge your leisure batteries. Its amperage determines charge speed. An undersized charger means 12 hours of paid camping to recover 50% of your bank.

Choose a multi-stage charger (bulk / absorption / float) matched to your battery chemistry. LiFePO4 requires a dedicated profile (14.2V absorption, no extended float). Market references: Victron Blue Smart IP22, Sterling Power Pro Charge Ultra, CTEK D250SE (paired with an AC charger).

20A → Bank ≤ 100AhFull charge in 5h on a 100Ah LiFePO4. Draws ~300W from mains. Ideal for small banks or 6A bollards.

30A → Bank 100–200AhThe sweet spot. Charges 200Ah in ~7h. Draws ~450W, works on any 6A+ bollard. Victron IP22 30A: the benchmark.

45A → Bank 200–400AhFor large lithium banks. Charges 300Ah in ~7h. Requires a 10A bollard minimum (~680W). Sterling Pro Charge Ultra 45A.

LiFePO4 ProfileBulk at max current up to 14.2V, short absorption (15-30 min), no float or low float (13.4V). Wrong profile = BMS cutoff = uncharged batteries.

Verdict: Shore power is your best ally

Shore power is the fastest and most reliable way to recharge your battery bank. One night at a campsite with a 30A charger and your 200Ah bank is at 100%. No solar panel can match that in overcast weather.

Invest in a properly sized multi-stage charger and a 30mA type A RCD. Quality CEE cable, polarity checker, and you're set for every campsite in Europe.

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ByLeo—Industrial Electrician & Vanlifer

Published March 25, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What plug do I need for European campsites?+

The blue CEE 2P+E connector (IEC 60309, also called "camping plug"). It's the standard across all of Europe. Get a 25m H07RN-F 3×2.5mm² cable with IP44 connectors. A CEE-to-domestic adapter can work in a pinch, but isn't compliant at most campsites.

Can I run my inverter while on shore power?+

Yes, but it's pointless and not recommended. Mains power feeds your 230V sockets directly through your distribution board. A transfer switch automatically toggles between mains and inverter. Without one, never run both in parallel: risk of backfeed and inverter destruction.

What charger size for a 200Ah LiFePO4 battery?+

A 30A charger minimum with a dedicated LiFePO4 profile (14.2V absorption, 13.4V float or float disabled). The Victron Blue Smart IP22 30A is the benchmark. Full charge in ~7h. A 45A charger cuts it to ~5h but requires a 10A bollard. Never use an AGM/Gel profile on lithium.

Do I need a transfer switch?+

Strongly recommended. A transfer switch (Victron Filax, Studer ATS) automatically toggles your 230V sockets between mains and inverter in 20ms. Without one, you must switch manually and risk double-backfeed. For any setup with both an inverter and shore power, it's a safety essential.