13.3.2004

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 65/249

(2004/C 65 E/264)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2936/03

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE) and Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(6 October 2003)

Subject: Electric connections for caravans

Further to the written question tabled in the light of some reports (cf. the 6 and 8 September 2003 editions of ‘Algemeen Dagblad’, a Dutch newspaper) that the electrical equipment of most caravans does not conform to European safety standards, attention must now also be paid to the electric connections between caravans and campsite electric bollards or junction boxes. Caravan connections in Europe must conform to the CEE 17 European Standard. Although the campsite connection must conform to the standards of the relevant Member State, the power point on that electric bollard must, in principle, also be equipped with the CEE connector. Any failure to monitor carefully the rules governing this matter may result in serious potential danger for caravanners.

1.	Is the Commission aware that, in many Member States, campsite connections are not equipped with a power point with a CEE connector?

2.	Does the Commission agree that the fitting of a power point with a CEE connector must be made obligatory in order to reduce safety risks to a minimum?

3.	Is the Commission prepared to take steps to ensure that all European caravans and campsites are equipped with connectors and power points which conform to the CEE European Standard?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 2003)

For the time being the safety of electric installations of caravans is not covered by any Community

legislation. Electric connection of caravans to the mains on campsites is also excluded from Community

legislation. Electric installations and connections to the mains of caravans are subject to national installation rules in the Member States, which differ significantly.

The Commission is aware of this non-harmonised situation in Europe with regard to the plug and socket outlet system. All attempts to harmonise plugs and socket outlet systems for domestic use (i.e. up to 16A rated current) throughout the Union, which were heavily inspired by the Commission, have been abandoned in the past. The majority of the Member States do not see the need to agree on a harmonised solution. Various attempts were made by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (Cenelec) to agree a standard on these plugs, however, after several years of intensive meetings it has not been possible to find consensus with the manufacturers of plugs and socket outlets.

2.	With the current legal situation in Europe it is, therefore, not possible for the Commission to decide on a harmonised connection system for caravans.

3.	It is within the Member States' responsibility to decide on the connection system for caravans. Most of the Member States accept the European CEE 7 connecting system for caravans. However, there is no obligation to use this on European level.