VELPAX 16A to 13A UK Hook Up Adapter Lead Review
by VELPAX
The VELPAX 16A to 13A UK Hook Up Adapter Lead is essential for campervan and motorhome owners, allowing safe connection to campsite power for standard UK appliances. Reliable and easy to use.
Our Verdict
Consensus Verdict
Customers rate this product highly with 4.7 out of 5 stars across 72 verified reviews.
This is one of those simple, unglamorous bits of kit that proves indispensable. The VELPAX 16A to 13A Adapter is a straightforward problem-solver, designed to bridge the gap between your van's 16A hook-up and a standard 13A domestic socket. It's the perfect tool for powering up on your driveway before a trip, connecting to a generator, or using household appliances when you're pitched up.
Our Verdict
Who should buy this?
Who should consider alternatives?
Value for money
Our honest take
Key Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Cable Length | 50cm |
| Adapter Type | 16A to 13A |
| IP Rating | IP44 |
| Min. Operating Temperature | -20°C |
How Well Is It Built?
Built with a heavy-duty, flexible cable and robust, moulded plug and socket ends. The design feels solid and ready for the demands of campsite life. An IP44 rating provides confidence against splashes and rain, while the short 50cm length is perfect for reducing clutter around your hook-up point.
When you're dealing with electrics, you want to see quality construction, and this adapter delivers. It’s a simple piece of equipment, but the execution feels spot on for life on the road.
Robust Materials
The cable itself is reassuringly thick and heavy-duty, suggesting it will stand up to being coiled, uncoiled, and occasionally trodden on. The outer sheathing is tough yet flexible enough to manage easily, even in colder weather, which is backed up by its -20°C minimum operating temperature.Weatherproof Connections
Both the 16A male plug and the 13A female socket are solidly moulded units. This is crucial for durability and weather resistance. The IP44 rating means it's protected against splashing water from any direction, which is exactly what you need for outdoor use in the unpredictable British weather. While you wouldn't want to leave it sitting in a puddle, it’ll handle a rain shower without any issues.Practical Length
The 50cm length is a smart design choice. It’s long enough to prevent strain on the connections but short enough to avoid creating a trip hazard or a tangled mess of wires. It’s designed as a converter, not an extension, and its compact form makes it incredibly easy to stash in a drawer or cubby hole.How Does It Perform?
Performs its core function perfectly, providing a safe and reliable bridge between a 16A CEE-type supply and a standard 13A UK plug. It's a true plug-and-play device, ideal for charging your van at home, pre-cooling the fridge, or connecting tools to a generator without any fuss or setup.
In use, an adapter like this should be something you plug in and forget about, and based on its specifications, that's exactly what you get here. Its performance is all about enabling connections that would otherwise be impossible.
At Home Prep
This adapter’s most common job will likely be on your driveway. Being able to hook your van up to your house mains via a standard extension lead is a game-changer. It means you can get the fridge cold the day before you leave, charge up the leisure batteries, and pack the van with the lights on. It makes getting away for a weekend that much smoother.On-Site Flexibility
For those who venture beyond standard campsites, this cable is a key bit of kit. If you're using a generator at a festival, a rally, or for an outdoor event, this allows you to run any standard household appliance directly from the generator's 16A outlet. It's also handy for connecting to power sources on farms or small independent sites that might have different connections.All-Weather Reliability
The IP44 rating and low operating temperature mean this should perform reliably year-round. Whether you’re prepping the van on a frosty morning or dealing with a bit of summer drizzle at an outdoor fair, the connections are designed to remain safe and effective.What Features Stand Out?
The standout feature is its specific power conversion from a 16A blue 'Commando' socket to a 13A UK domestic socket. Its IP44 splash-proof rating provides essential outdoor safety, while the heavy-duty cable and -20°C operating temperature ensure durability and all-season reliability. The compact 50cm length is a deliberate choice for tidy connections.
While it's a simple device, a few key features make this adapter well-suited for its intended purpose.
Core Conversion Function
The primary feature is, of course, its ability to convert power sources. It takes the round, three-pin 16A CEE plug (the blue one standard on UK and European campsites) and turns it into a familiar three-pin 13A socket that you use at home. This simple function unlocks a huge amount of convenience.IP44 Weather Resistance
Any electrical gear destined for outdoor use must have some level of weatherproofing. The IP44 rating is a crucial feature, confirming the unit is protected against solid objects over 1mm (like wires) and water splashes from all directions. This gives you peace of mind when using it outside your van or with a generator in damp conditions.Heavy-Duty Construction
The choice of a heavy-duty cable isn't just for show; it ensures the adapter can handle the full current without overheating and is physically robust enough to withstand the rigours of travel. Combined with the low-temperature rating, it’s built to be a reliable part of your kit for years.Who Is It For?
We've analysed how this product fits different buyer profiles. Find your situation below to see if it's right for you.
Full-Time Van Lifers
"This is a must-have. It lets us plug in at a friend's house for a proper battery charge without messing around. Takes up no space, which is everything."
What They Love
- Unlocks more charging options
- Tiny storage footprint
- Durable for constant use
Considerations
- Another single-use cable to carry
Weekend Warriors
"Absolutely brilliant for getting the van ready on a Friday. We can chuck food in a cold fridge and hit the road as soon as we finish work. Total game-changer."
What They Love
- Makes pre-trip prep easy
- Great value for occasional use
- Simple plug-and-play design
Considerations
- Easy to forget at home!
Mobile Traders & Event Caterers
"Perfect for connecting our coffee machine or till to the generator's 16A output. The short, tough cable is exactly what we need at a busy outdoor market."
What They Love
- Connects domestic gear to generators
- Robust build for work environments
- Short cable reduces trip hazards
Considerations
- May need multiple for more items
How Does It Compare to Alternatives?
Compares well against similar adapters from brands like Maypole or Crusader. The VELPAX model offers the same core functionality, IP44 rating, and heavy-duty build at a very competitive price point. Its specifications are standard for this type of product, making it a solid, value-driven choice.
In the world of hook-up adapters, there isn't a huge amount of variation in core function, and the VELPAX cable sits comfortably alongside established campsite brands. The key differentiators are build quality and price. Based on its specifications—a heavy-duty cable, moulded plugs, and an IP44 rating—it matches the quality of more expensive alternatives. At its £8.99 price point, it represents excellent value and is a smart purchase for a simple, essential piece of kit that does its job without fuss.