Caravan & Camping Sites

During the poll of over 10 000 caravanners and campers where we requested the public's opinion with regards to their basic requirements, 56 % of the replies stated that the quality of the camping sites was the second most important criteria (after ablution facilities), with level sites, water and electrical hook up on the site, easy access to the site, the site large enough so as not to trip over your neighbours guy ropes, and good refuse disposal implemented being especially mentioned.

Almost every reply requested, shade, grass and large sites! To enjoy all three is almost impossible if the resort is extremely popular! This is an impossibility that applies very much to the busy and popular Coastal and Bushveld Resorts, and these resorts cannot be penalised if their sites cannot offer these requirements. What is extremely important, is that the site must be level, offer good drainage in the event of a storm, kept clean and free from holes, protruding roots and so on.

The minimum requirement as set out in the criteria, states: - “ Sites should be large enough to accommodate a caravan/motorhome/tent and towing vehicle with sufficient space to erect a side tent if necessary within the boundaries of the site. The recommended minimum required size for a caravan stand is approximately 8 x 10 meters, and to include sufficient space for the convenience of the guests around the camping vehicle.”

Caravans or tents on adjacent stands should be a reasonable and safe distance apart. All caravan and camping sites should be relatively level, even-surfaced and well drained (sites should not dam or flood during an average rainfall). The site can comprise of any surface. Sand, grass, cement slab or paving blocks or bricks, but must be in a good state of repair. The sites can be full sun, full shade or a combination of both. There is no laid down standard here.

The sites should also be clearly and neatly demarcated or identifiable. There should be no awkward sized or shaped sites, and there should be a reasonable distance between the sites. There must be easy access to each site. 5-Star sites must have an excellent surface, be level and clearly demarcated. 5-Star sites are typically larger and more spacious, with some secluded or private sites been available.

As long as the above requirements are met, there are no unsightly holes, depressions, tree roots or protruding rocks -, the criteria are self-explanatory.

Taps with running water and adequate pressure should be available for guest use. These taps should be reasonably close, and easily accessible, to the caravan and camping sites. There should be sufficient taps within reasonable walking distance from all sites. A drainage system should, where possible, be installed at each tap to allow for wastewater run-off. For four and five star criteria, there must be a higher ratio of water taps provided. Preferably one tap for two sites, and a drainage system must be installed at each tap to allow for the wastewater run-off, and the taps must be securely mounted on a suitable post or brick structure, be clearly visible and at a comfortable height.

The provision of adequate facilities for refuse disposal is a minimum standards requirement. Parks also have to comply with the relevant environmental health regulations, so it will be assumed that the park does comply with these regulations when the assessor assesses for star grading.

A point of contention is the refuse bin. In bush camps and older parks, the use of the old 45-gallon drums, or similar is widely used. It is recommended that these drums/bins be mounted on a swivel post to facilitate the ease of emptying and cleaning of the bins. Parks requiring three, four or five star status, must supply refuse bins (metal or plastic bins/drums) that are lined with an appropriate garbage/refuse bag, covered with a suitable lid and have sufficient bins, preferably one to two sites -, and the bins must be cleared daily.

If braai facilities are provided on the site, they must be in a good state of repair, with no gaping holes in the grid or base, and must also be cleared daily.

Most caravan park owners or managers are not aware of the regulations surrounding the supply of electricity at caravan/camping sites, tabled to protect the user.

In layman's terms therefore, listed below are the most pertinent aspects of the regulations as contained in the Code of Practice for the Wiring of Premises (SABS 0142-1) as amended 1 November 2001.

1) Socket outlets (plug points) shall be 230V single phase alternating current

2) Socket outlets shall comply with SABS 1239 and have a six o'clock earthing position (this applies to the round blue plug, not a normal three-point plug)

3) Only one site may be served by each individual socket outlet.

4) No more than six socket outlets (plugs) may be grouped together (this is done to prevent nuisance tripping.)

5) Each group of socket outlets shall be accommodated in a distribution housing with a degree of protection of minimum IP44 (splash proof from all directions. In other words, a waterproof box must be used) and protection may not be reduced when a plug is inserted.

6) Each socket outlet must be protected by it's own circuit breaker (usually 10A or 15A)

7) Each group of socket outlets must be additionally protected by an earth leakage protection device with a sensitivity not exceeding 30mA (the same as you have in your home)

8) The socket outlet at each site must be within 25m of the caravan it is intended to supply and shall be securely mounted at least 1m above the ground.

9) The regulations state furthermore that the voltage at the point of consumption (i.e. where you plug in your lead) may not be more than 5% below the nominal voltage supplied to the park by the local authority / supplier. In other words, if the normal supply is 230 Volts, the minimum voltage at your site under its designed load (10 or 15A) should not be below 218,5V (230V -11.5V)

This regulation is designed to protect equipment from damage due to low voltage, such as fridge compressors, TV's, computers etc.

There are of course numerous other regulations pertaining to the installation of electricity in general, with the above representing the most obvious and visible to all caravanners/campers.

Any electrical installation must be compliant with SABS 0142, Part 1 for installations up to 1000V a.c. or Part 2 for installations above 1000V but not exceeding 33kV.

Due to the change in the Act (Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993) in October 1992, it became a statutory requirement that every user or lessor (referring to owner or tenant) of an electrical installation shall have a valid Certificate of Compliance (C.O.C) for every such installation.

In the past the responsibility for compliance to regulations of any electrical installation rested with the supplier of electricity to the client concerned, for example Eskom or the local municipality. After October 1992, the onus shifted with the formulation of the new Certificate of Compliance to the user or lessor, in this case the Park Owner to ensure that his installation complied with the regulations.

The loophole is this.... electrical installations installed before October 1992 were exempt from having to comply with the new regulations (unless unsafe conditions existed) until such time as the installation changed ownership, was modified, altered or extended in any way where after it would have to be subjected to the Certificate of Compliance inspection and non-compliant aspects rectified in line with the new regulations, as amended.

In addition to this, the wiring in the electricity outlet box must be screened or covered to prevent accidental contact.

The box must be waterproof and the door or hinged lid must be able to be securely closed with provision made so that the electrical cords to the camper's facilities do not prevent the closure of the box.