Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Running a Food Truck: How to Power a Food Trailer

Running a Food Truck
All blogs

Running a Food Truck: How to Power a Food Trailer

When running a food truck, one of the most important steps is understanding how to properly connect electrical power to your food trailer. Safe and correct electrical installation ensures your appliances run smoothly, prevents overloads, and keeps your business operating reliably. This guide explains how voltage works, how to connect electricity, and how to wire the tail lights of a food trailer—key knowledge for anyone interested in running a food truck effectively.

1. Understanding Voltage Requirements

Food trailers are customized for the operating country and generally use one of two voltage systems:

  • Single Phase 220V–240V / 50Hz

  • Single Phase 110V–130V / 60Hz

Countries such as the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Panama, and the Cayman Islands use 110V–130V. Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia commonly use 220V–240V.
When running a food truck, it’s essential to confirm whether your area supports single-phase or three-phase electricity. If your location uses three-phase power, a distribution box must be installed. For single-phase power, a licensed electrician can complete the setup safely.


2. Inside the Food Trailer: Circuit Protection System

Every food trailer is equipped with a CE-certified distribution box containing:

  • A main circuit breaker

  • Multiple branch breakers for equipment

These breakers automatically detect short circuits, overloads, and phase loss. If a risk is detected, the breaker disconnects the system instantly—a critical safety feature when running a food truck with multiple high-power kitchen appliances.

The number of breakers depends on your equipment load, and total current typically ranges from 63A to 100A. Each food trailer also includes a complete electrical schematic showing which breaker controls each appliance. Before shipping, all electrical systems undergo factory testing.

How to Power a Food Trailer

3. Connecting External Power to the Food Trailer

Upon receiving your food trailer, consult a professional electrician to verify the internal distribution box.
Follow these essential steps:

  1. Install a dedicated power control box outside the trailer
    Do not mix your food trailer’s power source with household or other equipment loads.

  2. Identify ground, live, and neutral wires clearly
    Proper wiring is crucial for safety when running a food truck.

  3. Use industrial-grade plugs and sockets:

    • Blue plugs for 220V–240V

    • Yellow plugs for 110V–120V

  4. Prepare a three-core cable (45A) as the main power supply.
    Connect each wire firmly to the correct terminals—ground, neutral, and live—following the provided diagrams.

  5. Once everything is connected, turn on the breakers inside the trailer. Your food trailer is now fully powered and ready for operation.


4. Power Outlets Inside the Food Trailer

All outlets inside the food trailer are customized based on the electrical standards of your country. The number and placement of outlets are confirmed during production to match the layout of your appliances—an important consideration when running a food truck efficiently.

How to Power a Food Trailer

Conclusion

Understanding how to connect electricity safely is essential when running a food truck. Correct voltage, breaker protection, proper wiring, and country-specific outlets ensure your equipment runs flawlessly and your business stays productive. With the right setup, you can operate confidently and focus on serving customers—not troubleshooting electrical issues.

If assistance is needed, contact us anytime:
📞 WhatsApp: +8618016242691
📧 Email: grace@hanyifoodcart.com

 

Read more

How to install an adjustable tow bar
All blogs

How To Install An Adjustable Tow Bar

Here we tell you how to install the tow bar after you receive the food trailer. It is very easy to operate. You only need to tighten 6 screws. We also provide a video link. I believe you can master...

Read more