12v/mains electric in old van

[Amanda_374322865]

Hi,

I've got an old Lunar Clubman and at the weekend we used a mains lead thru the window to provide mains power but would really like to use the lights and radio etc installed in the van. There's an ordinary 3 pin socket in the front locker where the gas box goes (which would obviously have to be moved!) and this had a wire which goes under the van from the back of the socket and a 3 pin plug with trailing wires coming from the front. Do you think they used to wire this up to a battery? Either car or leisure? Could we fit a mains socket onto the van and use this wire if we rerouted it (the one coming from the back of the socket)? Also how does the 12v/mains system work? If we have 230v coming into the 12v system won't it blow? Do you need an inverter or something to change the power supply? Please reply in basic terminology as am new to this electrics lark! You couldn't tell??? Cheers!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Amanda,

It is perfectly possible to fit both a 230Vac and 12V systems in older caravans, but as with any wiring it is important that the job is done properly with full regard to the safety of the installation.

As an avowed novice it is not wise to attempt the installation yourself. For the safety of you and your family, it must be carried out according to the wiring regulations, and unless you are fully aware of them and their implications it is best left to a professional electrician.

 

[Amanda_374322865]

Thanks. I'm aware of all the safety implications and wouldn't do anything I wouldn't think was safe, it was more a case of understanding how the system works.

 

[Robtel]

Hi Amanda,

I think your grasp of the electrics in a caravan is at about the same level as mine and I've been caravanning for over 20 years!, electrics are something I have a very healthy respect for and leave well alone unless its something very simple like change a fuse.

Regards how the systems work and the wiring and plugs you describe in your van - My understanding is that the 12v system runs entirely separate from the 240v. The two wiring systems are not connected in any way. The 12v circuits go direct from the battery to fuse box then to 12v appliances. 240v comes in from external supply point to fuse box /trip box( via correct connection not three pin socket) then to 240v appliances. The only link between the two is the 240v supply to the battery charger.

From your description of the ordinary mains socket in front locker with wires coming out to underneath the van I would guess that some one has a go at a D.I.Y. installation of mains supply and done it on the cheap.

My suggestion is get someone qualified to fit proper 240 main supply using correct fittings and equipment and bin the existing mains equipment. If you have a look at Towsure's website you will see examples of the equipment and prices. You used to be able to buy a complete mains installation kit but I haven't seen it advertised for a while so perhaps you need to but the different components separately.

Sorry if the description is a bit basic but that fits my knowledge of electricity.

Robert

 

[Robtel]

Amanda

Have a look here

http://www.towsure.com/product/532-Caravan_Mains_Kit

 

[Amanda_374322865]

Ah. So do new vans not have any 12v systems in them or are they there only for when you don't have access to a 230v system?

 

[Robtel]

Amanda,

All new vans have 12v systems fitted as standard plus 240v system. Most people seem now to use mains hook up on sites unless they are at rallies. So on site you will find they are using mains 240 to run their fridge and perhaps electric space heater. Lights can be a bit of some from the mains and some from the 12v system. T.V.s can also be either mains or some models can run off 12v using appropriate plug. Water pumps are powered by 12v.