Extenal Socket

[JohnDavo]

I am just about to take delivery of a new Sterling Europa. I want an external 240v socket for for my electric bbq and awning heater. I don't want to go to the trouble of fitting a flush socket to the wall of the caravan externally. I was simply going to fit a waterproof socket to the underside of the floor and wire into the internal system via a wire through one of the floor vents.

However, someone has told me that this may invalidate the warranty. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

[trucker]

John I fitted 2 extra sockets in my last van. I asked highbridge caravans if they would fit them but the sevice guy said I would be better fitting myself as the cost for them doing the job was

 

[JohnDavo]

John I fitted 2 extra sockets in my last van. I asked highbridge caravans if they would fit them but the sevice guy said I would be better fitting myself as the cost for them doing the job was

 

[Mikey1]

Do the regs about installing own electrics in the home apply to caravans as well?ie you have to get them checked and approved by a qualified electrician?

 

[SirRogerFFS]

John just as a matter of interest is there not a plug socket in one of your exterior lockers.

This is just a thought , good luck with your new van

Regards Sir Roger

 

[RayS]

I've fitted an external socket to my Burstner using an industrial type waterproof socket fitted under (outside) the front locker. You need to buy the matching 3 pin 13 amp plug as this has a screw seal into the socket. I don't have my Screwfix cat. with me to quote part number or IP rating (indicating degree of "waterproofness") but I've had no problems in more than 12000 towing miles quite a lot over wet and snowy winter roads.

This way avoids cutting any holes in the structure - apart from a small hole for the cable - and should avoid any quibbles about warranty. Ideally get the new circuit professionally checked after installation.

 

[Jennifer2]

Do the regs about installing own electrics in the home apply to caravans as well?ie you have to get them checked and approved by a qualified electrician?

you can do work on your own caravan without a problem.

 

[Jennifer2]

we have a socket fitted in an external locker, very handy. we also fitted a 12v one beside it.

 

[Ianofwilts]

John,

This may sound stupid but I have a Sterling Trekker and although not mentioned on the tech spec there is an external socket in the wet locker.

I never noticed for about 8 months.

 

[MichaelE]

Just a word of warning

Caravans and Motorhomes are covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

There is a National Caravan Council electrical cetificate of competence for all electrical work carried out.

After all electrical work is carried out a work certificate is issued.

 

[xtrailman]

John

I personally would not fit an external socket under the van, far better to mimick the existing type fitted, and even these are usually intended for use inside a awning.

Why not pass a extension cable, backed up by a 30ma ELCB, via a window?

I,ve worked on too many outside, so called waterproof switchgear, only to find the problem water penetration.

 

[JohnDavo]

Thanks for your replies guys.

I did actually ask my dealer the question today. He has told me that any electrical work completed on the caravan would technically require inspecting by a suitably qualified electrician and a certificate issuing otherwise this may well indeed invalidate the warranty.

He said he has seen this happen before and knows that some owners install additional equipment but temporarily remove for the service!

Looks like an extension lead thgrough the window then!

John

 

[trucker]

Thanks kevin.

Were these internal or external?

John they were internal

Kevin