The mains input to my van is on the awning side, next to the door. I'd really like a 240v socket here too. Rather than hard wiring one in is there any kind of 'in-line' adapter that I could use on the mains cable that would give me a 240V socket?
External 240V socket
- Thread starter richardpalmer
- Start date
In Europe where vans have a more exposed 230V inlet its quite common to see a mains plug at the van end with built in socket for an awning etc
But that means that anything plugged into it is not protected by the van MCB and RCB breakers and should really then have a camping mains connector with trips plugged into it
It would be safer to connect into the van internal circuitry possibly by an adapter on say the fridge/microwave socket and then have a short trailing lead in the mains inlet section of the battery box etc
But that means that anything plugged into it is not protected by the van MCB and RCB breakers and should really then have a camping mains connector with trips plugged into it
It would be safer to connect into the van internal circuitry possibly by an adapter on say the fridge/microwave socket and then have a short trailing lead in the mains inlet section of the battery box etc
ive taken spur from fridge out of caravan along axle to out door plug screwed onto under floor of van on awning side that way you are coverd by rcb you must go into van via rcb and theh out to your point
I had one fitted when we bought the van. I was told by the dealer that it law that an isolator switch is fitted inside the van. Typically I keep forgetting it's there and wonder why the socket doesn't work
I fitted an external socket to my previous 'van and fitted an internal isolation switch because I thought it was sensible to do so. However, my 2007 S6 Bailey Champagne came from the factory with an external socket and there's no isolation switch, so I suspect the dealer is wrong - unless the latest edition of the Electrical regs has covered this point. I still think it's a good idea to have one fitted.
John M
John M
When I fitted my ouside socket on the door/awning side instead of an adapter on the fridge socket I replaced it with a double switched 13amp socket so the outside point is in fact switched and has the extra protection of the plug fuse on the socket feed but I never switch it off!!
I also think that the dealer is wrong in that we have no isolation switch on the socket in the wet locker as fitted by Swift and the Bailey which uses a seperate external socket box also had no switch.
After reading this thread I may fit a trailing lead 13amp socket alongside the mains inlet(offside) as I have a convenient 4 way switched extension strip close to hand to plug into !! This would save passing an extension lead under the van when we have the Caravanstore Zip(the shed) on the RHS on long stays
I also think that the dealer is wrong in that we have no isolation switch on the socket in the wet locker as fitted by Swift and the Bailey which uses a seperate external socket box also had no switch.
After reading this thread I may fit a trailing lead 13amp socket alongside the mains inlet(offside) as I have a convenient 4 way switched extension strip close to hand to plug into !! This would save passing an extension lead under the van when we have the Caravanstore Zip(the shed) on the RHS on long stays
I use one of these to run an extension from the inconveniently placed caravan socket. The spike keeps the extension socket off the ground.
http://www.focusdiy.co.uk/invt/185891
http://www.focusdiy.co.uk/invt/185891
I use a similar one but its green and has 3 sockets
One disadavantage is that any plugs incorporating a charger/transformer for cool boxes etc will not go into the socket because of the shape of the surround and the individual socket lids/covers and so a shorter extension is also needed
I have had to invert one socket and remove one cover and also I have to thread the cable under the van which is why I an now considering a trailing lead socket in the mains inlet box as posted above.
I already have a bored hole from inside the van to the mains inlet part and a convenient socket strip in the van so its just needs a trailing socket from the market today !!
A 5 minute job !!
One disadavantage is that any plugs incorporating a charger/transformer for cool boxes etc will not go into the socket because of the shape of the surround and the individual socket lids/covers and so a shorter extension is also needed
I have had to invert one socket and remove one cover and also I have to thread the cable under the van which is why I an now considering a trailing lead socket in the mains inlet box as posted above.
I already have a bored hole from inside the van to the mains inlet part and a convenient socket strip in the van so its just needs a trailing socket from the market today !!
A 5 minute job !!
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