fitting extra plug sockets

[HNB]

hi guys, today i noticed that my bailey only has 2 plug sockets!!

one where the tv goes and one in the kitching! now really i could do with another two tbh, near front seating area and front area.

is it possible to retro fit my own factory looking sockets into the van? will i be able to run this off the main fuse board and it not cause any issues?

thanks,H

 

[Jaydug]

is it possible to retro fit my own factory looking sockets into the van?

It is if you know what you're doing. The easiest way is to connect by way of a spur from another socket close by. Use 2.5flexible

 

[HNB]

im reasonable with electrics, can do basic stuff.

can the cable be normal standard household type or does it have to be certain type with it doing 12v aswell?

so with some info guides, armed with some rubber gloves and boots im usually fine lol

 

[ProfJohnL]

hi guys, today i noticed that my bailey only has 2 plug sockets!!

one where the tv goes and one in the kitching! now really i could do with another two tbh, near front seating area and front area.

is it possible to retro fit my own factory looking sockets into the van? will i be able to run this off the main fuse board and it not cause any issues?

thanks,H

I'm sorry HNB,

But if you need to ask this sort of question it rather suggests that you don't know enough to undertake the necessary work.

A competent fitter will know how to do it and what parts are required.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

can the cable be normal standard household type or does it have to be certain type with it doing 12v as well?

Not sure what you mean 'doing 12 v as well'. Mains 240 v ac wiring in a caravan uses flexible core cable and NOT rigid used in standard households. 12v dc cables are as those used in cars.

 

[HNB]

thanks for replies...

my plan is to make the one in kitchen to a double and run a spur to just other side for the kids area...then run a spur off 1 for the tv to front seating area.

i have done plenty of electric wiring/extensions/light fittings in house with no problems before...i just prefer to double check stuff with instructions/helps/hints/tips

 

[chrisn7]

Caravans employ simple radial circuits,so circuit breaker to 1st socket, on to 2nd, 3rd etc. There might be a spur off an intermediate socket. To save on cable with only 2 sockets, each cable might have been run from the MCB rather than the sockets being linked.
When you remove an existing socket you will see the type of flexible 3 core cable, but some vans have a pre-wired socket, that has a short pigtail terminating in a plug that connects to the caravan mains 'harness'. You can still connect to these sockets in the normal way though.

 

[HNB]

Caravans employ simple radial circuits,so circuit breaker to 1st socket, on to 2nd, 3rd etc. There might be a spur off an intermediate socket. To save on cable with only 2 sockets, each cable might have been run from the MCB rather than the sockets being linked.
When you remove an existing socket you will see the type of flexible 3 core cable, but some vans have a pre-wired socket, that has a short pigtail terminating in a plug that connects to the caravan mains 'harness'. You can still connect to these sockets in the normal way though.

thanks for that info, should be straight forward then in theory. i have the vision in my head where and how they are going. just got to find some new sockets now and get me some wire.

thanks again

 

[chrisn7]

Electrical fittings from Leisure Shop Direct or CAK Tanks, but check what colour you need if CBE as there are several; cable from B&Q / Wickes - you might want some round section cable clips, or P clips to suit.

 

[HNB]

Electrical fittings from Leisure Shop Direct or CAK Tanks, but check what colour you need if CBE as there are several; cable from B&Q / Wickes - you might want some round section cable clips, or P clips to suit.

Spot on,i will check them out,i believe its the cream/beige coloured ones i need.

I have always found wilko's good for electric cable,but will check out my local wickes price aswell...thanks

 

[DrZhivago]

Mains 240 v ac wiring in a caravan uses flexible core cable and NOT rigid used in standard households.

While that is the case in my own caravan, is that a rule? Is there some reason for it?

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Yes, IEE Wiring Regulations. Must be flexible and heat resistant and fixed at intervals. Caravans are subject to vibration when travelling and solid core cable is more likely to fatigue than flexible cable.

See also Caravan Club guidance here