outside plugs

[kerry_5109168]

hi there were very new to caravanning and wondered if there was anywany you could fit a plug on the outside of the van for the electrics in the awning save on trailing wires please help

 

[AlfromYC]

There are 4 ways.

1; Extention lead out of the window (been there done that)

2; Fit a box to caravan wall with a 240v socket inside (means cutting a hole in the wall of the caravan and needs to be sealed 100%) these are available from accessory shops & ebay.

3; (what I have done) Fit an angled mains connector socket under the caravan, and put the cable through one of the bed box airvents and wire into a plug socket. Fit a corrisponding plug to the end of a 4 socket adapter and away you go.

4; Buy an exterior socket from DIY store and fit one of those.

Make sure all wiring is checked, then double checked if doing the job yourself.

 

[popupJohn]

There are 4 ways.

1; Extention lead out of the window (been there done that)

2; Fit a box to caravan wall with a 240v socket inside (means cutting a hole in the wall of the caravan and needs to be sealed 100%) these are available from accessory shops & ebay.

3; (what I have done) Fit an angled mains connector socket under the caravan, and put the cable through one of the bed box airvents and wire into a plug socket. Fit a corrisponding plug to the end of a 4 socket adapter and away you go.

4; Buy an exterior socket from DIY store and fit one of those.

Make sure all wiring is checked, then double checked if doing the job yourself.

And for Gawds sake make sure its fuzed or goes through a ciruit breaker.. preferably both for safety

 

[Steve L]

You need a minimum ip55 rated socket if you are going to fit one to the outside of the van. Make sure it has the splash proof flip down cover on it and as previously mentioned make sure it is fused with a MCB circuit beaker and has RCD earth leakage protection.

I have fitted several to my family's vans and they work fine.

If you're the slightest bit doubtful of your competence with electrical wiring, please get a qualified electrician to help you. Remember electricity is the "blind/silent killer".

 

[WatsonJohnG]

If your van has a 13amp plug/socket as ours has for the fridge and microwave its easy to put a double adapter and use a lead with a 13 amp plug(I save leads when appliances pack up) to make the power connection to the van thus using the existing MCB/RCB as well as the fuse in the plug.

I have fitted several of the 230Vand 12V combined sockets over the years and find the ones with the 13 amp socket on a pull out trailing lead much easier to use and wire up than the type I have now (as fitted by Bailey) where the socket is screwed to the housing.

Its easy to fit the socket so that it is into the base of the wardrobe but I find the easiest place to get at is between the upper and lower fridge vents.

The 12V socket (one on each side) is ideal for using the 12V tyre pump as well.

Make a cardboard template to protect the van side and after drilling a hole at each corner cut it out with a pad saw.

Mastic tape will make a waterproof job.