Hi I have a 2006 crusader which we used last weekend. We had trouble putting a plug into the external socket, the bottom right hole seemed to be blocked however we did get the plug in but when we came to get it out it was stuck, after much force and prising it came out but the bottom right pin seemed to be covered in melted on plastic. So it seems now we will need to replace it. Has anybody got any advice on buying the right one taking the old one out and replacing with the new one.
Thanks in advance.
Are you referring to the round 3 pin external mains hook up socket that connects the cable to the mains hook up bollard on site or a 3 pin external domestic socket with a hinged protection cover for plugging in an electrical appliance?
If you mean the 240v mains input socket from campsite ehu. Then no advice needed on replacement. If you know how to work on electrics & can use tools then removal of old socket & replacement with new is self explanatory. Remove old socket, take it to a caravan shop & match up a new replacement. Its a standard item.
Before you replace it you need to find out what caused it to overheat & melt though. There is no point in replacement otherwise. It will just melt again.
I'm going for 3 pin domestic plug, outlet socket like this.
But of course could be completely wrong.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
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Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Hi yes blueexpo97 you are correct it is the domestic one and thanks for the link. I did look on ebay and pennine leisure. £44 at pennine leisure a lot cheaper on ebay not sure if the quality and safety is the same.
Has anyone replaced the domestic socket on the outside of their camper, if so, I would be really grateful for your help.
Thanks in advance
If the socket is identical to ebay link then from the picture you can see the 4 screws on outside edges of plastic box. Undo those & pull out the whole socket box & lid. If connection is a shown in picture then it is as simple as pulling connections apart & pushing in new one. If there is no connector then you will have to connect the wires yourself.
When you install new socket you will need to seal around edge with non drying caravan sealant. Run a bead around the outside, push into place & fix down with the 4 screws.
You do need to find out what caused the first one to burn though so really you need to at least visually check the whole circuit.
Make sure that there is no live feed coming from the mains first. Under the flip up external protection cover there are 4 screws around the perimeter which have to be removed first then you have to use a thin screwdriver to lift up the whole 3 pin socket from the waterproof sealant. Once that has been removed there will be 3 cables connected to the rear which are the live, negative and earth which have to be unscrewed and disconnected in order for the complete socket to release from the aperture. The old sealant will have to scraped off with a blunt tool then wiped clean with white spirit in order for the fresh sealant to make a water tight seal. Get the new socket and connect the electrical cables to the corresponding connectors, apply fresh sealant to the perimiter of the socket and line back up with the 4 existing screw holes. Screw the socket back into place and then trim the excess seal from around the perimeter of the socket plate. Check to see if the flap closes then switch on the mains and test the socket with a 3 pin mains tester.
In terms of where the fault is, it was almost certainly the socket itself. The Op mentions it had become stiff. It sounds like the innards had become broken, there was shorting or arcing which caused the over heating. Internal camper wiring shouldn't really cause that.
What should be checked is the action of the RCD in the consumer unit under the bench seat. It's the sort of fault where it may well should've tripped.
So check with the rest button (they do fail, we've recently got a folding camper, and I only just got an EHU lead sorted. Tested it at home and it didn't trip, so another job on the list)
The socket itself in mine (98 pathfinder) just looks like a pretty standard trailing socket. It seems secured in place with screws through the back of the mounting box (seen from inside the seat box)
I would probably replace it with a decent trailing socket, like a Duraplug.
Quote "What should be checked is the action of the RCD in the consumer unit under the bench seat. It's the sort of fault where it may well should've tripped."
An RCD only trips on current leakage to earth,it won't trip on overload or loose connections or overheating.
The operation of the RCD should be tested every time the supply is hooked up.
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by saxo1 on 10/9/2017
Quote "What should be checked is the action of the RCD in the consumer unit under the bench seat. It's the sort of fault where it may well should've tripped."
An RCD only trips on current leakage to earth,it won't trip on overload or loose connections or overheating.
The operation of the RCD should be tested every time the supply is hooked up.
saxo1
I know, but there Can earth leakage, if for no other reason than the overheating may well cause failure of insulation etc.
Like I said, it maybe should trip, not that it always would.
Moe just a reminder to check the RCD, sure it should be checked each time, but most people probably don't.