Message Forums

Hi to all,

Just after some advice..... Can you replace beige caravan plug sockets with household plug sockets from Screwfix etc?  The wiring will remain the same, it's just the plastic sockets we're after updating!

Thanks in advance to you helpful folks...

Natalie

Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 11/11/2012

---

I'm not sure but the wiring in your domestic supply has to have an earth cable as well as the live and negative cables whereas in the caravan there may only be just a live and negative only and no earth.

Post last edited on 11/11/2012 18:44:35

---

Caravan wiring must be 3 core Live ,neutral and earth.

The only problem you may have is that caravan sockets are often fitted in a circular cutout whereas normal domestic sockets have a square cutout and unless you fit a box on the rear the terminals may be exposed.

Far better to change them if you need to with proper caravan sockets.

Saxo1

Hi,

Any "sparks" out there.

I'm thinking of installing another 2 x 13 amp sockets to my van, using CBE fittings (round back box,support frame & 240v sockets).

Can I spur off the existing wiring from a nearby original single socket ?

Andy

I would add that if you use spurs do not use single core domestic cable as this will break due to vibration and movement in the van.

You need to use multistrand cable.  (An old mains hook up lead is a good source of suitable cable.)

Thank you  birder99  &  mked (Kev).

as far as Regs go, I'll wait & hope  SAXO 1 can comment.

Kev, good point re mains single core domestic cable,but I was going to use 16 amp multi-core anyway for that said reason.

If Saxo 1 doesn't come back, then I think I'll run them back to the 240v fuse box to be safe.

Thanks again.

Andy.

There is no specifid max no of sockets you can connect to a radial circuit, but if your van has a ring main, then any spur off it should be fused at the take off point.

The regs for a domestic situation differ from the recommended cable size in that the minimum size cable for a caravan can be 1.5mm 3 core multistrand flex with a minimum of 7 strands.Provided you don't uprate the MCB to more than 10A then you will be OK.

The cable should be kept seperate from any 12V wiring.

Saxo1

My PSU (SARGENT EC445) has 3 x 10 amp mcb's.

1 for 230v sockets. 1 for extra 230v space heater. 1 for fridge, water heater,12v charger.

So, as you say Saxo 1,  not to overload  the 10A 230v (sockets) mcb.

To be honest, the extra sockets will be used to power Laptop, charge i pod and small items like that.

I know not to overload any sockets/power to more than 10A

Can I safely spur off a socket very close to where I want another socket.?

Andy.

There is no problem with taking a spur off any of the sockets on any of the circuits but it is best to spur off the 230V socket circuit to avoid any possible confusion.

Saxo1

Thank you Saxo 1 & other contributors,

your advise as usual is much appreciated.

Andy.