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Topic: Caravan Internal Spotlights

lad175

07/5/2012 at 9:01am
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Hi...I've just purchased a 1991 caravan which had 2 very old internal spotlights below 2 of the cabinets and I have purchased 2 new 240V lights to replace them. I've removed the old lights of which only 2 wires were making them work (1 green and 1 white). The new lights have a Live & Neutral, but also have an earth wire, but after connecting the wires up and leaving the earth (due to there being no earth wire to connect it to) the lights are not working after connecting the caravan to the mains.

I would be most grateful if anyone could advise where I might be going wrong and if I need to find a way to earth them!

Vectratot

07/5/2012 at 9:36am
Location: DURHAM
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Were the original spotlights not 12volt? I`d check first.

ailurotoo

07/5/2012 at 10:56am
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if the wiring is that old I'd consider replacing it. you've got the old cable to help you pull it through. only do it if you're capable though... dodgy wiring causes fires.

G7ACU

07/5/2012 at 11:29am
Location: West Mids
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Quote: Originally posted by ailurotoo on 07/5/2012
if the wiring is that old I'd consider replacing it. you've got the old cable to help you pull it through. only do it if you're capable though...

A worthy point but not as easy it might sound to be fair.
I'd tend to echo Vectratot's thoughts initially, and question if the original lights were 240v or 12v; 240v lighting on a 12v circuit certainly wouldn't anything. Can you check on the older spotlight fittings or bulbs?

If in any doubt, consult someone who knows what they're doing as you'd best be cautious if the circuit is 240v.

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Paul

Every day's a school day!

lad175

07/5/2012 at 11:32am
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Although the caravan is 21 years old the wiring was replaced 8 years ago. The original spotlights were 12 volt and the new ones we purchased are .... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Caravan-Spotlight-240v-Halogen-Brushed-Steel-Wave-Caravan-Motorhome-/150808201406?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item231cde88be

I spoke to someone who knows about electrics etc and they seemed to think that adding 240v they might be dimmer, but should still work??

G7ACU

07/5/2012 at 12:53pm
Location: West Mids
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Quote: Originally posted by lad175 on 07/5/2012
I spoke to someone who knows about electrics etc and they seemed to think that adding 240v they might be dimmer, but should still work??

Sorry to be blunt, but your 'someone' has no idea whatsoever if this was their response.

If I've read this right, the fittings you've removed were 12v, but you've fitted 240v lighting instead; is this right?

If your van had 12v lighting, you need to replace with another 12v fitting, unless you rewire the fitting completely to run off 240v. Both voltage and supply current are completely different between each supply type, you can't swap these out in this way. The bulb fittings will be different too so unfortunately you couldn't fit a 12v lamp to these 240v lamp fittings either.

I'm sorry, but only resolution would be to replace again with 12v lighting.

Oh and I nearly forgot, don't consult the same person for further electrical advice either.

Post last edited on 07/05/2012 13:07:04

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Paul

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HEJC72

07/5/2012 at 1:26pm
Location: North Yorkshire
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You won't be able to directly replace 12v lights with 240v ones.

Why not buy some LED 12v lights to replace the old ones? That is what I did in my van - I now have 2 12v adjustable strip lights which hardly use any power and are nice and bright.

If you are unsure about wiring in new lights, PLEASE ask someone experienced in these things.
I would suggest you DON'T ask your "someone who knows about electrics" as they clearly don't have a clue about caravan electrics!

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ailurotoo

07/5/2012 at 3:10pm
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The lights used in bathrooms tend to be 12v with transformers so they can run on 240V but be dropped down to 12V.

Have a look at the correct spec'd lights for caravan usage then compare them to see if the bathroom ones are the same spec ( thinking they might be the same but no premium for being "specialist" caravan gear). I'd suggest fitting l.e.d. ones as they will stay much cooler and use less electricity.

Isn't there a Haynes Manual kicking around for caravans that would help you?
Or something like this if you're new to tin tenting?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Caravan-Manual-John-Wickersham/dp/1844256782/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336399751&sr=1-4

oldham

07/5/2012 at 4:29pm
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Here is the link for Caravan Repair

You will get plenty of help. I to would take this opportunity to change to LED spotlights. They are 12v as bright as halogens and use a lot less power. We have changed all the 12v lights to LED. .

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Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

lad175

07/5/2012 at 4:33pm
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Thank you for your help and advice....I'm on Ebay as we speak and will purchase a couple of 12v lights instead. Hopefully the green and white wires will just fit in without needing an earth wire.

Would anyone happen to know if the green wire is Live or Neutral??

G7ACU

07/5/2012 at 5:37pm
Location: West Mids
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Quote: Originally posted by lad175 on 07/5/2012
Hopefully the green and white wires will just fit in without needing an earth wire.
Would anyone happen to know if the green wire is Live or Neutral??

There's no requirement for an earth connection on 12v DC circuits, neither are there 'live' or 'neutral' wires as the 12v convention uses positive and negative wiring.
It's not really possible to ascertain which is positive or neutral in your wiring and can only really be sussed out using a multimeter. Although in practice the wiring could be connected to either side of the light fitting, it's best practice to wire them correctly, the positive usually being connected to the switch on the lamp.

Arm yourself with a meter, or in all honesty I'd rather you got hold of someone (other than your usual adviser) who could check this for you.

PS: As you seem to like fleabay, this supplier at this link here has been excellent for the supply of LED replacement lamps, these possibly being the type you'd need to convert your 12v reading spot light that you might be getting.

Post last edited on 07/05/2012 17:43:07

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Paul

Every day's a school day!

lad175

08/5/2012 at 9:37am
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Hi Paul,

Thank you once again for all your help and advice.

Regards,

Mark

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