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Hi ive just purchased a compass omega 550

my last caravan sterling europa 1998 had a electric point on the outer caravan body so i could run electric lights etc - the omega doesnt have this facilty

does anybody have any good ideas to run lights into the awning?

Mick

Our Compass has a mains socket in the under-seat locker that has access from outside (next to the battery box).

However, we have friends who don't have this facility - they pass an extension lead from a socket inside through a window (kitchen or lounge, depending which is most convenient).  It's only used for lights, and is taken back inside the 'van when not in use.

3 way mains connector from towsure (sorry dont no how to do the link thing) take a shortened mains lead from the post to the connecter which we put under the caravan and a lead from the connector to the caravan , then that leaves 2 points on the connector which we run a light and a Extra cool box if needed( you can either change the plugs to caravan blue plugs or run a blue plug to extension.

 Thanks for that

how long is the lead that you run to the caravan- i've got one but its only about 12" long?

Or fit another external power point that is wired into the vans distribution board so is covered by the post and the vans safety systems and with less junctions etc.

 dont think that is a good idea..!!

 do we take it that there is a splitter, to split the power BEFORE it goes into the van.

if so, then you are bypassing the mains safety box i.e. the rcd and trip out.

and so anything you use in the awning would not be protected by the vans trip outs,

unless you went to the expence of fitting a rcd trip in the awning,

a bit pointless when you already have one in the van.

it would make much more sense, if you fitted an extra socket for the awning,

i use a 3 pin "blue" socket fixed to the underside of the van, and plug an extention into that for any power in the awning.

stu. 

Quote: Originally posted by G,Winger on 16/2/2009

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 dont think that is a good idea..!!

 do we take it that there is a splitter, to split the power BEFORE it goes into the van.

if so, then you are bypassing the mains safety box i.e. the rcd and trip out.

and so anything you use in the awning would not be protected by the vans trip outs,

unless you went to the expence of fitting a rcd trip in the awning,

a bit pointless when you already have one in the van.

it would make much more sense, if you fitted an extra socket for the awning,

i use a 3 pin "blue" socket fixed to the underside of the van, and plug an extention into that for any power in the awning.

stu. 

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I think he means use one of these and then take the caravan supply from it so it would have its own protection for the awning. I hope so anyway !

hi mick gent , we cut our mains lead to about 8ft (which we use from van to connector then the rest of the lead from the post to the connector its easy,

and in reply to g winger its a simple thing and we use an in line trip !!!! my parents have a plug in trip !!!!! and can be transfered to any caravan and doesnt invalidate your warranty ....

if you know an electrician you could fit one of these

Mains Outlet Box with Rubberised Safety Socket and Weatherproof Flap

click on picture 

Thanks Mrs P

i think ill consiider your option

Mick

mains leads here

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/category/6990-Mains_Kits

Hi Mick

Im an electrician and ive fitted a mk sentry twin socket which is IP65 rated (which means it is waterproof) to the under side of my Pageant towards the front end so when im towing the spray isnt directly splashing the box,  ive done this with the last caravan aswell and never had any problems as for RCD protection you are already covered twice, 1st by the hookup and 2nd by the fuse board inside the caravan, the only problem i have is getting a wet knee sometimes when the grass is damp when i plug into it

I like Mrs P's solution, although I note she says the socket is "put under the caravan". More than once I've found that pitches seem to drain into a dip under the van, so after heavy rain you can end up with a little pond under there. Yes, the RCD will stop any chance of shock, but I still wouldn't want electrical sockets sat in a puddle. Also, if the RCD trips, you lose all power to the van, which is a pain - especially if you're running a fridge.

Wouldn't it be better to raise the socket off the ground?