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Subject Topic: 12V DC ring main? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personoldskoolskater
08/5/2016 at 6:41pm
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Hi All

I'd like to fit a number of USB sockets to the caravan and am wondering whether I should be wiring in a ring main (like a 240V AC domestic circuit) or as 1 long spur?

I will be wiring in 5 of C Line sockets for charging phones and iPads, etc so current draw should be pretty low.

Does a ring vs spur affect the cable rating used?
Ideally what size cable should I be using?

thanks


Persondavid8858
08/5/2016 at 8:50pm
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For the current loads you mention you should be fine either way.

No need to use heavy duty cable either as standard mains will do for 12v at just a few amps

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Best Regards

David


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PersonJesscar
08/5/2016 at 8:54pm
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It's all about cable sizing. A ring main allows more economical cable sizing than radial circuits in normal domestic situations.

The cable size you need depends on the load you intend to serve. (How many usb sockets, what rating they have, how far apart etc)


PersonMike-Debbie
08/5/2016 at 9:44pm
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There is no need to ring main, just use 12v cable of high enough current rating.


PersonMike-Debbie
08/5/2016 at 10:08pm
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EBay Flat twin 2 core thinwall 16.5A 10M £7.25 Just a quick search may be others. This would be suitable for your job. Hope this helps


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Personoldskoolskater
09/5/2016 at 12:35am
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I'll be using C Line part no PO268 which is a 5v 1.5A twin USB socket, but I'm not sure whether it's rated at 1.5A for each socket or for both combined.
I'll be putting 5 twin USB sockets in total into the van (we have a LOT of gadgets!) each with approx 2-3m of cable in between.
Thanks for your replies so far folks, I'll check out the suggested cable specs on eBay - what core diameter will it likely to be?

Thanks


PersonMike-Debbie
09/5/2016 at 11:38am
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I have just had a look at the socket on line and it looks like each USB port is 5v 1.5A total for each socket 3A. Five sockets X 3A = 15A so 16.5A twin wall should cover it but if you are worried go up to the next size 25A. 16.5A is 1mm and 25A is 2mm. Hope this helps


Personalpiner
09/5/2016 at 7:07pm
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If you are talking about this kind of socket, they should be a direct replacement,no mods required.
link

Post last edited on 09/05/2016 19:11:50

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alpiner


Personoldskoolskater
11/5/2016 at 9:32pm
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Thanks for all your replies folks,

I've decided to run 2 strings of sockets will will be rated at 9A and 12A, so the 1mm flat auto cable will do the job nicely. Also got some convoluted tubing to run the cable in for protection under the van - just need to fit it all now!


Personnaturlist123
13/5/2016 at 6:23pm
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Why change your sockets unless they make them in colours to match your originals
What's wrong with using 13amp plugs with usb charging in your allready 240 sockets IE like kindle charger you can use a double triple or quadruple as used in car cigar socket if you have 12volt socket fitted in van like mine.. You will just have to wait to charge if you use 240kettle and toaster+ tv
OH charges her phone using 12volt cigar type socket fitted by tv240socket with aerial socket this is socket common to a lot of vans.
I charge I pad using her kindle usb cable.
I ran extra cable for extra reading lights in last van it was a pain in the arse hiding cable in over head lockers as every one had to be drilled close to corners to keep cable out of way of storage items resulting in being able to read book etc laying either way on bed/settee,I also used reading lights with everything underslung so back of light did not protrude in to lockers preventing cutting out 2 inch square holes into locker base.


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Personoldskoolskater
13/5/2016 at 8:02pm
 Location: Newcastle
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We run almost always off grid so 13a sockets never get used when we're out, so we need need more than the 1 12v socket we currently have.
The usb sockets will be a new addition and not replacing anything existing.


Personnavver
13/5/2016 at 8:39pm
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With 12 volt you may need to check the volt drop in the cables. The cable specs should give you a mV/A/m volt drop.

Volt drop = mV/A/m x Amps x length in metres.



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