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Im loking at installing an external power point on my van, and i have 2 options.

1, install a standard (IP rated) 13A socket on the outside.

or, 2 install a 16A socket, and use my oldish tent EHU unit plugged into it.

Im thinking of the 2nd option, as a 16A socket thats IP44 is alot cheaper than an equivilent IP rated 13A socket. plus if i need to I can use a 16-13A (IP66?? rated) adaptor to use if i dont have the awning on for lighting, as most easily, and reasonably priced IPrated sockets are quite expensive at the moment, whereas most 16A sockets are IP44 rated as standard

hope this makes sense, it is 12:30

You lost me well it is 1.38am  , what's IP rated ? i know i'm thick doh .

You could always buy a mains / 12volt socket box from a caravan shop for about £13 .
I bought a empty socket box off ebay for £4 and a single extension socket £3 ( fitted it into the box ) then cut a hole in the caravan , fitted the box and wired it up to the fused mains pannel .

atb

Wizard

Don't know about the type of socket.  However regarding siting of it, our Abbey Vogue 415 has an external socket fitted in the door side wet locker which is quite a good idea as you then have a supply into the awning without having to trail leads.

Paul

I would go for this unit with mains and 12V in one box.

An easy way is to use a supply cord with a 13 amp plug on one end that can be connected via  double adaptor from an existing 13 amp  socket (such as to the fridge)

This gives the added protection of the fuse in the plug and avoids cutting into the van wiring

The 12V is usefull for tyre pumps etc

view large image £10.17 £11.95 inc VAT Normal price £14.80

Save 19 % Mains / 12 Volt Flush Outlet M40 A flush fitting rubber 13 amp socket in a white plastic splash proof housing for external flush mounting, plus 12 volt "cigarette lighter" style outlet Recess size: 134mm x 70mm. Depth 64mm External (flap) size: 158mm x 102mm. Depth 11mm Socket rating: 13 amps at 240 volts AC Conforms to BS1363/A.

that looks pretty good actually, and a reasonable price too,

 I cant mount anything in a wet locker, or anyother type of locker for that matter, cos it dont have one!!

IP rating is experssed as IP, plus 2, or 3 numbers, it expresses how water, dust, or mechanically stable it is, all 16A sockets, the blue ones are at least IP44 rated, meaning it is capable of withstanding dust and water spray.

for a more list of the numbering see here http://www.keithpayneproducts.com/ip-rating.htm

That's interesting

The type of sockets (as above) fitted to the Bailey and the box I added have a seperate lidded socket inside the main cover.

I much prefer the other type where you can have the socket either stuck in with a sticky pad or so the you can pull it out on a short extension lead

Much more convenient to use and easier to wire up.

I usually make a cardboard template and after drilling a hole at each corner cut it out with a pad saw.

Tape mastic makes a good seal

Just want to bounce this up again. 

The unit above looks really good.  Do they still produce them?  If so where can we purchase one from?

Cheers

Towsure still sell them. 

They retail at £14.95. 

We will be picking one up and getting someone qualified to fit it. 

External power points should be fitted to every van.

Thanks all of you

Quote: Originally posted by Vectratot on 28/9/2009

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The socket I posted about earlier was supplied by caravan supplies international, it is on ebay for £11.00+£2.30p+p item no 400074389343

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I found that the spring loaded inner socket type were not as convenient to use as the one in the link I gave which has a trailing lead that can be made to pull out or fixed with a sticky pad

Just my preference --and easier to wire up

My last one was got for me by my local dealer

Looking back I seem to have said this before

Good night