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Topic: Is my 12s socket working correctly?

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Rasdex

31/3/2012 at 8:29pm
Location: NZ
Outfit: None Entered

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Sounds a bit numpty but I am down here in NZ and we don’t have auto electricians/caravan places that are familiar with fitting them.

Anyway i bought a split charge relay kit through the UK and we fitted it as per the instructions for a post 99 van as i have a 06 Swift

We switch the van switch to 'Car'

when i connect to car I get a click from the van which i am told is the fridge relay but we can’t tell obviously if the fridge is working as it doesn’t have the rocker switch that lights up (its a newer Dometic one)

the interior lights, roof fan no longer work.
so how do I figure out if the fridge is working and should the interior lights work?

i know the car needs to be running for the fridge to work
when the car wasn’t running at the battery terminals (with battery disconnected) we were still getting 13v so was worried it might drain car battery.

I have numerous wiring diagrams from internet that tell how to wire it but what i am not sure is what the 12S socket is actually running.
I know the obvious that it runs fridge and charges battery whilst travelling, but is that all and how do you test it is doing what it should correctly?????
Thanks.

littlejack40

31/3/2012 at 8:55pm
Location: Eastbourne East Sussex
Outfit: Elddis WistonGT

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I am sure someone will be along with a definitive answer, but so far as I know 12S socket only runs the fridge, and 12v supply will struggle to reduce the temperature by much.best to get fridge temperature down on mains before departure and the switch to 12v for travel as a maintenance temperature.

timtheenchanter

31/3/2012 at 9:03pm
Location: Yeadon Leeds!
Outfit: Swift Challenger & Defender 110SW

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the 12S supplys power to the fridge and battery (to charge) when the engine is running, and giving enough current to do so.
The switch chooses where you get power from, and the battery/fridge should work irrespective of its position.
Van runs the vans 12V systems from the leisure battery, car draws the power from the car and should be used with caution as this CAN flatten the car battery.
the 12S also feeds the reversing light (if fitted)

see here for the normal 12S layout (post 96)

Rasdex

31/3/2012 at 10:47pm
Location: NZ
Outfit: None Entered

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OK a specific question, should the interior lights on an 06 van work if the 12s is pluged in, the engine and ignition is off and the switch is to 'car'

Opensauce

31/3/2012 at 11:40pm
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If caravan battery is charging ok from car you will be getting at least 13.5v across terminals with engine running at fast tickover. If fridge is working ok on 12v, pipes in freezer compartment will be noticeably cold after about half hours towing.

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