Hi, our van has an outdoor socket which I'd love to be able to use for the awning but the socket falls outside of the awning. Is there any safe way of using it at all?
Thanks
------------- Are you sure you've read the instructions?
We had the same situation when we used a 12v cooler under the Caravanstore canopy. We would use an extension lead and run it under the van, on a block to protect it from damp. It seemed to work OK and of course the external socket is protected by the caravan circuit breakers. You just have to be careful that any connections are well protected from moisture like rain splashes and the risk of flooding under the van.
Thanks David, the problem would be that the actual extension plug would be outside as the flap that covers the socket doesn't seem fantasic, is there a particualr type of extension lead I should use do you think?
Thanks
------------- Are you sure you've read the instructions?
Thanks David, the problem would be that the actual extension plug would be outside as the flap that covers the socket doesn't seem fantasic, is there a particualr type of extension lead I should use do you think?
Thanks
------------- Are you sure you've read the instructions?
I have one on our FC and it doesn't look all that safe. It is just a 13A socket inside a standard EHU inlet box. Now that we have bought a Porch Awning, that socket will be outside the confines of that awning and so I will not be using it. I will run an extension from inside the FC.
I think that with anything like that, if you don't trust it then don't use it.
I have a proper exterior 13A socket wired onto the back wall of our house and once the plug goes into that, there is waterproof cover that clips over it
Check and see if there is enough room to remove the existing 13A socket and replace it with a proper exterior one. These are not any bigger than the normal single sockets, only deeper because of the cover.
Even if it meant removing the existing socket cover, it should all still sit inside the box.
Quote: Originally posted by adandemsmom on 16/4/2012
Thanks David, the problem would be that the actual extension plug would be outside as the flap that covers the socket doesn't seem fantasic, is there a particualr type of extension lead I should use do you think?
Thanks
I think I made an assumption that the 'outdoor' socket was in a wet locker but from your description it sounds just like a flap, is that correct?
My old caravan socket was outside my awning too, but as most have waterproof covers, I would always use an extension lead without any problem. I would expect all modern vans to have RCD's for protection as well.
We had one on our last caravan which was outside the awning. Never had a problem with it using a cool box. If it has got a flap then it won't leak in the rain. It was on a fused circuit anyway
I find it quite puzzling that while exterior plugs at home or in industry are fully encased and protected, Caravn/FC Owners seem to think that a socket, which has been made to be used inside an awning, would somehow be safe to use outside as an exterior socket.
The flap that covers the awning socket on both my FC and on my last caravan is/was so flimsy that if a plug was in it, the slightest breeze would have lifted the lid and exposed the plug and socket to the elements.
Common sense tells me that these sockets should not be used unless they are protected from the elements, IE used inside the awning as they were meant to be.
I wouldn;t use on in awning or outside awning unless it was suitably IP rated like the hook up leads are. We use an extension anyway for any 240v stuff and run the LED strip from 12v inside the camper also
As I said, all modern caravans are protected by an RCD and the exterior socket covers the plug well. I am a City & Guilds qualified electrician and would not hesitate to use it as it is. You have to remember though that MCB's (Miniture circuit breakers) do protect you in an electric shot. It is only RCD's (Residual current devices) that do this, by cutting off power within 0.4 milliseconds.
presumably these sockets are the type that are IP rated when closed, but not when a plug is inserted.
IMO, while it may be "safe" to use them outside/unattended is is sensible to do so?
RCDs can, and do go faulty, whislt your van should be doubly protected by the RCD in your van and the one in the bollard would you trust it?
Using them outside, whislt you are there, fine, if it starts to rain, pull the plug. BUT if you are not there, moisture makes its was into the socket, and trips the RCD, whislt the moisture is there you will not be able to resert the RCD, or if you can there is a high liklyhood of it tripping again due to the moisture in the socket, so no EHU for you till its dryed out.
It is also unlikly that even if you turned of the MCB affecting that circuit that it would stop it tripping, most MCBs only operate on the phase (live) conductor, but an RCD will still trip if there is a Neutral-Earth fault.
Would it be possible to change the socket for a newer type where the cover is closed over the plug in the socket, thereby keeping the IP rating of the unit (I realise this is not possible on all units, as this type do stand proud from the surface.)
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Topic: Using outdoor socket.
