Electric hook up and fluorescent bulb

[Profi Graham]

Hi. I took my 1983 Dehler Profi on its first weekend away in a few years. It was cold and so I plugged a fan heater in to the electrical socket, on the dashboard, behind the gearstick, via a 3 gang extension. The heater wouldn't work. There is a small orange light below the socket which, I assume, should illuminate when the socket's in use. It didn't. Should this socket work even when the van's not plugged in to the mains? Is there any simple way I can check whether the van's accepting electricity?

Also, I'm looking for a replacement bulb from the internal lighting. It's a white tube (as if it's fluorescent) just over 1/2 an inch (1.5cm) in diameter and just short of 9" (227mm) in length, including the two prongs at each end. Anyone know where I can find one?

Thanks

[AngeloEvs]

Not sure about the first question but 8W flourescent tubes for 12V are available from most camping and caravan stores/dealers.


You didn't mention if your heater is a 240V one or some sort of 12v accessory that I have seen advertised?

Mains provision via electric hook in a pro converted van should have mains RCD and isolating switches somewhere and these need to be switched to ON. As to the location of the 240V mains outlet(s) in your van - I cannot say, but located on the dashboard seems rather odd as dash sockets are usually 12V? I would have thought that any mains sockets would be the Euro type mains sockets which require an adaptor in order to use UK appliances fitted with a 13A UK type mains plug.

[andisnewsyncro]

Your 240v circuits will only work if the van is plugged into a hook up socket, to get 240v out you have to put it in first
With the hook up connected you should able to test the cicuit breakers and wether there is power getting to the sockets. As far as the bulb is concerned I would any caravan or motorhome dealer should be able to help you. If you're in any doubt about the electrics, take it along and heve them checked over professionally. Good Luck

[pirate-pete]

Some of the big Tesco's do the 9" flourescent tubes too, so should not be too hard to find if you dont have a caravan store handy.

[Profi Graham]

Thanks folks. The 240v socket is definitely in the dash, just behind the gearstick. It takes continental sockets and has a red light just below it, which I would assume would illuminate when there's power. I have the bulbs now thanks.