Main socket & extensions

[Wearside wanderer]

Hi
1st post sure not even sure if this is the correct place!
Had a wee look on wiki and can’t seem to find an answer so now I’m venturing into the big world .
So after buying our 1st camper two weeks back in our childish excitement we did ask half the questions we should have.
I have deciphered most of the questions through this forum already so thank you! However I’m a little perplexed at the electricity situation. We have one socket for normal plugs plus a 4 plug extension cable, I can’t get these to work, will they only come to life when charged on site via the blue 3 pin sockets? Leisure battery is fine as is all lighting etc I am assuming these household sockets do not run off the leisure battery? Fridge works fine via gas.

Thanks in advance and Apologies if it’s answered elsewhere.

[colinthefox]

I am assuming these household sockets do not run off the leisure battery?

You are correct. Only off the mains hook-up. Unless of course your van is fitted with a whopping great 12v-240v inverter. Unlikely.
 

[clift_d]

Welcome. Put some details of your van and location in your signature as it helps others to respond to your questions more effectively.

Also, if you haven't already, go to the Membership link at the top of the page and join Club8090 - it's additional to the forum membership, it's also free, and it gives you access to the 'Members only' areas n the forum and to some club discounts.

Lastly, post some pictures of your van.

[TONYT25T25]

I am guessing when you say charged on site you mean connected as these are live 240v supplies.  Normally there is a connection outside the vehicle with a flap that you plug the 3 pin Blue socket and lead into from the electric on site hook up.  This socket normally feeds to an RCD inside the vehicle which in turn supplies 240v to the internal socket or sockets.  Your internal lighting is normally fed off a leisure battery.  If already fitted you may have what is called a ZIG unit, this controls 12v power supplies to the water pump, 12v feed to fridge when engine running and possibly other items depending on fit, this is how my system is currently fitted. If you need to upload images of your current fit, do as follows.



 

[Wearside wanderer]

Thanks for the advice, any ideas on this
I’m guessing it’s a light socket but …

[Wearside wanderer]

Welcome. Put some details of your van and location in your signature as it helps others to respond to your questions more effectively.

Also, if you haven't already, go to the Membership link at the top of the page and join Club8090 - it's additional to the forum membership, it's also free, and it gives you access to the 'Members only' areas n the forum and to some club discounts.

Lastly, post some pictures of your van.

And here’s Hamish

[Oldiebut goodie]

Thanks for the advice, any ideas on this
I’m guessing it’s a light socket but …

Cigarette/cigar lighter socket.

[TONYT25T25]

As above, 12v supply possibly from Leisure battery possibly, for charging mobile phone etc.

[Wearside wanderer]

Ah righto I guessed previous owners used that to charge mobiles etc

[Mocki]

Yeah that square old styleee 12v plug is what they used to instal in caravans back in the day , and someone has got a adaptor to plug in a phone charger ….