outside socket ? (1 Viewer)

beachcaster

Free Member
Dec 18, 2010
3,044
3,161
east sussex
Funster No
14,709
MH
C Class
Exp
a few years
I want to run an outside socket......... somewhere on the outside of the van
to plug in SWMBO's new electric bike charger when we are away....would also be generally useful.:Smile:
We mainly stay on sites with EHU........So perhaps a spur from the existing 13 amp mains to perhaps underneath the motorhome...perhaps switchable
and waterproof............any thoughts before I get it sorted.

my next door neighbour is a qualified electrician and he will do it for me .but I prefer to go to him with some properly thought out ideas and suggestions for gear.

barry
 

jonandshell

Free Member
Dec 12, 2010
5,476
8,299
Norfolk
Funster No
14,648
MH
Not got one!
Exp
Since 2006
There's bound to be something in the NCC standards about doing that. It probably involves extra ventilation holes and having it switch off if you start the engine!::bigsmile:

It might well be worth waiting for a sensible reply from one of our traders!:thumb:
 

Peter JohnsCross MH

Funster
Deceased RIP
Jan 5, 2008
9,617
6,194
East Sussex
Funster No
1,134
MH
Autotrail
Exp
1995
http://www.johnscross.co.uk/bullfinch-electric-outlet-point.html

How to do it !
Bullfinch Electric Outlet Point

Bullfinch Electrical outlet point for Caravans and Motorhomes, bring power out of your van with this electrical outlet socket.
Ideal for:

  • power tools
  • electrical appliances up to 13 amp rating
  • lighting
  • TVs and other leisure products
Note the following features:


  • IP55 protection against water & dirt ingress when plug inserted & lid closed
  • innovative, attractive design
  • high quality for a long reliable life
  • compact
  • lightweight
  • easy to fit - requires 105mm cutter and 4 self tapping screws; easy to attach inlet cable
  • well styled
  • further versions available for plugs for other countries (eg European, USA, Australia)
  • also available - same housing but fitted with 12volt (Cigar lighter fitting)) / Satellite / TV connections - ideal for touring caravans , motorhomes, etc.
You will require a 105mm cutter to create the orifice.

It is also supplied with 4 fixing screws.

General information


  • External 220/240V 13A electric socket for mains electric accessories including TV’s, computers, games consoles power tools, mowers etc (dependent on power rating of appliance).
  • Recessed socket allows cover to be closed over inserted plug.
  • IP55 waterproof protection - Weatherproof (to the requirements of IP 55 dust and water ingress) with cover closed and plug fitted.
  • Robust and durable – manufactured from high quality materials.
  • Easily installed using a core drill.
  • Well designed and compact.
  • Cover has positive latching in open and closed position.
  • Can accommodate most standard 13A plugs whilst maintaining seal.
  • Low profile installation.
  • Simple installation procedure, cut a Ø105 mm hole with a core drill and affix with self tapping or similar screws

Bullfinch Electric Outlet Point Technical information: for 13 A Electric Outlet Point (Socket)

  • 250V ac rating
  • Standard UK 13A 3 pin socket (other socket versions available eg. U.S, Europe, etc.)
  • Electric components to BS 1363 where applicable
  • Plastic parts made of high quality materials with long-term UV resistance
  • Total sealing between device and wall of prefabricated structure
  • Total sealing between cover and body even with plug fiteed
  • Dimensions – 125 x 140 x 58 (deep) mm
  • Weight – 242 gms
  • Main body and Cover: - Polycarbonate 30% reinforced with glass fibre
  • Hinge pin and screws: - stainless steel
  • Seals: - UV and ozone resistant silicone rubber
  • Wall gasket: - UV and ozone resistant EPDM
bullfinch_electrical_socket.jpg
 

JockandRita

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 2, 2007
11,446
149,844
Lincs/Cambs border
Funster No
49
MH
N+B Flair 8000i
Exp
Since May 05 (Ex Tuggers).
I want to run an outside socket......... somewhere on the outside of the van
to plug in SWMBO's new electric bike charger when we are away....would also be generally useful.:Smile:
We mainly stay on sites with EHU........So perhaps a spur from the existing 13 amp mains to perhaps underneath the motorhome...perhaps switchable
and waterproof............any thoughts before I get it sorted.

my next door neighbour is a qualified electrician and he will do it for me .but I prefer to go to him with some properly thought out ideas and suggestions for gear.

barry
Hi Barry,

Because I didn't want to drill a hole in the side of the MH bodywork, I bought >>one of these<< from CAK Tanks. I just swapped the ends round, so that the 3 pin socket didn't damage the MH bodywork. It gives me an external socket if I need one, when plugged into EHU. When the awning isn't wound out, I find another method of keeping it dry. :winky:

Cheers,

Jock.
 
Apr 27, 2008
11,838
14,062
Eastbourne East Sussex
Funster No
2,327
MH
Hymer low profile
Exp
Since 1972
The only time we need this is that if its hot SWMBO likes to do ironing outside (I know, I've told her ironing is unnecessary but she doesn't listen)

For this we just chuck an extension lead out of the window, plugged into the socket for the microwave which we removed.

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cmcardle75

LIFE MEMBER
Jun 8, 2012
2,666
3,446
Reading
Funster No
21,386
MH
Riot Van Conversion
Exp
Since 2012
I want to run an outside socket......... somewhere on the outside of the van
to plug in SWMBO's new electric bike charger when we are away....would also be generally useful.:Smile:
We mainly stay on sites with EHU........So perhaps a spur from the existing 13 amp mains to perhaps underneath the motorhome...perhaps switchable
and waterproof............any thoughts before I get it sorted.

my next door neighbour is a qualified electrician and he will do it for me .but I prefer to go to him with some properly thought out ideas and suggestions for gear.

barry

Basically, you just need an IP rated socket. There are loads out there with different characteristics. There will be differences in such things as:

Price
Double vs Single
Switched/Unswitched
IP rating level (minimum 66 for this application)
Is IP protection maintained when in use?
Physical size
Colour

Only you will know what is important to you. However, my choice was:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-nexus-13a-1g-switch-socket/35096

Screwfix also do:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-1-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket/30430
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-masterseal-plus-13a-1-gang-switched-socket/30703

All available in doubles also.

As it is a vehicle, I'd connect using arctic flex, rather than 2+E solid cable.
 

cmcardle75

LIFE MEMBER
Jun 8, 2012
2,666
3,446
Reading
Funster No
21,386
MH
Riot Van Conversion
Exp
Since 2012
Basically, you just need an IP rated socket. There are loads out there with different characteristics. There will be differences in such things as:

Price
Double vs Single
Switched/Unswitched
IP rating level (minimum 66 for this application)
Is IP protection maintained when in use?
Physical size
Colour

Only you will know what is important to you. However, my choice was:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-nexus-13a-1g-switch-socket/35096

Screwfix also do:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-1-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket/30430
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-masterseal-plus-13a-1-gang-switched-socket/30703

All available in doubles also.

As it is a vehicle, I'd connect using arctic flex, rather than 2+E solid cable.

I should mention that the Bullfinch one might be expensive, but it has the advantage of flush mounting if you want it mounted to the side, rather than underneath out of sight.
 

hilldweller

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 5, 2008
605
36,109
Macclesfield
Funster No
5,089
MH
Zilch Mk1
Exp
From Aug 2007
Better to have the 240V lump safe and dry inside and extend the nice safe 24V wires.

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FULL TIMER

Free Member
May 31, 2012
795
717
NORWICH
Funster No
21,259
MH
SELF BUILT IVECO 75E17
Exp
BEEN BUILDING THEM FOR 32 years
Basically, you just need an IP rated socket. There are loads out there with different characteristics. There will be differences in such things as:

Price
Double vs Single
Switched/Unswitched
IP rating level (minimum 66 for this application)
Is IP protection maintained when in use?
Physical size
Colour

Only you will know what is important to you. However, my choice was:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-nexus-13a-1g-switch-socket/35096

Screwfix also do:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-1-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket/30430
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-masterseal-plus-13a-1-gang-switched-socket/30703

All available in doubles also.

As it is a vehicle, I'd connect using arctic flex, rather than 2+E solid cable.

That's the set up I have mounted on the front of the box body between cab and box and as you say flex should be used on all vehicles as I understand it rather than solid twin & earth.
 
Jul 29, 2011
2,696
22,104
Urmston, Manchester
Funster No
17,549
MH
Former owner.
Exp
June 2012
Mine came with an outside socket already fitted underneath.
Very useful but a bit awkward to reach, have to get down and reach under, thinking of moving it so it is a locker space which would be more accessable.
It looks as if it has been spurred of the ring main.
 

pappajohn

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 26, 2007
43,295
49,268
Dark side of the moon
Funster No
172
Exp
Since 2005
just fit a bog standard 2 gang domestic socket and plastic backbox in an outside locker.
the charger wires are thin enough to pass between the door seals without damage to either.

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jollyrodger

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 1, 2012
6,282
26,419
Devon/Cornwall
Funster No
23,107
MH
'Obby
Exp
Since 1968'ish
You may also try Coastline Campers they also do loads of flush fitted sockets for around £16 similar to those already mentioned

::bigsmile:
 

TheBig1

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 27, 2011
17,592
43,006
Dorset
Funster No
19,048
MH
A class
Exp
many many years! since I was a kid
or the good old fashioned version of the outside socket....been about for years and much cheaper at £12.50
[ame="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221330848911&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en"]White External 13 amp Socket Box Caravan Motorhome campervan PO119w | eBay[/ame]

[ame="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221330848911"]White External 13 amp Socket Box Caravan Motorhome campervan PO119w | eBay[/ame]

whats up with posting links tonight, the forum software keeps converting to an internal link

item number 221330848911
 
Last edited:
Oct 5, 2009
348
315
anglesey
Funster No
8,762
MH
Autotrail Delaware
Exp
since 1999
Removed the fridge lower external grill and fitted an external weather proof socket from b&q into the fridge 240v supply mounted in the space behind the fridge
This cable also supplies one of the internal sockets so should have adequate supply.
Bit of a faff having to remove the grill to use but its only occasional use and its underneath the awning.
Considered cutting a small groove in the bottom of the vent so it can be replace when plugged in, but not had the bottle to do it yet might look a mess

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Techno

LIFE MEMBER
Deceased RIP
Jul 28, 2010
15,475
20,756
Leeds the one up North
Funster No
12,905
MH
Rapido 7090F 3 litre 160
Exp
May 2010
Been planning mine for weeks, got the socket off ebay for £24 and just fitted at New year meet Uttoxeter in 30 minutes
Broken Link Removed
 

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