Simple 240v socket realignment for Sunlight Cliff (1 Viewer)

[WoldsSunlight]

I have attached some photos of a small, but significant modification I've made to my 2 x 240v sockets above the 'cutlery' drawer. It bugged me that with a kettle etc. plugged in, it wasn't possible to open the drawer underneath the sockets, with either, or both sockets in use, as the kettle lead etc. was in the way. So I took the sockets out (checking no 240v power attached to the van first!) and re-oriented them as per the photos. One photo shows LH socket done, with RH socket still in original position, the other 2 shows the job done on both, so that any leads from kettles etc. are horizontal and not vertical when plugged in, and you are able to open the drawer underneath without unplugging.

It's quite easy and doesn't involve removing wires or anything, just 10 screws (4 for each socket, plus 2 cable clips behind the panel.) As the sockets are square, it's possible to fit them in any one of 4 different orientations. The spring loaded cover for each socket simply pops off, revealing 4 fixing screws on each socket. It took me less than 30 mins to do it, including a bit of 'feeling' for the cable clips behind the panel, removing the drawer (very easy) and checking with a small torch and mirror to check that nothing else was in the way or got disturbed. I replaced the spring loaded covers in their original orientation, to prevent any accidental catching of them in any other position.

 

[Chrisvh]

Thanks for posting that. I have just rotted two sockets which were a nightmare to use. Your photos were very useful.

 

[Chrisvh]

Rotted = rotated. Not a composting thread.

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[brocola]

Thanks for posting this. Almost a year after I saw your post, today I’ve finally got round to rotating the plugs in my Cliff 601.

Took less than 10 mins, cables had just enough slack that I didn’t need to release any of the cable clips.

 

[koko]

I have attached some photos of a small, but significant modification I've made to my 2 x 240v sockets above the 'cutlery' drawer. It bugged me that with a kettle etc. plugged in, it wasn't possible to open the drawer underneath the sockets, with either, or both sockets in use, as the kettle lead etc. was in the way. So I took the sockets out (checking no 240v power attached to the van first!) and re-oriented them as per the photos. One photo shows LH socket done, with RH socket still in original position, the other 2 shows the job done on both, so that any leads from kettles etc. are horizontal and not vertical when plugged in, and you are able to open the drawer underneath without unplugging.
View attachment 502032View attachment 502033View attachment 502034It's quite easy and doesn't involve removing wires or anything, just 10 screws (4 for each socket, plus 2 cable clips behind the panel.) As the sockets are square, it's possible to fit them in any one of 4 different orientations. The spring loaded cover for each socket simply pops off, revealing 4 fixing screws on each socket. It took me less than 30 mins to do it, including a bit of 'feeling' for the cable clips behind the panel, removing the drawer (very easy) and checking with a small torch and mirror to check that nothing else was in the way or got disturbed. I replaced the spring loaded covers in their original orientation, to prevent any accidental catching of them in any other position.

I will try that, my Chausson Titanium is just the same. It is really annoying.
Thanks WoldsSunlight

 

[Peppadog]

You mentioned this idea to me recently. I will first have to swop the continental sockets that are currently fitted, but I have bought those before and they are interchangeable.
Many thanks

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[Lenny HB]

You mentioned this idea to me recently. I will first have to swop the continental sockets that are currently fitted, but I have bought those before and they are interchangeable.
Many thanks

Keep the continental sockets and change the plugs on your appliances. Easier, quicker & cheaper & better in use.

The Carthago I have on order I asked for german sockets, I find them much easy to use in the van you can put the plug in either way up. Hardly use mains in the van but what we do use has continental plugs on the appliances. Always self-imported so always had continental sockets.

 

[Peppadog]

Yeah but..... Our European cousins have always used double pole switching on appliances, so it doesn't matter which way in the plug goes as both the live and neutral are switched. Our rules only used to require the live switched.

Now. I'm not an electrician, and have no idea if there is any real difference, or if products coming here are the same just with a different plug. In fact that is most likely. But certainly buying your kettle or air fryer in mainland Europe guarantees yours are safe.

 

[Lenny HB]

Yeah but..... Our European cousins have always used double pole switching on appliances, so it doesn't matter which way in the plug goes as both the live and neutral are switched. Our rules only used to require the live switched.

Now. I'm not an electrician, and have no idea if there is any real difference, or if products coming here are the same just with a different plug. In fact that is most likely. But certainly buying your kettle or air fryer in mainland Europe guarantees yours are safe.

Doesn't matter if the sockets are unswitched.

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[Peppadog]

The double pole switching is, or was in the appliance, not the socket. Hence no need to get the the plug in only one way, like a UK socket.

 

[Peppadog]

I might be light years out of date though.

Old gits rule etc