Outside Mains Socket

Hi All. Am thinking of putting a 230volt socket on outside on nearside of 'van. Can't find anywhere on the inside where I can take a spur
except on off side. Anyone done this? If so where did you take the supply from?

Can you not fit it under neath the van and run your cable underneath from the other side

Ours is on the outside of the garage wall and fortunately taking the wire straight through the wall has easy access to the garages consumer unit.

Fitted this years ago in our "tugging days" sometimes it has been on the right side for the vans socket other times it wasn't when I just used a longer lead.

Think you've missed the point, Roli        It's to go ON the van 

Thanks Roli but I already have a socket on the wall, I need a socket on the van near the barbecue point.

FreelanderUK wrote:Can you not fit it under neath the van and run your cable underneath from the other side

agree with Chris, its very easy to 'get it wrong' if cutting a hole in the side of your van, and then making it waterproof.
a waterproof socket screwed to the underside where you need it, with a lemgth of cable from the easiest point to take power from.
no need to make it complicated unless you want to..

If it was underneath, then it would have to be extremely waterproof to withstand spray from driving on say a wet motorway. It doesn't sound like a great idea to me TBH. What's wrong with an extension lead out of the window when needed? Cost, almost nothing

..if worried about 'waterproofing' a waterproof socket (i have an outside pair of sockets which come inside a plastic box complete with flap and waterproof seal) .box it in with a flap?.....

this one even has an RCD and test..
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We have a similar waterproof box about 40ft from where the van is parked and on the 'wrong' side of the van. It's a simple job to plug in a long (artic) cable to the van, run it around the back and along to the box.

You can buy fully waterproof sockets and waterproof plugs that screw to the socket, in the right place underneath the van it would be drier than positioned on the side of the van,

Screwfix do a range of waterproof 240v sockets

I can't see how it would be drier underneath than on the side! Travelling on a motorway in pouring rain the underside is going to be swamped!!!
Anyway. I'm not worried about the socket as you can buy special caravan outside sockets that are made for the job. I am more imterested in connecting to the motorhome 230volt supply.

Raydrake: I remain curious as to why you need to fit an exterior 240v outlet to your van. Yes, they are convenient if, for example, you occasionally cook outside using an electrical grill or similar. But as v8oholic says, it's no great inconvenience to run an extension cable from an inside socket via an opening window on those occasions.

I can see one situation where an outside socket would be better, and that's where security is involved. Thus if you have an awning and wish to run something in it when you also want the windows closed overnight.  

We have an external socket (standard on the van), and I don't think I've used it more than twice (which was to give it a try). The gas one, on the other hand, is often used.

I am really curious as to the need for the external socket. But I respect that it is your wish. That being the case, and not being familiar with the inside services of a Warwick, I can't offer any informed advice, but for convenience and for waterproofing I'd be inclined to avoid an underslung external mains socket.

Cymro

Cymro. Thanks for your interest, I'll try to explain. 
In the last 30 years I have had 7 caravans and 2 motorhomes, all except my latest, had an outside mains socket. I have used them for various reasons including Portable Radio, Table Lamp, Bug Dispeller and more importantly Chiller to keep my beer in!
All this weather permitting of course and under the awning. I hate trailing leads, they stop you shutting doors or windows, depending where they go through, not to mention the trip hazard! I suppose I could get by without one it's just something I've always had.

Cable from your supply down threw the van floor across the chassis and back up to the inside near where you intend to mount the socket on the van wall outside

I'm not familiar with your van layout - I don't suppose the fridge is on the same side as you want the external socket is it?

By the way, I do get where you're coming from - I also use appliances outside under the awning but luckily there is a 240V socket just inside and at right angles to the window so easily accessed for an extension lead and because we have top hinged windows it can be left in situ with the window on first latch position.  I have thought about fitting an external socket but since I need a multi-point lead anyway it would just be something to plug that into so I decided not worth it. In your case though with no handy internal socket that side I'd certainly be looking to do the same as you.

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First you need to find a spare hole going through  the floor there are plastic blanks with 2  screws holding the blanks then you may have to run a cable to the side you require the socket then I use a blue socket .the picture above was a spare that had a blank I used for the water pipe to my extra tank [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]