3 pin socket confusion

[Craig50505]

Hi All
This is such a great site and all the information from the forum is really helpful.
I have just bought my first camper VW t4 high top.
One question the van has a twin 3 pin socket as you would find in a home.
When I put the switch on the Power management board to “van” all internal lights work.
But there is no power coming in to the socket.
Is it likely the socket only works when the van is hooked up to the mains 240v??
Or should they work of the leisure battery depending on wireing?

Any advice would be appreciated
Cheers Craig

 

[Canalsman]

Welcome Craig

The 13 amp sockets are almost certainly only 'live' when your van is connected to a 240v mains hook up.

The only time they might otherwise provide power is if the vehicle is fitted with an inverter which produces 240v output from 12v batteries.

Have fun!

Regards

Chris

 

[Craig50505]

Thanks a lot Chris
That’s what I thought, but its reassuring to hear it from some one who knows.
Cheers Craig

 

[caspar]

Yep, they're there for when you're linked up to a hook up (or generator if you're wild camping - we have a small one just to power lighting, TV and recharge phones etc.... it's a silent one and is brilliant!)

Beware the invertor use as although they work they drain your leisure battery (or car battery if you don't have a leisure battery) very quickly if you run much off them.

Keep asking - remember we all started somewhere so no question is silly, we've all been there at some time!

Welcome to the forum.