can the 3 pin sockets in my motorhome be adapted to use the leisure battery 12v ??, as well as 240v

[cargom]

can the 3 pin sockets in my motorhome be adapted to use the leisure battery 12v ??, as well as 240v

 

[tonyidle]

If you mean can they be adapted to supply both 12V and mains then the answer is no. If you mean can they be used off hook-up to supply mains then yes - you can supply them via an inverter.

 

[pappajohn]

If you mean to use the same socket for 230v mains OR a 12v socket then yes but not advisable.
You would need an automatic change-over device at the external hookup socket... Plug into hookup and the device disables 12v...unplug and it disables 230v.
BUT... you would need to unplug anything using 230v...fridge, hob (if it has a 230v plate) water/space heater (if it has a 230v option) battery charger etc.
Then you may absent mindedly plug in a 12v appliance, or leave one plugged in, while on hookup. You'd only do that once.
It's possible but definately not advised.

 

[Lenny HB]

You can do it if you fit an inverter but depending on what you want to plug in it's likely that one battery will provide enough power, you will probably need to fit additional batteries.

 

[Jim]

No. But you can power them to 240 using your 12v battery and an Inverter.

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[Jamesh]

Use ciggie sockets to power 12v items.

You can get built in sockets or extension leads.

Cheers James

 

[two]

You could, but it's simpler to have separate sockets.
Assuming that you are using an inverter, wire separate sockets from that (or get a long extension).
Linking-in to the EHU-supplied sockets is complex because you need to sense whether EHU is connected or not and then avoid feeding the fridge or charger with power from the hab batteries.
If you use different sockets they don't have to match those of the original installation. That makes them cheaper and easier to know which type is which.
If none of that makes sense to you, I suggest you get a 'sparky' to do it.

 

[bigalw35]

The VERY clear answer is NO, 240 for 240 & 12 for 12, ,NO CONFUSION, more trouble than its worth to try

 

[cargom]

ok thanks for all the advice, what about an inverter that is then plugged into EHU outside the van, also can any one suggest a good sparky for vans in the essex area ??

 

[denisejoe]

ok thanks for all the advice, what about an inverter that is then plugged into EHU outside the van, also can any one suggest a good sparky for vans in the essex area ??

Then everything will be powered by the inverter fridge battery charger would soon kill the batteries

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[Spriddler]

ok thanks for all the advice, what about an inverter that is then plugged into EHU outside the van,

If you have EHU you already have the 240v.
An inverter is a device that produces an output of 240v a.c. from an input of 12v d.c. (the leisure battery).

 

[MisterB]

I think you need to explain what it is your trying to achieve and power off the sockets, that way the great advice you've already been given could be tweaked if necessary to give you an answer as to how to do what it is you want to do. Where in Essex are you ?

 

[tonyidle]

There are a number of questions to answer before you consider an inverter:

What do you intend to use it for? (most important)
What output do you require?
What is the total Ah of your battery(s).
How many mains sockets do you wish to power from the inverter?.

 

[two]

ok thanks for all the advice, what about an inverter that is then plugged into EHU outside the van, also can any one suggest a good sparky for vans in the essex area ??

No. Don't do that!
For the reasons I tried to explain above.
It would appear to work but kill the batteries.

Batteries have a very limited capacity. In general, don't waste it trying to generate mains.
Your useable capacity could be only 0.5kWh (ten pence worth of mains power).

 

[xsparks]

If this is a question you need to ask ,then leave it alone. This is an accident waiting to happen.

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[cargom]

I think you need to explain what it is your trying to achieve and power off the sockets, that way the great advice you've already been given could be tweaked if necessary to give you an answer as to how to do what it is you want to do. Where in Essex are you ?

obviously i am new to this , i am trying to be self sufficient ie: not have to rely on EHU, i dont want to be in the position, if i cant hook up that i will not have enough power, i only have the 1 x leisure battery

 

[cargom]

obviously i am new to this , i am trying to be self sufficient ie: not have to rely on EHU, i dont want to be in the position, if i cant hook up that i will not have enough power, i only have the 1 x leisure battery

i am near southend

 

[rb62]

i am near southend

If you don't have hook up using an inverter will significantly reduce the length of time your battery will last so will make the situation even worse! Two new matched batteries and solar is the way to go

 

[two]

Don't know about sparky's (or much about Southend).
(Welcome to FUN, by the way)

To become a 'free spirit' you will need to become frugal, especially with electricity.
Minimise the use of devices that use it and you can survive for several days (well, two or three).
During that time you may need to empty the loo, fill up with water or simply buy more provisions. So don't expect to be away from civilisation for long.
My advice would be to forget the notion about using mains devices unless you get a generator (and are happy with few friends).

If anything's not clear, keep asking (clear) questions.

 

[Otter Spotter]

can the 3 pin sockets in my motorhome be adapted to use the leisure battery 12v ??, as well as 240v

Why? What would you plug into the 3 pin sockets that only works on 12v ?
I have a combination of USB sockets for anything 12vs via leisure battery and 3 pin for 230v stuff which can be powered either by EHU or when not on Hook up then inverter.

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[Spriddler]

obviously i am new to this , i am trying to be self sufficient ie: not have to rely on EHU, ..........., i only have the 1 x leisure battery

It all depends upon your usage.
If it's any help I have been touring for more than 30 years with just one 100Ah leisure battery (in fact it's currently an ordinary 'starter' battery not a specific 'Leisure' battery). I don't have a B2B system, an inverter or solar panels or need to use use any 240v equipment, nor a 12v T.V. or hair dryer. (Sadly I've no blonde long-haired lady with me).
The battery will run my gas fridge igniter, the lights, loo flush, water pump (taps, shower) and charge my mobile phone off grid for 4 or 5 days (maybe longer but I've never run it flat). The battery recharges when driving and I'm always on the move at least every 3 or 4 days, if not every day.

 

[cargom]

Why? What would you plug into the 3 pin sockets that only works on 12v ?
I have a combination of USB sockets for anything 12vs via leisure battery and 3 pin for 230v stuff which can be powered either by EHU or when not on Hook up then inverter.

its just that there are 3 pin plugs in convenient positions, as appososed to the 12v

 

[Richard n Ann]

Forget about an inverter for now. You'll know in future if you need one.

We use ours for things that definitely need mains that we want to use.

Electric tooth brush charger.
Rechargeable vacuum.
Hair clippers.
LG smart tv.

 

[Landy Andy]

Your better off running 12v to convenient places. Any other use of power, is just wasting power, which you then need to replace.

 

[two]

I think I may have been rather casual, when referring you to a sparky.
Do not look for any old sparky - try to find an auto electrician (but I'm not even sure if that's the correct term).
I'd search for motorhome dealers or boatyards who are familiar with these things.
Don't expect it to be cheap, but it's likely to be safer in the long-run.

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[mitzimad]

if you want to be of grid you really need solar panels to produce electric and batteries big enough to store the electric if your travelling every day a battery to battery charger will also help
there are very few things that cant be charged from a 12v battery

 

[two]

its just that there are 3 pin plugs in convenient positions, as appososed to the 12v

You will need to compromise and improvise.
Don't expect to continue as if at home.
There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they used to say...

It's not too difficult to get by without all the 'mod cons'.
Just go one step at a time and be careful of your budget.

 

[Bessy765]

First consumption of an inverter. You will need roughly 28 amps @ 12 volt d.c. to produce 1 amp @ 240 volt a.c. If you have standard 100 amp lead acid batteries in good condition fully charged you will get at the very most 50 usable amps from each one even at 50% depth of discharge you will shorten the life of your batteries. It is not a good idea without extensive knowledge to try to connect your inverter into your vans existing 240 circuits. One you do not want the battery charger on when using the inverter or the 240 supply to the fridge. There are ways of doing it with a three way switch but again you should consult a qualified electrician. There are many adaptors that can charge items from your twelve volt circuit. Laptops, phones, toothbrushes etc. This avoids the inefficiency of an inverter, many of which are at best 80% efficient and you need to get a pure sine wave one for many items.
use the gas for the fridge, cooking and heating unless on hook up. Then stop and think do I really need this or that that need 240 if not on hook up. It was not so many years ago that water pumps were foot operated, (lot less water needed then) gas lighting but we survived.

 

[Spriddler]

You will need to compromise and improvise.
Don't expect to continue as if at home.

Exactly. My motorhome is a step up from a motorbike and tent, not a step down from being at home.

 

[cargom]

ok thanks for all the info, it seems the general consensious is, use what i have and find out what i need by being out there