Changing Sockets in 2008 Cali SE

[CaliAndyScotland]

Hi all,

I have a 2008 California SE. On the end of the kitchen units behind the passenger seat there are 2 power outlets. One outlet is a 2 pin European type and the other is a form of cigarette type connection (which I have an adapter for to connect USB type chargers etc).

How straight forward is it to change these 2 outlets to standard UK 3 pin type? If it is relatively straight forward, where would I get suitable sockets?

Thanks

Andrew

 

[johnyboy]

As I understand it the two pin is integral to the inverter (could be wrong)
Majority of people use an adapter

 

[Beeechke1]

We have a 2010 SE with a similar two socket set up, We have a UK 3 pin socket that is fed directly from the EHU and so only works when we are plugged into the mains. and the same 12v round socket that runs of the leisure batteries only, so always live. There is also a 240v inverter socket on the base of the B frame pillar that also runs off the leisure batteries.
If you have a similar set up you may be able to change the European mains socket to a UK 3 pin but not the 12v round socket.
Hope this helps

 

[yanathem]

I think what you are describing is the same set up as my van was, with the two pin euro 230V socket and a hella or DIN type 12v socket. Both of these can easily be changed to the same UK 230V 3 pin socket and 12v accessory socket that's found on the later vans. I am pretty sure the brand VW used was CBE. A USB socket is now available so maybe that's of more use to you rather than the 12v socket. I have attached an image of the Hella plug. If the one on your van is the same as the picture it's called a Hella socket or a DIN socket. The plastic frame around the sockets can be reused with the new sockets.

 

[CaliAndyScotland]

Thanks for the input.

I have ordered the CBE USB outlet and Socket. Will attempt to change these over

Is there a simple way to isolate the leisure batteries from the outlet circuits or am I best just disconnecting the batteries? If I do disconnect the batteries, is there anything I should look out for when reconnecting (control panel issues etc?)?

 

[yanathem]

if you want to isolate the power from the leisure batteries to the kitchen unit 12v socket just remove the fuse that’s underneath the front passenger seat. Tbh I would just pull the two spade connectors from the old 12v socket to the new one. Worst that will happen if you touch the two cables together you pop the fuse. I hopefully shouldn’t have to mention but obviously don’t have your 230v mains hooked up to any power.
Another thing from memory that you might have to do is remove the sink or at least pull it out of the way a touch to get rear access behind those two power outlets. Remove the trim cover first and unscrew the socket face plates first and see if they both come out. If they do then there is no need to remove the sink.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

CBE C Line sockets come in three parts, back box, face plate and surround and the front face is square.

Berker sockets are round but very similar, if your original fit sockets are round then the like for like UK replacement is a Berker, I have changed some previously and the C line (better made) needs a slightly bigger hole

 

[CaliAndyScotland]

Once again, thanks for the input.

I ordered up some sockets and took a look at this at the weekend. How simple is it to remove the cooker / sink top? Plumbing side for the water / drainage looks straight forward enough but the gas all looks to be hard piped? Does anyone have any experience on doing this?

The circle cut outs in the unit carcass give access to nuts which look to hold the sink / cooker unit in place.

Would it be easier to take a multi-tool to the underside of the carcass, trim it a couple of locations back to create additional room for access to the rear of the sockets?

 

[WelshGas]

Once again, thanks for the input.

I ordered up some sockets and took a look at this at the weekend. How simple is it to remove the cooker / sink top? Plumbing side for the water / drainage looks straight forward enough but the gas all looks to be hard piped? Does anyone have any experience on doing this?

The circle cut outs in the unit carcass give access to nuts which look to hold the sink / cooker unit in place.

Would it be easier to take a multi-tool to the underside of the carcass, trim it a couple of locations back to create additional room for access to the rear of the sockets? View attachment 132468View attachment 132469

You would just have to disconnect the gas at No 16 on the diagram below.
But your idea has merit and would avoid dismantling the sink/cooker and any damage.

 

[CaliAndyScotland]

Thanks for the image. As I thought, would need to take a part a section of the gas pipework. Think i will tackle it with the multitool and see how I get on