Inverter socket

[VW Badger]

is it possible to buy an adapter for the inverter socket to use a UK plug in it? It is a different shape from the regular euro adapters (possibly related to limiting the power output)?

Thanks

 

[BillyCasper]

Skross world travel multi adapter or similar.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sad]

There are, I remember spending hours looking, but didn't find anything suitable because of the cover over the socket making it more awkward...

 

[Properjob]

There's a pretty useful thread here https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=18462&share_fid=34937&share_type=t
I put a couple of suggestions on there that we've used.. Both great and neither ends up with a big plastic lump hanging out of the wall and risking falling out or straining the socket.

Sent from my F3111 using Tapatalk

 

[Velma's Dad]

The 'lozenge' shaped socket for the inverter is sometimes described as the 'Swiss' format. It is non-earthed, unlike the circular 2-pin+earth strip 'Schuko' format socket used widely on the continent.

I assume VW used that format for safety reasons: ie you can put a 'Swiss' plug into a 'Schuko' socket but not vice versa. So you can't mistakenly assume that your appliance is earthed, when the inverter outlet actually isn't.

Re-wireable (rather than moulded-on) versions of the 'lozenge/Swiss' plugs can be bought from online electrical wholesalers or Fleabay. I made up a short extension cable with a 'Swiss' plug for the inverter at one end, and at the other end a trailing socket with two UK 3-pin sockets.

 

[Exige]

Hi, I have just ordered this of eBay...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universa...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Will let you know how I get on!

 

[altvic]

I have one. Works well and robustly made. I use it to power a french mosquito killer when on EHU.

 

[AlanC]

There has been an issue for some owners of that socket disappearing behind the trim if a plug is pushed in too firmly. It happened to me, luckily I was able to retrieve it without taking the van trim apart. I am reluctant to use it as a result.

Another issue is that if you leave something plugged into that socket, such as an adapter, even though it may not be in use, the inverter is still powered up and drawing a current from the leisure batteries.

There is a little LED on the socket on ours, which is very difficult to see (you have to get on your knees) and lights when something is plugged in.

Nice idea, but not the best bit of design.

Alan

 

[Hotel California]

In 6y i can honest say i don't use the inverter plug a lot , even better to say used it only few times

 

[WelshGas]

I have one. Works well and robustly made. I use it to power a french mosquito killer when on EHU.

You don’t need an adapter if you use this Mosquito Killer. Fits directly.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000WZO0EA/?tag=unique09f-21

 

[Nick Stubbs]

Anyone know how to get the socket out of the "B" post trim without removing the trim ? finding that the terminal contacts are very loose so anything plugged in is powered intermittently, just going to have a look to see if the contacts could be pinched up a bit. Thanks.

 

[calikev]

It is stuck on with glue you could try pulling it mine fell off on its own

 

[DavidT]

The 'lozenge' shaped socket for the inverter is sometimes described as the 'Swiss' format. It is non-earthed, unlike the circular 2-pin+earth strip 'Schuko' format socket used widely on the continent.

I assume VW used that format for safety reasons: ie you can put a 'Swiss' plug into a 'Schuko' socket but not vice versa. So you can't mistakenly assume that your appliance is earthed, when the inverter outlet actually isn't.

Re-wireable (rather than moulded-on) versions of the 'lozenge/Swiss' plugs can be bought from online electrical wholesalers or Fleabay. I made up a short extension cable with a 'Swiss' plug for the inverter at one end, and at the other end a trailing socket with two UK 3-pin sockets.

This sounds like a neat solution and then gives the flexibility to be able to plug in camera chargers, laptops etc. What about the polarity of the inverter socket though? With the 2 pin Swiss plug there is no live / neutral distinction. I imagine this does not matter for lighting, but would it be a problem to reverse the polarity for a laptop charger, for example?

 

[Velma's Dad]

This sounds like a neat solution and then gives the flexibility to be able to plug in camera chargers, laptops etc. What about the polarity of the inverter socket though? With the 2 pin Swiss plug there is no live / neutral distinction. I imagine this does not matter for lighting, but would it be a problem to reverse the polarity for a laptop charger, for example?

I'm not an expert on that but I'd be quite surprised if it created any problem with modern double-insulated appliances. Quite a few international AC plug/socket standards have no 'forced' polarity - ie you can put in the plug either way up.

But maybe someone with more knowledge can say if reversing polarity could in fact upset a phone or laptop charger...

 

[Nick Stubbs]

I'm not an expert on that but I'd be quite surprised if it created any problem with modern double-insulated appliances. Quite a few international AC plug/socket standards have no 'forced' polarity - ie you can put in the plug either way up.

But maybe someone with more knowledge can say if reversing polarity could in fact upset a phone or laptop charger...

Its AC, (be it crude) so no issue with reverse polarity..

 

[marchugo]

Another issue is that if you leave something plugged into that socket, such as an adapter, even though it may not be in use, the inverter is still powered up and drawing a current from the leisure batteries.

Our inverter socket dropped deep down behind the trim.
Our dealer angled it up and fixed it with two tiewraps. It is holding for years now.

Reason why it falls is that you push the connector with too much force. The socket is only glued.

Regards from Amsterdam,

Marc.

 

[marchugo]

The right quote in my last post should be this:

There has been an issue for some owners of that socket disappearing behind the trim if a plug is pushed in too firmly. It happened to me, luckily I was able to retrieve it without taking the van trim apart. I am reluctant to use it as a result.

Our inverter socket dropped deep down behind the trim.
Our dealer angled it up and fixed it with two tiewraps. It is holding for years now.

Reason why it falls is that you push the connector with too much force. The socket is only glued.

Regards from Amsterdam,

Marc.

 

[DJDaniel]

I have found an adaptor for this European Type C socket on Ebay.
UK to EU Euro European Plug Adapter, Travel Converter Adaptor Type C - £6.
Seems to work Ok for charging my laptop.

Xoltz UK to EU European Euro Plug Adapter Travel Socket Converter Adaptor Type C | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Xoltz UK to EU European Euro Plug Adapter Travel Socket Converter Adaptor Type C at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[kurienp]

I have found an adaptor for this European Type C socket on Ebay.
UK to EU Euro European Plug Adapter, Travel Converter Adaptor Type C - £6.
Seems to work Ok for charging my laptop.

Xoltz UK to EU European Euro Plug Adapter Travel Socket Converter Adaptor Type C | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Xoltz UK to EU European Euro Plug Adapter Travel Socket Converter Adaptor Type C at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Nice find @DJDaniel . However, remember, don't leave that plugged in into the socket though. There is a small switch in the socket that then powers on the attached inverter. If you leave that plugged in, the inverter will stay on, and there will be a drain on your leisure batteries.

Take care.

 

[DJDaniel]

Thanks for pointing that out @kurienp it would be easy to leave it in.
It does not make that clear in the VW manual, it only says there is a 'child protection switch' inside it.

 

[Drpps]

I have found this obviously fits nicely. It is the euro plug from my laptop charger supplied in addition to the uk lead. I have realised I have a few others floating around so will do as mentioned and wire it into a twin trailing uk socket. I can only see me charging my laptop, which can’t use usb, from it but to have a (low watt) mains socket without EHU would be helpful. There will also be less force on the inverter socket itself as most of the weight will be on the floor.

 

[Mullaghroe]

I have found an adaptor for this European Type C socket on Ebay.
UK to EU Euro European Plug Adapter, Travel Converter Adaptor Type C - £6.
Seems to work Ok for charging my laptop.

Xoltz UK to EU European Euro Plug Adapter Travel Socket Converter Adaptor Type C | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Xoltz UK to EU European Euro Plug Adapter Travel Socket Converter Adaptor Type C at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I've just bought one of these and find that its a much more secure fit than the multi plug adaptor used previously.