Am planning on fitting 2 x 12v sockets on each side of the van in the C pillar. These will be used for charging phones, laptops, DVD players, cameras etc. etc. and maybe a small Waeco fridge (max draw 3amps).
Will dual core 20amp cable do the job or should I be looking for something else?
Leisure batt will be located under dual passenger seat with cables running up B pillar to roof and then down either side. Each set of 2 sockets will be fused.
Well, max wattage for most cigar type sockets is 180w, which at 12v is 15amp. I'd go over on the cable to say 20 or 25amp (1.5-2mm2) if it's a short run or 28amp (2.5mm2) for a longer run and drop a 15 amp fuse in.
You should spec the cable to the max load that COULD be plugged in rather than will be plugged in. You sure only 3amp for a fridge? sounds very low.
Being a bit new to the electrics side of stuff would single core cable do or do I need at least dual core or even triple core? Sorry if this is a bit of a silly question but I have no idea what 12v sockets require?!
The Waeco coolbox style fridge/freezer does not draw too much as I used to have one in my T4.
You'll need 2 cores to make it work, 1 live (to the + battery term via a fuse) and 1 neutral/earth (to - battery term or chassis if you have common earth) I find it easier to just buy singles in the right size, so 2 single cores 1 black/blue and 1 red/brown.
Not saying you're wrong on the fridge front, just 3 amp (36w) sounds very low consumption for a fridge, is it an electric coolbox maybe?
It is described as a "portable compressor cooler for refrigeration and deep-freezing". Spec here states:
Gross capacity: approx. 18 litres
Voltage: 12/24 volts DC
Power input: approx. 35 watts
Average running time: 10% at +20°C ambient temperature,
18% at +32°C ambient temperature,
both at +5°C interior temperature
Current consumption: Power input x average running time
Temperature range: +10°C to -18°C, continuously variable via electronic thermostat
Fair enough, that is a very efficient fridge/freezer.
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