aide-de-camp - mains power supply for caravans

4-32 — elektor april 1980 aide-de-camp It is probably true to say that every touring caravan uses a 12 volt power supply for something, even if only for lighting. This is often taken from the towing vehicle"s battery via the van"s Most caravanners are aware that they can connect a mains power supply to their van and many assume that equip- ping it with 240 volt light fittings, power points etc. is a difficult and costly business. This is of course true and, fortunately, unnecessary. For a very reasonable cost, about £5, it is possible to build a mains to 12 volt converter with a current capability of 2 Amps, sufficient to cater for all the lighting needs of most touring caravans. Shower power For normal lighting purposes a 2 Amp power supply will be adequate. However, more and more electrical appliances are becoming available for use in caravans. High on the popularity list is the electric water pump and this may require a power supply capable of delivering up to 5 Amps (especi...