What is micro switch for 13 pin socket?

The micro-switch is an enclosed, water-tight mechanical switch with normally closed, normally open or change-over function. The micro-switch is located in the 7-pin or 13-pin trailer socket and is activated mechanically by plugging the trailer plug into the trailer plug socket.

Should I get 7 or 13 pin electrics?

The difference between a 7-pin and 13-pin plug is that a 13-pin plug has more functions. A 7-pin plug only supplies in basic lighting, such as blinkers and brake lights. Perfect for bike carriers. The additional pins in the 13-pin plug are used for the reversing lights and the rear mist light, among other things.

Does a 7 pin plug fit a 13 pin socket?

If your car has a 13 pin electrics plug but your caravan or trailer has a 7 pin electrics plug, then you will need a 13 pin to 7 pin adapter. This would be suitable for towing a bike rack or standard trailer or you would need a 13 pin to twin socket adapter to tow an older caravan with twin electrics.

Why do caravans have 13 pin plugs?

The 13-pin connector was developed as car electrical systems became more complex and a greater number of lights needed to be powered on the towed caravan or trailer. Since 2008, the numbers of caravans using the 13-pin system have increased greatly, and now most caravan owners will use this connector.

What is the difference between 12N and 12S?

What are 12N and 12S? 12N electrics provide the ‘normal’ legal lighting requirements, via a single 7 pin electrics plug. These include the brake, indicator and fog lights. 12S electrics provide the ‘supplementary’, or advanced, electricals through an additional 7 pin twin electrics plug.

How does a 13 pin caravan plug work?

A 13 pin plug is used when towing objects, such as your caravan or an advanced trailer, boat trailer or horsebox. This plugged gives you all the light functions including reverse, it can also supply the permanent and fridge feeds. This plugs into the 13 pin socket mounted on the tow bar.

What is the ISO standard for a 13 pin socket?

The 13 pin plug on the trailer has a link between Pin 12 and Pin 3 (road light earth) so when you plug-in the trailer or caravan, it ‘shorts’ pin 12 on the towing vehicles socket to earth and the vehicle’s ECU detects this and activates any Trailer Stability Program on the vehicle. The full ISO standard is ISO 1446 for 13 pin connections.

When did 13 pin Euro plugs become standard?

The 13 pin Plugs and sockets have become more popular over recent years as Caravans have come with 13 pin euro plugs fitted as standard since 2008 and in 2012 the introduction of type approval for trailers has brought the need for reverse lights on braked trailers meaning that a 7 pin plug is no longer suitable for these trailers.

What to do if you have a fault on your 13 pin socket?

If you have a fault on your 13 pin socket, by now hopefully you will know exactly which circuit it is on. If it is the road lights, then the next step is to check the fuses within the vehicle. If a fault is found with the leisure battery charging or fridge circuits, then more investigation is required.

What to do if you dont get voltage reading on pin 10?

If you first test Pin 10 and don’t get a voltage reading, wait a few minutes with the engine idling and re-test. OK… turn the engine off and get some fresh air!