Electric Sockets Explained
7 Pin Electrics
-
Most affordable option
-
Provides basic lights
-
Ideal for trailers & bike racks
-
Does not supply any power feeds
-
No reverse lights
-
Not as weatherproof as 13 Pin
The 7 Pin socket also known as 12N is the most basic type of electrical towing socket
available. This socket has 7 pins in total, and provides electrical connections for the
following lights: Tails, Indicators, Brake and Rear Fog.
This connection is less common
than it used to be but can still be found on trailers and bike racks. Not all lighting
boards may have a rear fog light however the 7 pin socket on the car should still be
wired to support one.
Twin Electrics
-
Provides permanent and ignition switched power feeds
-
Feed for reversing lights
-
Common on older caravans
-
Bulky design
-
Doesn't work well with folding electric socket plates
-
Not as weatherproof as 13 Pin
Twin electrics consist of two sockets; the first socket is the same as with a 7 pin and
is called 12N, the second socket (often grey or white in colour) is called 12S and provides
a reversing light feed in addition to a permanent power feed and an ignition switched power
feed. These power feeds are most commonly required by caravans to charge the battery and
power the fridge during travel.
The twin socket is an older way to get the power
feeds to the caravan and we now recommend that you go for a 13 Pin socket where possible
- even if an adaptor is required.
13 Pin Electrics
-
Provides permanent and ignition switched power feeds
-
Feed for all lights
-
Strong secure physical connection
-
Weatherproof design
-
Adaptor will be needed for twin or 7 pin plugs
13 Pin socket has all the functions provided by the traditional twin sockets with the advantage of a much more secure and weatherproof connection. Unlike 12S and 12N sockets the 13 Pin connection twists and locks into place resulting in a secure mechanical connection which also creates a tight weatherproof seal.
Dedicated vs Universal
Dedicated Electrics
Dedicated electrics (also referred to as vehicle specific electrics) are aftermarket electric
towing kits designed with each individual vehicle in mind. Dedicated kits provide a factory like
fitment and where the vehicle has towing prep the kit interfaces with these.
Dedicated kits are
recommended for newer vehicles and are the best option to avoid any future warranty issues.
-
Designed specifically for your vehicle
-
Factory like fitment
-
Uses vehicles towing connections where possible
-
Can activate additional functions in the vehicle related to towing
-
More expensive option
Universal Electrics
Universal electrics use a bypass relay which is connected to the vehicles lighting wiring directly.
This bypass relay 'senses' the signal being sent to the vehicles lights and interprets these signals
to switch internal relays which then send power to the towing socket.
The bypass relay is cruical
in modern vehicles as it draws only a miniscule current from the vehicles lighting circuits.
When professionally installed universal wiring is a good choice for older vehicles.
-
More affordable option
-
Supports both LED and Filament trailer lights
-
Compatible with most vehicles
-
Could invalidate warranty
-
Doesn't connect to car so additional features can't be enabled