This article will provide some tips for trailer wiring, showing you the various plugs and sockets used in Australia. There quite a few types out there, and some types are more predominantly used depending on the state you live in. Although there are some people who have the aptitude to
test trailer, camper and caravan lights, diagnose faults, and even fix them - this article does not intend to be a replacement for an auto electrician (which is a trade), and instead should only be used as a guide.
Trailer wiring can be difficult to get your head around. As mentioned above, there are a number of connectors; from 5 pin round, 6 pin round, 7 pin round small, 7 pin round large, 7 pin heavy duty, 7 pin flat, and even a 12 pin flat - phew!! and not to mention all the adapters available, it can all be quite confusing.
Well, we are not going to go too in depth with all these types - only the more commonly used ones.
The following diagrams and bullet points provide the Australian Standard for 5 and 7 pin plugs and sockets for trailers and caravans. Knowing these colour codes can save you the time consuming exercise of testing lights by means of trial and error. Also, an important thing to remember - it is the WHITE wire that is the earth in trailer wiring not the green or black wires. This applies to all types of trailer plugs used in Australia.
More information can be found on the Australian Government's - Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
website.