Connecting lighting to your trailer correctly? Especially the pin configuration and different types of connections such as the 7-pin and 13-pin plugs are important in this regard. We will show you exactly how this works with the help of the trailer plug diagram.
In this blog, you will find:
- A clear explanation based on the different wiring diagrams
- Step-by-step explanation for safely and efficiently installing trailer lighting
Connecting trailer lighting – with a 7-pin plug
In the image below, you will see the 7-pin plug wiring diagram. This image describes all seven different functions.
Wiring diagram lighting trailer plug/socket 7-pin universal 12 volt.
- Connection/Pole 1 (color: yellow): Left turn signal;
- Connection/Pole 2 (color: blue/brown): Rear fog light;
- Connection/Pole 3 (colour: white): Mass (for contacts 1 to 7);
- Connection/Pole 4 (color: green): Direction blinker right;
- Connection/Pole 5: (color brown): Rear light/wide light and license plate on the right;
- Connection/Pole 6: (color red): Brake lights;
- Connection/Pole 7: (color black): Taillight/Broadlight on left.
As the name partly gives away, the 7-pole plug consists of seven different connections. In the illustration below, these connections are indicated by different colors. Using these colors, in combination with the information below, you can easily connect your trailer's lights.
The difference between a 7-pole and 13-pole plug
In the market of trailer lighting we know three types of wiring diagrams, namely the diagram for the 7-pole plug, the 13-pole Jaeger plug and the 13-pole Multicon plug. Before we go any further it is important to explain the difference between the 7-pole and the 13-pole plug.
The difference between the two plugs is that the 13-pole plug has more connections (and therefore more functions). A 7-pole plug will only supply the vehicle with basic lighting such as indicators and brake lights. The 13-pole plug, on the other hand, supplies the vehicle with power for several functions.
Connecting 7-pin plug
The 7-pole plug variant is suitable for less complex tow objects, such as a bicycle carrier, trailer, boat trailer or horse trailer. Using the 7-pole plug, it is possible to connect the basic lighting to your towing object. You can think of the basic lighting within the category LED rear lights (fog lights, turn signals and brake lights). Despite the fact that the socket with 13 poles is more extensive, the 7-pole plug still fully meets the set standards.
Connecting 13-pole plug
Deze variant stekker kan gezien worden als de grote broer van de 7-polige stekker. Zo is de stekker met 13 polen bedoeld voor de complexere trekobjecten. Hierbij kunt u denken aan bijvoorbeeld een caravan, geavanceerde aanhanger, grote boottrailer of grote paardentrailer. Net zoals de 7-polige stekker variant wordt ook deze stekker aangesloten op uw auto. U kunt de stekker aansluiten op de aanhanger door de stekker in de koppeling onder de trekhaak te steken.
De extra polen op een 13 polige stekker worden onder meer gebruikt voor achteruitrijverlichting, als extra constante stroom en als schakelstroom met massa. Deze extra constante stroom kan bijvoorbeeld gebruikt worden voor de koelkast van uw caravan, het opladen van uw accu of het elektrisch open en dicht maken van uw aanhangerbak. Wanneer u één van deze functies nodig heeft, dan raden wij sterk aan om de 13-polige stekker boven de 7-polige stekker te verkiezen.
Connecting trailer lighting – with a 13-pin Jaeger plug:
For the 13-pin trailer plug diagram, see the image below. This image describes all thirteen functions of the Jaeger plug. With the help of this diagram, you can connect the lighting on the trailer.
Wiring diagram for trailer lighting plug/socket 13-pin universal 12 volt
Connecting a 13-pin plug is very easy with the help of the wiring diagram above. As seen in the image, this socket consists of thirteen different connections. Just as above, we will also explain the different plugs from the 13-pin socket below. For the visual thinker, we have also added an image to sketch the complete picture in one overview. With the help of this diagram, you can correctly connect the lighting on the trailer.
Thirteen connections 13-pin plug (Jaeger)
- Connection/Pole 1 (color: yellow): Left turn signal;
- Connection/Pole 2 (color: blue): Rear fog light;
- Connection/Pole 3 (color: white): Ground (for contacts 1 to 8);
- Connection/Pole 4 (color: green): Direction blinker right;
- Connection/Pole 5: (color brown): Rear light/wide light and license plate on the right;
- Connection/Pole 6: (color red): Brake lights;
- Connection/Pole 7: (color black): Taillight/Broadlight on left;
- Connection/Pole 8: (gray color): Reversing lights;
- Connection/Pole 9: (brown/blue color): Permanent power wire inside lights;
- Connection/Pole 10: (color brown/red): Charging cable for caravan battery/fridge;
- Connection/Pole 11: (color white/red): No destination (possibly ground);
- Connection/Pool 12: (-): No destination;
- Connection/Pole 13: (black/white): Ground (for contacts 9 to 12).
Aanhanger verlichting aansluiten met een 13 polige Multicon West stekker:
Op onderstaande afbeelding staan alle dertien functies van de Multicon West stekker beschreven. Met behulp van dit schema kunt u de verlichting op de aanhanger aansluiten op een goede manier.
Thirteen connections 13-pin plug (Multicon West)
- Connection/Pole 1 (color: yellow): Left turn signal;
- Connection/Pole 2/54G (colour: blue): Rear fog lamp;
- Connection/Pole 3/31 (color: white): Ground (for contacts 1 to 8);
- Connection/Pole 4/R (color: green): Direction blinker right;
- Connection / Pole 5/58R (brown color): Rear light / width light and number plate right;
- Connection/Pole 5: (color brown): Rear light/wide light and license plate on the right;
- Connection/Pole 7/68L: (color black): Taillight/Broadlight on left;
- Connection/Pole 8: (gray color): Reversing lights;
- Connection/Pole 9: (brown/blue color): Permanent power wire inside lights;
- Connection/Pole 10: (color brown/red): Charging cable for caravan battery/fridge;
- Connection/Pole 11: (color white/red): No destination (possibly ground);
- Connection/Pole 12: (-): (possibly work lights).
- Connection/Pole 13: (black/white): Ground (for contacts 9 to 12).
The difference between the 13-pole Jaeger plug and the 13-pole Multicon plug
Within the 13-pole plugs there are two different systems, namely the Jaeger and Multicon West system. When connecting a 13-pole plug, it is good to know that the two plugs have different poles. For this reason, we briefly explain the two plugs below.
Jaeger 13 pin plug
The new 'standard' plug is the Jaeger plug. This plug is equipped with a bayonet connection. This ensures that the plug is firmly attached to the socket and will not vibrate loose while driving. The bayonet connection is a valued connection because it significantly reduces the number of failures while driving.
Connecting the Jaeger plug with 13 poles is very simple. You insert the Jaeger plug at an angle of 90 degrees to the left into the multiple socket. In this situation, the fastening block is pointing downwards. When it is in the socket, you turn the plug a quarter clockwise. You then turn it into the socket and the bayonet connection is fixed. If you wish to connect the Jaeger plug with 13 pins to a 7-pin socket, this is possible with an adapter.
Multicon West 7/13 pin plug
In addition to the 'standard' 13 pin plug, there is also another model called the Multicon West plug. This plug fits in both the 7-pole and 13-pole socket. This makes the Multicon system usable as a 7 pole and 13 pole solution. This Multicon plug can come in handy when your trailer still uses an old 7-pin plug.
However, it is worth noting that the Multicon plug does not fit in a Jaeger plug socket , and vice versa. When we look at the use of both plugs, it is striking that the Jaeger plugs are used more often than the Multicon West plugs. The Multicon West system is found more often in caravans.
Different adapters to connect multiple sockets
De meeste voertuigen bevatten tegenwoordig een 13-polige stekkerdoos, terwijl de meeste aanhangwagens en fietsendragers veelal een 7-polige stekker bevatten. Om ervoor te zorgen dat deze vlekkeloos aan elkaar verbonden kunnen worden, maakt u gebruik van een verloopstekker. Verloopstekkers zijn er in verschillende soorten. Onderstaand lichten we de verschillende verloopstekkers uit het assortiment even toe.
Adapter from 13 to 7 pin
The adapter that converts a 13-pin plug to a 7-pin plug operates in the opposite way to the situation described above. If your vehicle is equipped with a 13-pin socket, this adapter allows you to connect a 13-pin plug. However, it's important to understand that only the functionalities associated with a 7-pin connection will be active.
Verloop adapter van 7 naar 13 polig
The adapter from 13 to 7-pin plug does exactly the opposite of the above situation. If your vehicle is equipped with a 13-pole plug, you can use the adapter to ensure that you can still connect the 13-pole plug. Please note that only the 7-pole functions will work.
You can find the matching product on our dealer portal via the following link: Adapter from 7 to 13-pin.
Frequently asked questions about 7-pin and 13-pin plugs
At TRALERT® we regularly receive questions about the 7-pole and 13-pole sockets. We have therefore summarized these frequently asked questions for you below.
When do I use a 7-pin plug?
A 7-pole plug only provides the basic lighting. Think of the indicators and brake lights. A 7-pole plug is perfectly suitable for bicycle carriers, for example.
When do I use a 13 pin plug?
The extra poles of a 13-pole plug are used when, in addition to the basic lighting, you also use, for example, reversing lights and rear fog lights. These two options have been compulsory on trailers, caravans, boat and/or horse trailers since 10 July 2011. Since 2011, these vehicles have therefore been fitted with a 13-pole socket as standard.
What types of 13-pin plugs are there?
The 13-pin plug variant has two types, namely the Jaeger and the Multicon West plug. These are used for different purposes. Of the two, the Jaeger socket is the most common. Although the Multicon West is most commonly used for caravans.
More questions about the different sockets or connecting trailer lights?
If your question is not listed above and you are looking for a suitable answer, please feel free to contact our technical experts. They will be happy to assist you with all your questions regarding small trailer lighting, trailer wiring diagrams, and the various connections associated with it.
Weten hoe het zit met de regelgeving? Lees dan het artikel over de regels voor verlichting op aanhangers.
The choice of TRALERT®
If you are looking for lighting for your trailer, we recommend this complete set from TRALERT®. The set includes taillights, clearance lights, license plate lights, and wide lights, allowing you to not only drive safely but also stylishly with our thoughtful selection.
Better Light Work Safer!
