I have downsized to a 1999 poptop, which I intend to travel in next year. I am assuming the attached photo is of circuit breakers only, as there is no test switch. If this is so can a earth leakage protection device be fitted to the existing set up.
Would a van of this vintage have dual pole switching on the power points. Is there a simple way to test if it has dual pole switches.
I won't use 240v much but I want the best protection.
I have downsized to a 1999 poptop, which I intend to travel in next year. I am assuming the attached photo is of circuit breakers only, as there is no test switch. If this is so can a earth leakage protection device be fitted to the existing set up.
Would a van of this vintage have dual pole switching on the power points. Is there a simple way to test if it has dual pole switches.
I won't use 240v much but I want the best protection.
Cheers Pete
HI Pete
Yes, that vintage should have double pole switching on all points& lights
If you ever expect to use a generator ,now would be a good time to fit a RVD[not a RCD]
The units are smaller & will replace the existing CBs[fit into the same area ]
I suggest the" RVD "because unlike a RCD, it will give protection with a generator or inverter plugged into the supply socket
PeterQ
wasn_me said
07:30 AM Dec 10, 2014
Thanks for the reply Peter.
What is the difference between a RCD & RVD. My understanding is an RCD measures current in & current out, & trips if there's a difference, (ie current running through me to earth)
Does an RCD get attached to the existing circuit breakers or does a whole new unit have to be fitted.
Cheers Pete
oldtrack123 said
08:56 AM Dec 10, 2014
wasn_me wrote:
Thanks for the reply Peter.
What is the difference between a RCD & RVD. My understanding is an RCD measures current in & current out, & trips if there's a difference, (ie current running through me to earth)
Does an RCD get attached to the existing circuit breakers or does a whole new unit have to be fitted.
Cheers Pete
Hi
A RCD does not give any protection from shocks to earth or vehicle metal frame etc when using agenerator or inverter plugged into the van power inlet socket.
RVDs do.
NO,it is supplied as a combo RVD/RCD Overload cb
& replaces the existing unit
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Wednesday 10th of December 2014 09:10:37 AM
Phil C said
10:46 AM Dec 10, 2014
PeterQ, Thats a damn fine point, it means potentialy an electrocution could take place, on a generator, with no protection from the RCD. I wonder if a switchable MEN link in the caravan circuit may be appropriate in this case.
I have an RCD tester and a generator, when the weather clears up a bit and I get some petrol for the genny I will test that and let you know the result, I have had no dealings with RVDs so Im not even sure how to identify them.
I will do the test and post the result for you.
Cheers
oldtrack123 said
08:21 PM Dec 10, 2014
Phil C wrote:
PeterQ, Thats a damn fine point, it means potentialy an electrocution could take place, on a generator, with no protection from the RCD. I wonder if a switchable MEN link in the caravan circuit may be appropriate in this case.
I have an RCD tester and a generator, when the weather clears up a bit and I get some petrol for the genny I will test that and let you know the result, I have had no dealings with RVDs so Im not even sure how to identify them.
I will do the test and post the result for you.
Cheers
HI Phil
The normal RCD will work IF the generator/inverter is permanently wired in with the correct change over switching
Switching then provides:
[1] full isolation of both LINES of van from the mains supply, IF van is also left connected to the mains & connects BOTH lines of the generator/inverter to the van wiring
An EN link is established within the van when the switch is in generator/inverter position
Creating a switched E-N link just on it's own is not acceptable[ in the van]
Errors could occur with it being left" on "[bonded ]when conected to MAINS supply
Australian Standards do not accept such a situation
If an EN is made at the generator ,the generator SHALL be fitted with a permanent RCD.
IS that an old generator ?
Do you have an old inverter?
You may find both or either will indicate an internal EN
Due to several deaths & many accidents such are now banned from sale
But, as you would understand even a isolated power supply can deveope a line to "earth" fault anywhere in the system
IT is then a non RCD protected EN system, just as deadly as non RCD protected MAINS supply
RVDs are relatively new on the market , development only started about 6years, but are now being widely used in situations were inverters or generators are required
They comprise the actual RVD unit coupled with a RCD /RCBO[ must specify current rating]
Google RVDs, or Safelec technology , .
Some state gov depts have taken to them
One state, at least, has had them fitted to ambulances
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Wednesday 10th of December 2014 08:46:14 PM
Phil C said
09:15 PM Dec 11, 2014
Thanks Peter,
I have a near new Honda UI2000 and a 2013 Jayco Starcraft caravan. I have a 2500W pure sine wave inverter that is isolated from the 240V circuit in the van (just didnt seem the smart thing to hook it up) It is also DC isolated.
At this time I havnt run a test as I have other priorities like grandchildren
I suspect my test wont work but Im now very curious as to what may happen.
I will let you know the results.
Safe travels.
-- Edited by Phil C on Thursday 11th of December 2014 09:16:56 PM
I have downsized to a 1999 poptop, which I intend to travel in next year. I am assuming the attached photo is of circuit breakers only, as there is no test switch. If this is so can a earth leakage protection device be fitted to the existing set up.
Would a van of this vintage have dual pole switching on the power points. Is there a simple way to test if it has dual pole switches.
I won't use 240v much but I want the best protection.
Cheers Pete
HI Pete
Yes, that vintage should have double pole switching on all points& lights
If you ever expect to use a generator ,now would be a good time to fit a RVD[not a RCD]
The units are smaller & will replace the existing CBs[fit into the same area ]
I suggest the" RVD "because unlike a RCD, it will give protection with a generator or inverter plugged into the supply socket
PeterQ
Thanks for the reply Peter.
What is the difference between a RCD & RVD. My understanding is an RCD measures current in & current out, & trips if there's a difference, (ie current running through me to earth)
Does an RCD get attached to the existing circuit breakers or does a whole new unit have to be fitted.
Cheers Pete
Hi
A RCD does not give any protection from shocks to earth or vehicle metal frame etc when using agenerator or inverter plugged into the van power inlet socket.
RVDs do.
NO,it is supplied as a combo RVD/RCD Overload cb
& replaces the existing unit
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Wednesday 10th of December 2014 09:10:37 AM
I have an RCD tester and a generator, when the weather clears up a bit and I get some petrol for the genny I will test that and let you know the result, I have had no dealings with RVDs so Im not even sure how to identify them.
I will do the test and post the result for you.
Cheers
HI Phil
The normal RCD will work IF the generator/inverter is permanently wired in with the correct change over switching
Switching then provides:
[1] full isolation of both LINES of van from the mains supply, IF van is also left connected to the mains & connects BOTH lines of the generator/inverter to the van wiring
An EN link is established within the van when the switch is in generator/inverter position
Creating a switched E-N link just on it's own is not acceptable[ in the van]
Errors could occur with it being left" on "[bonded ]when conected to MAINS supply
Australian Standards do not accept such a situation
If an EN is made at the generator ,the generator SHALL be fitted with a permanent RCD.
IS that an old generator ?
Do you have an old inverter?
You may find both or either will indicate an internal EN
Due to several deaths & many accidents such are now banned from sale
But, as you would understand even a isolated power supply can deveope a line to "earth" fault anywhere in the system
IT is then a non RCD protected EN system, just as deadly as non RCD protected MAINS supply
RVDs are relatively new on the market , development only started about 6years, but are now being widely used in situations were inverters or generators are required
They comprise the actual RVD unit coupled with a RCD /RCBO[ must specify current rating]
Google RVDs, or Safelec technology , .
Some state gov depts have taken to them
One state, at least, has had them fitted to ambulances
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Wednesday 10th of December 2014 08:46:14 PM
Thanks Peter,
I have a near new Honda UI2000 and a 2013 Jayco Starcraft caravan. I have a 2500W pure sine wave inverter that is isolated from the 240V circuit in the van (just didnt seem the smart thing to hook it up) It is also DC isolated.
At this time I havnt run a test as I have other priorities like grandchildren
I suspect my test wont work but Im now very curious as to what may happen.
I will let you know the results.
Safe travels.
-- Edited by Phil C on Thursday 11th of December 2014 09:16:56 PM