Would somebody know why there is an earth cable on the lower doors of caravans. And, if it has snapped does it matter, or should t be replaced pronto???? Thanks....
The earth strap on the Camec Doors does the same job as the straps that some people hang from the rear of their cars. As the door has plastic hinges and locks it may be insulated from the door frame and thus from the van. The strap conducts any build up of static electricity in the door to the body of the van and then to the earth. In doing so it prevents the little zap at your finger tips that is often experienced with new cars that have a poor earth contact. Broken door earth straps are extemenly common and I've never heard of anybody being zapped by any static electricity in a van. I suggest you forget all about it and enjoy your travels. Cheers, ozjohn.
__________________
Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
Thanks Ozjohn. I will take your advice. And I always enjoy my travels, at the moment in Tasmania enjoying this beautiful state, I think I have left the best until last. Thanks again! Barb.
Not knowing the exact reasons behind the earth bonding for vans I would check with a sparky as I think the earthing system is not only for static discharge but also serves the 240 volt external supply safety requirement .
While the door frame is segregated from the body by rubber seals when closed, the door also becomes bonded to the entire chassis when the metal door lock is in the closed/latched position The metal to metal contact under these circumstances makes me consider the entire van including the door may become live should there be a fault current on the 240 volt supply side and the 30ma breakers and safety switch has failed to tripped out .
The Australian standard which is part of AS 3000 series dealing with transportable structures and mobile homes may also throw some light on the earth bonding requirements for vans and similar appliances .
Before getting bogged down with reading AS standards at the local library ask your domestic sparky for advice on van earth bonding requirements .
A point some over look is the need to test the 240 volt supply safety switch on your van at regular intervals and certainly before you take it out after a spell in the shed, they do gum up and can fail to trip the 240 volt power supply. Same goes for the one at home in your power box
__________________
Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times
Most times it is related to what you wear and the amount of moisture in the air . In one case that i investigated the static charge was traced to been the ignition source when a female slid back into her car while it was filling at the browser and the seat cover were nylon and so was her clothing and the charge generated under lab condition was enough to start the class three flammable fire
She was burnt but the car was a total along with a fair portion of the service station.
Some cars have a earthing strap fitted but I consider them to be of doubtful value but some swear by them. i really don't know what the fix is
__________________
Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times
Thanks. I will check this one out. Barb
