We've had almost new appliances trip our RCD - couple of times forks/spoons have got inside out toaster and another time the end of a lead got wet and tripped the device. Haven't thought of testing the RCD's but would be prudent. Regards Denis
You do not require a faulty appliance to check you safety switch, all you have to do is press the test button on the safety switch in the caravan.
The caravan park will/should have a test button also.
Check the safety switch at home there will be a test button visible and it is recommended that it be tested on a regular bases.
Gday...
Thanks for that patrolst ... I have had my van for four years, no-one has ever mentioned the test button - not even the dealer when the van was picked up and 'demonstrated' - and therefore I have never tested the safety switch. ( or even looked at the safety switch)
I just pressed the test button and it the switch clicked off, disconnecting all the power to the van. I then just flicked the safety switch back on and all power returned.
I assume that is the expected result?
Cheers - John
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Thanks Jim just tested mine and all ok another very important test that should be done regularly is the break away brake unit it also pays to replace the unit on the draw bar every couple of years.
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Have checked the van at times, should do it more often.
The worst case I have seen was in a Toowoomba c/p, connected up power & switched on the fridge, ran power to car fridge & instantly noticed how low their power voltage was by the 12volt meter in car fridge.
Tried to run the jug & no power, van switch was ok, power pole switch was ok, they had another lot of switches in a locked power box in another building.
The female accused me of over loading the system, my guess was the switch in the locked box was a much smaller amps loading , to stop you using power.
JC.
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The scariest power issue that I have come across was in York WA.
I went to unplug the power from the power outlet box in misty drizzling rain & got a reasonable tingle when I touched the box. It was not a purpose built plastic coated column that they usually use in CPs but rather a normal galvanised distribution box mounted on a metal post. I thought that the ingress of moisture would have tripped the ELCBR or whatever but not so.
Told those using the same outlet box and the park managers of the problem.
I use the trip button on my van (& house) earth leakage units regularly ... on April 1 each year when I change the smoke alarm batteries.
or even looked at the safety switch)
