Hi all

This is a touchy subject because there are those that would have all maintenance carried out by a tradesperson and others that do anything they want including 240V stuff.

DO NOT EVER DO YOU OWN 240 volt WORK!!! Get an electrician

This has been repeated over and over, its worth your life to comply.

The law of the land tells us that it is legal for anyone to fiddle with 12 volt and 24 volt systems. Personally I dont agree! I have heard stories and read articles of people being killed by putting their tongues across a 9 volt battery, so if you are going to do this stuff be careful.

Caravans, like aircraft, are subject to vibration, movement, dust and vermin.

As a GN your electrical maintenance should be ONLY tighten, clean, and inspect.

One of the best tools we have is the mark one eyeball, start at the battery look for white stuff (sulphation) around the terminals, if its present remove with a small wire brush (carefully), clean with water (distilled not demineralised is best), and after drying, coat the terminal in petrolium jelly. This will protect the terminal from further sulphation. If sulphation continues you may have a serious battery issue, replacement may be on the cards.

Next, check the tightness of the terminals of the attached cables, attempt to wiggle the terminals, if they can be moved by finger, give them a tweek so they dont move again when tested. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!!!

Check cables for insulation cracking, discoloration (evidence of burning or overheating) and bite marks from vermin.  If this is present, cables may need replacing by an electrician.

Look for general security along cable runs, evidence of chafing at entry and exit points (holes). Make sure there are no exposed conductors (wires) in any of these runs.

Check the DC fuse panel for discoloration from overheating or burning, if there is burning get an auto electrician to investigate. If you can reach, make sure all connectors are made and secure. Make sure fuses are secure and not discolored or burnt. NEVER replace a blown fuse with a larger amperage fuse or roofing nail!!! I explored ebay and purchased DC circuit breakers for my fuse panel, they work a treat and save a bundle in the long term. Mind you if you are blowing fuses all the time, its time to have a sparkie take a look. FUSES HELP PREVENT FIRES!!!!

Make sure all appliances are secure and their tiedown screws/bolts are secure (I use a product called locktight on all bolts and screws, this is available from Bunnings). Ensure power plugs are secure in the socket NEVER use double adapters or power boards in a caravan, you only have 16 amps to play with and a power board will tempt you to run too many appliances and pop the breaker, this is bound to impress SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed).

I have a rule in our van, extension leads on the floor are a very big NO NO. Firstly they are a trip hazard and I am clumsy since my knee replacement and tend to shuffle, secondly if you drop something heavy on the lead it will damage it.

Lastly, get your appliances tested and tagged, this just about ensures care free, safe operation. AND NEVER attach pictures to caravan walls with a screw into the wall. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHERE MAINS CABLES LURK!!! I use the command surface attachment devices available from Bunnings. I use a device called a voltstick (from electrical wholesalers) to help me identify where the cables are running, only when I know its safe I will drill holes, or place screws, its a pig of a job to replace a cable you have jammed a screw in.

OK that concludes my contribution to your knowledge and practical caravan electrics. Thanks for looking, your feedback would be gratefully received. If you have any questions I will try to answer them, or more knowledgeable GNs will know the answer

Happy new year.