Hi all, I would greatly appreciate your constructive feedback on this item. I will then ask Cindy to add it to the stickies on this blog. Cheers
Rules: ANY and ALL 240 volt mains repairs and maintenance MUST be carried out by a licenced ELECTRICIAN! This applies equally to voltages produces by INVERTERS both large and small. Be very aware that when we tow our vans they are subjected to movement, vibrations and vertical movement.
Key Aspects: To prevent the ingress of moisture, to ensure terminations and connectors are electrically and mechanically secure, to maximise safety at all times and minimise electrical hazards.
Lets start at the front on the van and move back.
The tug to caravan connector is a much maligned animal and subject to neglect and mis handling. The connector should be sealed with silastic or similar to prevent moisture from entering, the terminals are copper and WILL oxidise if subjected to moisture and create high resistance terminations. Also the actual pins can become loose over use and time. After disconnecting, place a small blade in the slot in each pin to slightly expand the pin, this will ensure a good contact each insertion. Over time these may also corrode, use a fine grade wet and dry paper to clean the contacts.
Battery compartment:
Now this may be under the bed or any other place.
Ensure that all the terminals to the battery are tight. This doesn't mean strip the threads it means finger tight then a bit more, enough to keep them on there. This applies to any terminals that are screw connected.
Cables care.
Cables (wires) are subject to vibration and movement every time we tow. Check all cable entry and exit places where you can. If it looks like they are wearing get some "rescue" tape from Bunnings, this is a self conforming thick tape that will protect these wear spots.
Lighting:
Now days LEDs are taking over in modern caravans. Your tasks as owner are basic in that ensure the mounting is tight and the lights are not going to depart company with the mounting when you go over the next bump.
Underneath:
There may be the odd cable under your van, follow the cable care as above with these cables. Mounting in "P" clips firmly attached to a solid surface is important.
240V socket caravan mains.
Make sure this is clean and secure at the side of the van. We have a loop of string or small dia rope attached to a hook making a loop in the cable to prevent the wind tugging the plug out. You can also buy a locking plug cord set (15 amps) from Bunnings.
Inverters:
There is a lot of discussion regarding inverters. Simply I would never hard connect mine to my caravan without the use of a RVD (residual voltage device) in the circuit, even then I would hesitate. I use mine to heat my electric blanket on a cold night at free camp and power small chargers.
Generators:
Under Australian rules you should not earth your generator, this is despite what the book says in the case of Honda generators. I use mine on dull days when my solar is not enough to recharge my batteries. An RVD should also be used with your generator as the RCD will not work and you will not be protected from electric shock.
OK I do need input with this, if you think there is anything I have left out please tell me. Be honest and tell me if I am wasting my time.
Cheers all and be safe
-- Edited by Phil C on Wednesday 17th of June 2015 05:17:51 PM
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Perhaps it could be even more specific about 240 volt and include inverters and say something like:
Rules: ANY and ALL 240 volt repairs and maintenance MUST be carried out by a licenced ELECTRICIAN -
This applies to ALL 240 volt circuitry irrespective of whether the 240 volt comes from the mains or from a battery via an inverter.
Perhaps it could be even more specific about 240 volt and include inverters and say something like:
Rules: ANY and ALL 240 volt repairs and maintenance MUST be carried out by a licenced ELECTRICIAN - This applies to ALL 240 volt circuitry irrespective of whether the 240 volt comes from the mains or from a battery via an inverter.
Thanks and welcome to the forum zuby
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Phil C wrote:Ensure that all the terminals to the battery are tight. This doesn't mean strip the threads it means finger tight then a bit more, enough to keep them on there. This applies to any terminals that are screw connected.
Suggestion: Use a Spring Washer on the Terminal Bolt, tighten it til the Spring Washer just closes. The spring washer will also help to avoid the terminal coming loose if there's a vibration.
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Steve, Di & Ziggy We named our Motorhome "Roadworx" because on the road works "On The Road Again" Ford Transit with 302 Windsor V8 conversion, C4 Auto, 9 Inch Ford Diff All Lighting L.E.D., 260 Amp/h AGM, 530 Watt Solar + Kipor Backup Gen.
Many (even some manufacturers) are unaware that there is an Australian Standard for Relocatable, Mobile-homes and Caravans.
The Australian Standard AS 3001 - 2012 for electrical fittings, must be adhered to.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Many (even some manufacturers) are unaware that there is an Australian Standard for Relocatable, Mobile-homes and Caravans. The Australian Standard AS 3001 - 2012 for electrical fittings, must be adhered to.
Hi
To be accurate :
As /NZS 3001:2012"Transportable structures & their power supplies" & must be used in conjunction with AS /NZS 3000"WIRING rule"s[New edition just came out]
