SmartBar Queensland Music Trails A Taste of the Huon
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> Battery mounting inside of a caravan.
Post Info TOPIC: Battery mounting inside of a caravan.
Stevejaz


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 33
Date:
Battery mounting inside of a caravan.
Permalink  

Interesting.
Sounds like I need to have a good look at the insurance policy.
I had never heard of Licensed Techs for 12 Volt installations, nor the need for certification as in 240 volt or Gas.
Obviously I had for 240 volt. Something I have been thinking about while looking into Inverter installation.
Interestingly enough the Motorhome had an old 1500Watt Modified Square Wave (the ultimate misnomer) inverter installed by a so called Expert here in SA when it was bought new, along with solar panels, PWM solar controller and DC-DC charger. We bought it a few years old, used. It has an outlet on the exterior wall, below Mains input. Idea being to connect with extension lead, thus avoiding the expense of proper installation. We never use it. It is something I am going to look into if I instal an inverter though. I want it wired in properly (in A Van) with no temporary connection for use. Just turn on inverter and use any mains outlet.
The same installer installed a Redarc BC-DC totally incorrectly so nothing would surprise me. They had the house batteries charging the house batteries with nothing powering it from starter battery or alternator, nor any wire remotely large enough for the required current. Found a small shop in Broome on a 'Big Lap' with terminals and bus bars and installed correctly myself. Few years ago now.
Point being it is very hard to know who to believe these days. I certainly would not be going back to that installer though.
Where does one go to find such a licensed Tech?
Preferably one who can inspect and sign off on my own 12 volt installation and do any 240 volt installation.
My plan atm is to keep Lithium to A Van along with Inverter and external outlet to power Motorhome from Inverter when required. For use of 240 volt in Motorhome and top up SLA batteries in Motorhome via mains charger.
IE: Only changes being made to A Van. I am thinking medium term though of ripping out 3 way fridge and gas cooker to instal 12 volt compressor fridge and just using inverter to run coffee machine, electric jug, toaster etc. It is after all my Man Cave, not to mention relationship preserver.
Also thinking of a rack for small electric fat bike where gas bottles are atm. Great for beach fishing, collecting fire wood when bush camping, carting water in camp grounds etc. All with trailer I modified myself, both trailer and bike having 20"x4" tyres.

__________________
PeterInSa


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1115
Date:
Permalink  

Re (Where does one go to find such a licensed Tech?)

A friend upgraded his solar System to xx panels and a Battery, I looked into using the old solar panels and setting up an additional system to the Grid system on our house roof, together with a purchased battery running a 48v system (may have been 36v), looked into the cabling standards etc etc. Joined the World Wide DIY Solar Forum asking question re equipment etc. The low voltage setup at the time would allow me legally to install the system ( have a background in electronics).

But insurance wise it would be a problem, so I contacted a Solar installer, went over the system with him and he agreed to check it out, when installed, suggested changes if needed and certify the install.. I never went ahead with the install, and my friend dumped the panels.

And Re (The same installer installed a Redarc BC-DC totally incorrectly so nothing would surprise me. They had the house batteries charging the house batteries with nothing powering it from starter battery or alternator, nor any wire remotely large enough for the required current. Found a small shop in Broome on a 'Big Lap' with terminals and bus bars and installed correctly myself. Few years ago now.
Point being it is very hard to know who to believe these days.)

Some DIY Solar installers would know more than the Solar Certifier, but not always, a 240Vac Electrical Certifier may not want the responsibility of OK'ing your install. So potentially a House Solar Installer may be willing to study up the 3002? standards and certify a 12/24 volt caravan solar install... at a Cost?

Re ( nor any wire remotely large enough for the required current.) If your Motorhome burns down due to the wire overheating, you can claim against the companies insurance policy, if you installed the incorrect rated wire/cable..........

I raised the insurance point above, because there may a dollar cost and legal responsibility for our DIY installs so its best if they meet standards to avoid accidents/failures.

Appreciate any thoughts to the contary.



-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 22nd of December 2025 09:59:56 PM



-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 22nd of December 2025 10:08:16 PM



-- Edited by PeterInSa on Tuesday 23rd of December 2025 10:23:54 AM

__________________
TimTim


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 646
Date:
Permalink  

It is interesting that since AS/NZ 3001.2:2022 was first published as a guide that no one has been able to post a link to legislation that references the Standard.  Plenty of links to non authoritative websites but none to any legislation.

AS/NZ3001:2008 is still the Standard referenced by legislation and stipulated in the ADR's for trailers up to 4.5t.

I have read posts where people say that AS/NZ 3001.2:2022 is not retrospective but again where do they gain that information from without a link to the relative legislation.

Many of you will have homes with smoke alarms in, or at least you should have.  Some of you will have battery operated alarms and some will have mains connected alarms with a battery back up. This is because in every State and Territory there is legislation requiring the installation of smoke alarms. In NSW there is retrospective legislation for battery operated smoke alarms to be installed whereas today's requirements for a new build are mains connected alarms.

The same applies to swimming pool fencing.  My swimming pool was installed in 1993 with fencing to the Australian Standard at that time.  The NSW Swimming Pool Act and Regulations stipulate that it can remain unless I do substantial changes even though AS 1926.1:2024 is significantly different.

The point being is that there has to be legislation to reference to the Standard.

As Peter in SA pointed out and I have have said on many occasions.  Read you insurance PDS.  If an insurance company attempted to refuse a claim on the basis I am not qualified or that I am not licensed I know I could mount an argument to take to AFCA.  Others may not be as confident but no qualifications or licensing are required for ELV work.  One would also need to read the definitions under the PDS.

So you want to install LiFePO4 batteries to replace AGM's.  There is no legislation requiring you to undertake the installation to AS/NZ 3001.2:2022, there is no legislation requiring you to upgrade your whole system.  But lets say you want to comply with the Standard and ventilation requirement for peace of mind, even though LiFePO4 are considered safer than AGM's.

The Standard doesn't actually specify how to do it.

Clause 5.4.12.1 merely states, 'The installer should consult with the battery manufacturer and supplier to determine a compartment design and venting mechanism that is practical for the type of battery chemistry, construction, volatility or its response to thermal runaway events.' 

Good luck with that part biggrin.

Tim

 

 

 



-- Edited by TimTim on Saturday 3rd of January 2026 01:00:41 AM

__________________
Magnarc


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1458
Date:
Permalink  

TimTim, as usual your posts make a lot of sense. I have made use of your advice more than once, on subjects that I know nothing about. Keep up the good work.



__________________

It is better to keep your mouth closed, and let people think you are fool than to open it, and remove all doubt.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens,

aka MarkTwain.

 
Ineedabiggerboat


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 344
Date:
Permalink  

I agree. Hes objective not anal

__________________
Stevejaz


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 33
Date:
Permalink  

Can't help but wonder just what would be left of battery gas proof enclosure after a lithium battery fire for an insurance assessor to actually assess anyway. As to fire proofing the enclosure, would not the more logical aim be to prevent any fire from spreading to the Lithium battery(s) if at all possible?. You know. Some sort of fire that could be put out with a fire extinguisher/ fire blanket. Maybe started by stove top cooking accident or some such thing. Burning cooking oil etc.

__________________
TimTim


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 646
Date:
Permalink  

Thank you for your kind words Magnarc and you too Ineedabiggerboat but in turn I have learnt much from many.  At the end of the day we all have different knowledge and I'm sure you could both teach me a thing or two on the knowledge you have.

As I write this I note that there have been 5306 vies on this thread and only 35 replies. Yes, many of us regulars would have viewed a number of times but the number of views indicates to me that there is massive interest in the subject simply because many will be looking to replace their batteries.  It matters not to me whether anyone wants to install them to the "Standard' or not, and it should not matter to anyone else either.

I have posted various links regarding the Australian Standard and the relative legislation to back up my statements but if people want help or clarification either way I am more than happy for people to message me.  

Good luck and safe travels.

 

 

 



-- Edited by TimTim on Sunday 25th of January 2026 12:53:15 AM

__________________
Wol


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Date:
Permalink  

Sadly 95% of the views are by bots.

regards

__________________
Dick0


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1639
Date:
Permalink  

Wol wrote:

Sadly 95% of the views are by bots.

regards

 And who would they be?



__________________

Cheers, Richard (Dick0)

"Home is where the Den is parked, Designer Orchid Special 21' towed by Jeep Diesel Grand Cherokee Limited"

"4x250W solar panels, 360w solar blanket, Epever 80A charger and 4x135Ah Voltax Prismatic LiFePO4 Batteries".
PeterInSa


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1115
Date:
Permalink  

AI Overview
Bots are automated software applications programmed to perform specific, repetitive tasks over a network (usually the internet) much faster than humans. They run autonomously without manual initiation and often mimic human behavior, accounting for over half of all web traffic. They can be beneficial (search engine crawlers, customer service bots) or malicious (spam bots, DDoS bots).

__________________
Dougwe


Chief one feather

Status: Offline
Posts: 17476
Date:
Permalink  

The original post was back in June 2024 so I would expect a lot of traffic and I am part of that 5306 um, now 5307 views. I also know for a fact I am not a 'bot'. I have been called many things over my many years but never a 'bot'.



Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

__________________

Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
landy


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1399
Date:
Permalink  

Yes now 40 posts in this thread I have a look every time a new post go's up so you can put a few of those looks up to me. Also another fan of Tims posts he has put a lot of effort into helping me in the past for which I am very grateful. Landy

__________________
In life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people and simply let them be wrong.
PeterInSa


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1115
Date:
Permalink  

I echo the above posts, Tim has helped me with Solar and Battery advice, over the years, along with a number of looks at this thread.

__________________
Ian G


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 128
Date:
Permalink  

PeterInSa wrote:

I echo the above posts, Tim has helped me with Solar and Battery advice, over the years, along with a number of looks at this thread.

 X 2



__________________
«First  <  1 2 | Page of 2  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> Battery mounting inside of a caravan.
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook