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Electrical Problem Solver
A few words of advice when the lights go out.
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One of our most frequent queries is when the electrics stop working in a caravan,
and the owner is unsure what to do next.
Below is a photo of a typical consumer unit.
On the right hand side is the RCD, which will trip if there is a fault in the electrics somewhere.
The RCD should be tested every three months by pressing the test button top left.
and the owner is unsure what to do next.
Below is a photo of a typical consumer unit.
On the right hand side is the RCD, which will trip if there is a fault in the electrics somewhere.
The RCD should be tested every three months by pressing the test button top left.
fOn the left of the unit are the MCBs. These are the fuses for individual items, and when these trip it is because there is too much current being used.
Every three years, an EICR (Electrical Installation and Condition Report) should be performed on a caravan or motorhome. The report certicates the electrical system ensuring that there has been no damage, wear and tear, or corrosion. We perform some of these tests as part of a service, but can also complete a full one of these on request at a charge of £150, which includes a certificate.
Because of the many electrical items, such as mobile phones, music players, headphones, etc, that we now carry around with us, it is worth considering installing an angled pod which can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and then, in this case, having USB and 12v sockets installed.
For us to fit one of these in 2019, we would charge £15 for the housing, then £20 for 2 USBs, and £8 for a 12v socket. Including sundries (cable, etc) and labour, this would make a total of approx £100.
240v sockets can also be fitted in these pods.
Every three years, an EICR (Electrical Installation and Condition Report) should be performed on a caravan or motorhome. The report certicates the electrical system ensuring that there has been no damage, wear and tear, or corrosion. We perform some of these tests as part of a service, but can also complete a full one of these on request at a charge of £150, which includes a certificate.
Because of the many electrical items, such as mobile phones, music players, headphones, etc, that we now carry around with us, it is worth considering installing an angled pod which can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and then, in this case, having USB and 12v sockets installed.
For us to fit one of these in 2019, we would charge £15 for the housing, then £20 for 2 USBs, and £8 for a 12v socket. Including sundries (cable, etc) and labour, this would make a total of approx £100.
240v sockets can also be fitted in these pods.
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind holiday makers, that once on site they MUST uncoil the mains lead fully as this can be a fire risk, as the photo below demonstrates.
When in use, the cable will warm up, and if this heat cannot dissipate, it will eventually lead to the cable melting and fusing together, possibly even short circuiting and catching fire.
When in use, the cable will warm up, and if this heat cannot dissipate, it will eventually lead to the cable melting and fusing together, possibly even short circuiting and catching fire.
