Leisure electrics 230v

Discussion in 'How To' started by matty, Dec 21, 2011.

  1. Great post very useful.
    I have replaced all my US stuff. I replaced the charger with one out of a T25, I fitted a Hager garage unit 2 way with RCD its the same size as the US one. I have kept the US socket & made an adapter to fit the 16A blue plug it works well & I can't see any danger issues. :)
     
  2. kenregency

    kenregency Guest

    so matty what size breakers should you have in the van shall i have a 6 for lighting and 16 for sockets same as my garage
     
  3. matty

    matty Supporter

    lighting should be 12v
    i tend to use a 6amp for a charger and 10amp for sockets
    the fridge i put a plug on and a socket to help if its removed

    The mcb should be 2 pole (4 wire holes, 2 top,2 bottom) but these can be hard to find
    this kit has them
    http://www.xtremevan.co.uk/index.php?cPath=0_721_737
     
  4. kenregency

    kenregency Guest

    i already have a 16 and a 6 is the 16 no good
     
  5. matty

    matty Supporter

    you can use the 16 but you may trip the site if you plug to much in as these suply 16 in total
     
  6. Matty, I am thinking of buying the xtreme van kit, I already have a leisure battery in the bus but don't know how or even if its hooked up ( or if its been done properly) The bus has a display so you can flick between each battery and check the charge of each one but don't think the leisure battery is used for anything other than the stereo, sub and 600w amp.
    I'm hesitant to fit the kit myself but live a fair old way from somerset, so you know of any certified people that you trust to help that live in the Sheffield area?

    Thanks

    B
     
  7. matty

    matty Supporter

    Sorry no i don't know anyone you could try asking round any caravan places
     
  8. Hi Matty, great post about leisure and hook up power sources, I'm definitely in the Don't touch electrics myself camp and was wondering roughly how much you would charge. There is what looks to be a leisure battery wire set up already, but no battery, but as with Brucieboy I've no idea if this is installed to any sort of competencey. So basically I'm after a look over of that, and replace or upgrade as needed, then a mains hook up install. Can you also let me know how long you'd need the van for as we live a fair bit from you but would be passing on a trip to visit Family in Devon. Cheers.
     
  9. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    @matty the link to the 12v section is broken in post 1 of your thread.
     
  10. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

  11. Thanks for the link to this @matty it's very useful

    You state
    The van metal parts must be earthed within the van (The leads with a socket and RCD on a lead and passed through the window DONOT comply as if there is a fault the metal could become live and still not trigger the RCD and are for tents and awanings.)

    My one of these says: ideal uses camping/caravaning. I wonder how they get away selling it if it isn't safe to use!
    http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/mobile-mains-kit-p155317
     
  12. It says "for use in awnings, trailer tents and tents". Nowt about using in motor homes or campers;)
     
    Lasty and paulcalf like this.
  13. That is what is says on website. My box says different, It even says motorhomes!

    [​IMG]
     
    Bertie the Bus likes this.
  14. matty

    matty Supporter

    you can use them in a awning of a motor home but not in the motor home its self. it does say above in bigger letters can be hung in tent or clipped to tent pole alone with the web site stating that its for tents

    As a electrician i can only give advice that follows the regs
    electrical reg section 721 electrical installations in caravans and motor caravans
    721.43.1 protection equipotential bonding
    structural metallic parts which are accessible from within the caravan shell be connected through main protective bonding conductors to the main earth terminal within the caravan

    At the end of the day its your choice but if something went wrong its not just you but anyone that comes into contact with the van that could be effected
     
  15. @matty I appreciate your expertise and the advice you have given. I have listened to your advice

    At some point I will have to consider getting someone to fit me a proper electric set up as described in this thread. I was just hoping to be able to try winter camping without spending a fortune first!

    Thanks again
     
  16. If you did use this would you just have the flex hanging through a window? The trickiest bit really is deciding where to put the inlet, after that its where you'd want sockets.
     
  17. I will follow the advice given

    In the past i have just had the mobile sockets on the floor and the flex hanging out the window.

    If i eventually go down the permanent hook up route then i have no idea where i'll put the sockets. Life is simpler when you only need 12v!

    I'm now posting in two different threads about the same matters - which i shouldn't!
     
  18. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I just bought a box and do-dat for about £25 inc post. It's not a fortune.
     
    paulcalf likes this.
  19. oh i thought I needed fancy ctek, rcd boxes, plug sockets and space to fit them all.

    I can stretch to £25 i was thinking it was going to be £100's for what i needed.

    My set up now is main battery, unknown split charger wiring, leisure battery. One 12v socket!
     
  20. Dicky likes this.

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