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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
@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
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.
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!
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!
we carry this but as @matty says sites over look periodic testing and lots don't work especially at the end of the season. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kewtech-L...581639?hash=item2a5a5ba407:g:yQkAAOSw~bFWIL9N just make sure that where you connect too has local 30ma rcd or you will trip other hook up points.