The basics of motorhome electrics
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Regular readers will be aware that we do not encourage DIY changes to the 240V mains electrical system as, for safety, any alterations should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
However, a good understanding of the layout and constituent parts of your motorhome’s electrical system, plus these simple tips will help you keep the mains system working safely, reliably and efficiently.
Mains polarity
After checking the tester instructions, see if all three warning lights illuminate to indicate correct wiring. If not, connect your short polarity reversing lead available from caravan accessory suppliers between the electrical supply bollard and your mains lead to correct the problem.
Matching your electrical appliances to the supply
Whilst British campsites often supply 16A (the maximum amount of electricity that you can use at any one time), it can be as low as 10A, 6A, 4A or even 2A on the Continent – remember to ask when booking in. If you exceed this amount, particularly by using too many heating appliances at once and overload the supply, the circuit breaker on the mains bollard will switch off your supply and need to be reset.
Although you may be able to reset the switch or button yourself, these parts are commonly locked up and only accessible to the site warden, who you will need to ask to come and reset it for you.
If you have a fault or an overload, one of the circuit breakers (or a safety switch known as an RCD) may have switched to the ‘off’ position. Before attempting to reset it, unplug or switch off all electrical items then reset the switch and reconnect each appliance in turn individually. The appliance which triggers the circuit breaker may well be the cause of the fault or overload and should be put to one side for professional testing.
This article is an extract from January 2014 MMM magazine. To read the article in full, click here.
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