Can anyone see a hazard in fixing a fitting for our Coleman coolbox in the locker. We only would use this when on site as it would be back in the car when out, plus we would nearly always be on electric hookup so gas would not be on. I cannot see any problem can you?.
Adding a 12v point in gas locker
- Thread starter Robert_374373903
- Start date
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Gas & Electricity do not mix well! I am not a gas/electrical engineer but I would expect it is against "the rules". Maybe somebody suitably qualified could comment? I don't know of any manufacturer that fits 12v or mains sockets in gas lockers, even those that fit or used to fit gas bottle locker illumination lights, fitted them outside the locker.
Robert,
To put ANY power point in the gas locker is DANGEROUS! to quote Baldrick in BlackAdder goes forth, "Boom it went Boom!"
Just one spark & any leakage of gas = no caravan & if you're in it at the time, you'll most certainly shuffle off this mortal coil!
To put ANY power point in the gas locker is DANGEROUS! to quote Baldrick in BlackAdder goes forth, "Boom it went Boom!"
Just one spark & any leakage of gas = no caravan & if you're in it at the time, you'll most certainly shuffle off this mortal coil!
Electric motors, like the fan in a coolbox create a tiny little spark every time the motor brushes make/break the electrical connection - 2 or 3 time per revolution - using an electric motor in a semi-confined space which also contains LPG gas in pressurised cylinders is just inviting trouble for the inevitable day when the gas installation develops a leak.
Our gas is always on, even when on sites with electric hook-ups as the hob/grill/oven uses gas.
Our gas is always on, even when on sites with electric hook-ups as the hob/grill/oven uses gas.
G
Guest
Oops, I have to put a spade into this one.
My own van has the water bottle located inside the gas locker and guess what... it has a 12 volt pump attached with a junction box. All approved by the EU. The gas locker has of course openings in the bottom so any gas leak will sink and the junction box is located at a top corner.
As this type of situation appears on many EU vans I am not so sure the concerns are really as dramatic as described.
Yes, if you have a gas leak and an electrical spark, then yes, there is a possibilty of a problem, but we are talking 12 volts here and inside a plastic box, so the chance of this occurring is so small as to be not worth worrying about. 230 volts however, and yes, I agree that is not on.
I would be more concerned if the coolbox as described is located in the locker itself, then there could be an issue as the motors are usually exposed for cooling. However, if the cable is going outside to the coolbox then I do not see a problem. Just do not tie the connection to the gas cylinder and make sure if there is a junction inside the locker that it is inside a sealed junction box.
My own van has the water bottle located inside the gas locker and guess what... it has a 12 volt pump attached with a junction box. All approved by the EU. The gas locker has of course openings in the bottom so any gas leak will sink and the junction box is located at a top corner.
As this type of situation appears on many EU vans I am not so sure the concerns are really as dramatic as described.
Yes, if you have a gas leak and an electrical spark, then yes, there is a possibilty of a problem, but we are talking 12 volts here and inside a plastic box, so the chance of this occurring is so small as to be not worth worrying about. 230 volts however, and yes, I agree that is not on.
I would be more concerned if the coolbox as described is located in the locker itself, then there could be an issue as the motors are usually exposed for cooling. However, if the cable is going outside to the coolbox then I do not see a problem. Just do not tie the connection to the gas cylinder and make sure if there is a junction inside the locker that it is inside a sealed junction box.
12v is just as likely to cause a fire if not more so
volts X amps is watts
So if the volts are low (12) the amps need to be higher to get the watts
We had a fire in the boot of our new Nissan XT when something in the boot damaged a lead to a power pack and the 12V cigar plug melted
It set fire to the boot cover but fortunaltely we stopped and on seeing the flames put it out in time !
Is it not possible to put a socket inside an external locker?
volts X amps is watts
So if the volts are low (12) the amps need to be higher to get the watts
We had a fire in the boot of our new Nissan XT when something in the boot damaged a lead to a power pack and the 12V cigar plug melted
It set fire to the boot cover but fortunaltely we stopped and on seeing the flames put it out in time !
Is it not possible to put a socket inside an external locker?
G
Guest
An average coolbox seems to run between 30 and 50 watts, so we are looking at 2.5 - 4 amps. Not a major load i would have thought.
However, any electrical system is a source of fire, even having a battery located in a locker or under a seat, could be a flashpoint. After all, the front lights of the van are usually also located inside the gas locker so I still feel that as long as the system is well installed, then the risks are as low as could be expected for anything.
However, any electrical system is a source of fire, even having a battery located in a locker or under a seat, could be a flashpoint. After all, the front lights of the van are usually also located inside the gas locker so I still feel that as long as the system is well installed, then the risks are as low as could be expected for anything.
as a fully qualified caravan technician i can say that as per the NCC standards, electrical swiches or connections are not allowed in a gas locker.
Never put any form of power supply in the gas locker. It is contraviening CORGI gas regs and you will also find that your electrical safety certificate will also be rendered void.
A gas leak can be ignighted even by a torch with a couple of AA batteries in the right conditions.
If you want a light to illuminate the locker, fit one into the A frame tow bar cover which external of the caravan. Put the swith inside the van or fit the appropriate waterproof switch on the A frame.
Regards.
Steve L.
A gas leak can be ignighted even by a torch with a couple of AA batteries in the right conditions.
If you want a light to illuminate the locker, fit one into the A frame tow bar cover which external of the caravan. Put the swith inside the van or fit the appropriate waterproof switch on the A frame.
Regards.
Steve L.
G
Guest
I think you will find many EU caravans do not share that viewpoint, and they all come with full EU Certification.
I have not seen a spate of stories of caravans in EU going on fire, so I suspect that provided the installation is done correctly, there is no problem. I certainly have never had any with my 2 outfits so fitted and these were bought in the UK completely legally.
I have not seen a spate of stories of caravans in EU going on fire, so I suspect that provided the installation is done correctly, there is no problem. I certainly have never had any with my 2 outfits so fitted and these were bought in the UK completely legally.
I have the same problem with how to get power to my coolbox without having to drape wires through windows.
My thoughts for a solution is to fix a power socket under the van. The type I'm talking about has a 3 pin connection like the one used on an electric hookup cable. I think if I feed the line to the underside via one of the floor vents then I won't even compromise the watertight integrity of the floor.
Any comments on this idea please?
My thoughts for a solution is to fix a power socket under the van. The type I'm talking about has a 3 pin connection like the one used on an electric hookup cable. I think if I feed the line to the underside via one of the floor vents then I won't even compromise the watertight integrity of the floor.
Any comments on this idea please?
G
Guest
No disrespect, but if it is just the coolbox you wish to power why not use a transformer connected through the 13 amp external socket on the van? This is what we do, and works fine.
Thanks to you all for comments mentioned.To explain a little more about what we have. Our Coachman has a exterior 12v and 240v and we use them when the awning is up for the coolbox,fan, electric oven, there is also a exterior gas point for bbq, plus awning heater vent.Now when we do not take the awning we did think of alternative place to put the coolbox as when in the car it only works with the ignition on hence the thought of the gas locker.It has been mentioned about the front road lights which are in our locker and we have a junction box with the 12n cables, though this is sealed. But i take your point and will not use it for coolbox. Thanks.
I am not trying to be confrontational but some friends of ours on a rally in Spain were out for a meal when someone from the rally located them to tell them that their unit was on fire
Their new camper van was destroyed by fire from a 12V electrical fault
So it does happen
When our 12V fire in the boot occurred it was in a proper factory made fused lead that was charging one of those jump start power packs and using a low current.
Their new camper van was destroyed by fire from a 12V electrical fault
So it does happen
When our 12V fire in the boot occurred it was in a proper factory made fused lead that was charging one of those jump start power packs and using a low current.
ScotchladNo disrespect, but if it is just the coolbox you wish to power why not use a transformer connected through the 13 amp external socket on the van? This is what we do, and works fine.
non taken, but my van does not have an external 13 amp socket. Hence my idea of creating one under the van rather than cutting through the sidewall.
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