Caravan Electrics

[Janet_374362349]

This may seem stupid but could someone explain simply the below

1. the RCD switch has to be "on" whether the supply is mains, battery or car?

2. manual states"the control panel is fitted with a master switch enabling the 12V supply to be isolated". This would only be when maintenance or repair is being carried out? Should the switch be on at other times?

3. without the 12V master switch being "on", the electrics will not work when on mains feed, this is correct, yes?

4. when charging should the master switch be left "on" or does it not matter?

Please help, thanks.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Janet,

The RCD is a safety protection device that only affects the mains wiring in the caravan. Depending on the make of RCD, most will remain in the on position unless a wiring or appliance fault has caused it to trip off.

It is good practice to always test the RCD will trip off by using its built-in test button each time you connect to a mains supply.

If you are only using 12Vdc derived from the car or the caravans own battery, the position of the RCD will make no difference. However if you are using the caravan without a battery or you are trying to charge a battery the mains power and RCD need to be 'on' to feed the caravan's power converter?

I cannot comment on your other points as different manufacturers may use slightly different models for the 12V wiring.

 

[Janet_374362349]

Thanks John L. Thought that panel containing Master Switch may be common to all caravans, mine is a Bailey Champagne.

thanks again for your reply.

Janet

 

[JeremyClarksson]

We have an explorer group van and always turn the isolater switch off when we store the van. The charging system and alarm still work but it prevents ancillaries like the radio, tv amp etc running the battery down if left on.

 

[Janet_374362349]

I thank you all for your replies I am still confused to my understanding of points 2,3and 4.

janet