electrical fault - help

[PETER_5041220]

In France. We have no electric to our fridge, sockets or heater. I have found the fault lies with the MCB in the main fuse board. If you move this just slightly electric returns, but then goes off when you release it. With my little knowledge of electrical problems it is as if I have a loose wire or dodgy connection. Any thoughts or ideas as to how I can fix until I get home?

 

[antrimboy]

It does sound as though you have either a loose connection or broken wire. You might be able to move the unit until it works and then "jam" it with a small piece of wood or something. However, this wouldn't be the safest option, as there is always a risk of the circuit making/breaking repeatedly and causing a fire.

In my opinion, your best bet is to either take the bull by the horns and fix it properly, or just resort to using the fridge on gas.As far as charging the battery is concerned, perhaps another 'vanner or the site office would oblige.

 

[fraser600]

check the screws tight on mcb ( remember to disconect from mains first ) the mcb has live cable going into it check this is tight and check mcb is screwed tight to busbar , but disonect from mains first !!!

 

[Gafferbill]

Hi Peter

You say you have no supply to any point in the caravan.

Therefore it is your main switch tripping or failing to remain set.

This switch for many years now, has incorporated a RCCB.

This is a safety device that automatically cuts the supply in the event of a leakage to earth.

There is therefore a fault that has to be corrected, it is unlikely there is anything wrong with the switch.

First I would check that your hook up connections are dry and you have not spilt water on electrics inside the van.

Then I would check you do not have reverse polarity.

You need a meter for this.

Then I would try isolating each appliance in turn to see if the trip stays in when one is not connected.

That one would be faulty.

Apart from this you need the unit checked out by a professional

when you get back.

 

[SteveW77]

I had something similar happen this year after a long haul to the Italian lakes. The main trip switch tripped as soon as any electrial appliance was turned on, even the wifes hair drier when the heaing element was turned off. After a lot of mucking about testing cables and sockets, the problem turned out to be the connections to the back of the main electrical control panel. Despite being tied in with cable ties, every connection was only just hanging in. Pushed them all firmly back in and replaced Knackered ties and all was well.

Steve W

 

[PETER_5041220]

Hi Peter

You say you have no supply to any point in the caravan.

Therefore it is your main switch tripping or failing to remain set.

This switch for many years now, has incorporated a RCCB.

This is a safety device that automatically cuts the supply in the event of a leakage to earth.

There is therefore a fault that has to be corrected, it is unlikely there is anything wrong with the switch.

First I would check that your hook up connections are dry and you have not spilt water on electrics inside the van.

Then I would check you do not have reverse polarity.

You need a meter for this.

Then I would try isolating each appliance in turn to see if the trip stays in when one is not connected.

That one would be faulty.

Apart from this you need the unit checked out by a professional

when you get back.

Thanks. There are 2 MCB's within the unit. The one for the water heater, lights, etc works ok, it is the other that is faulty - so half the vans lecky is fine the other half does not work (just the one MCB at fault). If I unplug from the mains is it safe to unscrew and check connections?

 

[PETER_5041220]

Thanks. There are 2 MCB's within the unit. The one for the water heater, lights, etc works ok, it is the other that is faulty - so half the vans lecky is fine the other half does not work (just the one MCB at fault). If I unplug from the mains is it safe to unscrew and check connections?

 

[antrimboy]

Yes Peter. Providing you are disconnected from the mains, it will be safe for you to check.