Electrical Issues

[matty12]

Hello All,

Apologies if this particular question has been asked and answered in the past - I can see variations of it but not both issues combined.

Recently (unexpectedly) acquired a Lunar Solar 462 1997 Caravan. It was on its way to the scrap man because of the issue I’m about to ask for help on.

Caravan hooked up to electric supply from the house. 240v Lights work, as does the fridge. So I know the electric is getting into the van.

No sockets work, nor does anything running from 12v. Do you think this is potentially 2 separate issues and is an unfortunate coincidence, or a fault in the system could be causing both issues?

From what I’ve read, the 12v stuff could be related to the leisure battery - will check tomorrow if there any issues when I get hold of a multi meter. The fridge does not run from the leisure battery when I flick that switch, so definitely no power reaching it, however we know it works as it’s working from the mains supply.

Have also read the sockets could require a new 10A MCB in the PMS5CRV management system.

Nothing glaringly obvious - the earth connection looks a bit suspect, but don’t think this is the issue.

Just wondered if anyone had any helpful ideas.

Thank you

Matt

 

[Woodentop]

The fridge will only work on 12V when the caravan is being towed and the fridge is powered from the towing vehicle. Otherwise it runs from mains or gas only. Most caravans have a fuse - around 20A - between the battery and the 12V distribution. Check the battery voltage with mains off - should be around 12.6V or higher - and then check again with the mains on. It should now be around 13.6V. If there is no change either the aforementioned fuse is blown OR the mains power supply has failed.
To check everything mains is safe, put the mains on, switch on a mains light, and press the test button on the RCD - it should trip instantly.

 

[matty12]

The fridge will only work on 12V when the caravan is being towed and the fridge is powered from the towing vehicle. Otherwise it runs from mains or gas only. Most caravans have a fuse - around 20A - between the battery and the 12V distribution. Check the battery voltage with mains off - should be around 12.6V or higher - and then check again with the mains on. It should now be around 13.6V. If there is no change either the aforementioned fuse is blown OR the mains power supply has failed.
To check everything mains is safe, put the mains on, switch on a mains light, and press the test button on the RCD - it should trip instantly.

Thanks for response. Will hunt for the 20A fuse tomorrow.

Have previously checked the test on the RCD with lights on and it does trip instantly.

Would the 20A fuse be the issue with just the 12v problems, or could it also be impacted the sockets not working in the van?

Thanks, complete novice here really.

 

[Jcloughie]

Welcome to the forum.

I suspect there is an issue with the 240 volt distribution. The consumer unit. Might be as simple as the mcb’s are turned off. If they are all on, I strongly advise that you seek advice from an electrician as it sounds like your electrical knowledge is limited.

John