Electrics 12v ok - 230v not

[CliveV]

I have a Avondale Leda Mendip 1991. The 12v circuit on its own with no mains hook up works fine i.e. the lights work and (I think) all the correct lights come on on the control panel. But as soon as I conect up the the mains, the light on the charger switch comes on (when in the "on" position) and the trip works when the "test" button is pushed.

But no lights or power in the caravan. The control panel shows no lights at all. All the fuses seem fine.

I had the caravan serviced shortly after I got it last year but have not used it yet. I was told all was fine at the service. As I am new to caravaning (we had a simple tent before) am I missing something here? Is there another switch or procedure I need to do before I can get the electric working?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated

Clive

 

[jacky3]

couild be faulty rcb unit,but if you have had it serviced and never usrd it since,i would be asking whoever seviced it what coul be wrong as it could be their fault

 

[CliveV]

I agree. The frustrating thing is having to wait until Tuesday as I wanted to get it all set up for our first w/e away in it.

Clive

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Presumably you are operating 12V from the van battery and not the car via the 12 S lead

It sounds as though the fuse between the charger unit and the 12V has blown although that would not explain the 12V ceasing .I would look at the inboard fuses (not the 12N road light ones).They are sometimes as on our Ace hidden under the wardrobe floor or in some such illogical place.Good luck

 

[CliveV]

Thanks for that. Yes the 12V is from the van battery. Works fine as far as I can tell. I checked all the fuses I could find - both on the charger seem ok though the connection on the 230V does seem a little "vague" I have not come accross a recessed one like this before. It looks like it should clip into place but the outer plastic holder just seem to turn on the metal casing that holds the fuse. There are locating arms on this holder and slots in the body of the unit but I am not certain they are locating correctly.

I think this could be the problem but I am surprized it has "developed" this fault since the service. But then I am used to dealing with Lucas electrics on my Land Rover so nothing should surprize me!

The only other fuses I can find are located in the control panel and all of these look ok.

A caravanning friend has offered to come out and check it all over to make sure I am not doing something stupid but if no luck there I shall take it to the place I hade it serviced and get them to check it out whilst I am there.

Whilst not an expert I cannot see why when connected to the mains the RCD unit seems to function OK when I test it by pressing the "Leakage Test Button" - it trips out straight away, and the light on the charger is on suggesting that current is being recieved. So why does the mains conection disable the 12V system? - But when disconected the 12v system is OK?

Any thoughts from anyone? - Much appreciated.

 

[Willy_5041515]

There is usually a three position switch. Position 1 connects the caravan battery to the car alternator (through various relays in the car) so that the caravan battery is charged when you are towing. Position 2 connects the caravan 12 V electrics to the car battery so that you can run the 12 V caravan system off the car battery if you don't have a caravan battery fitted. Position 3 connects the caravan battery to the caravan charger and is the position you should select when on site with a hook up. Are you sure you have this switch correctly set? Bob

 

[CliveV]

No I am not sure. I have no idea where this switch is? I assumed such a control would be on the control panel (CP200) where the "Car Battery" switch is off and the "Pump" and "Lights" switch should be on when connected to the mains.

Many thanks for the input. Should I be looking for another switch?

 

[Willy_5041515]

No I am not sure. I have no idea where this switch is? I assumed such a control would be on the control panel (CP200) where the "Car Battery" switch is off and the "Pump" and "Lights" switch should be on when connected to the mains.

Many thanks for the input. Should I be looking for another switch?

There certainly is a 3-way switch on my Sterling and on my previous Swift. Having this in the wrong position on my van would produce the results you describe. Maybe this is not universal though. Sounds like a trip to your dealer is in order! Bob

 

[Roger]

No I am not sure. I have no idea where this switch is? I assumed such a control would be on the control panel (CP200) where the "Car Battery" switch is off and the "Pump" and "Lights" switch should be on when connected to the mains.

Many thanks for the input. Should I be looking for another switch?

Hi I am conecting a 12s pin to my new car can you tell me if the fridge goes to the ignition supply live or the perament live and what goes to the other the caravan is 2000 model thank Roger