Ukdave; our caravan is on our domestic mains,[via a purpose wired external Blue connector outlet] but that's consumer unit includes its own RCD, does that not offer the protection from what concerns you?
The course of this thread has opened a number of concerns for me. I am not asking mickyriff to offer any explanation as it's clearly a very personal and therefore private matter, but it does raise a number of questions and matters you should be aware of.
Living full time in a caravan makes the caravan a domestic residence, and subject to planning oversight at the property where its used.
As a permanent resident, you should of course be included in council tax calculations.
If the caravan is deemed a "permanent residence" it becomes subject to different and more stringent regulations covering electrical, water and gas systems, and who is legally permitted to work on them.
The arrangement he has with his friend may be deemed to be a tenant and landlord situation.
I stress I'm not asking mickyriff to respond to these points I have mentioned them in case he hasn't considered them
Living full time in a caravan makes the caravan a domestic residence, and subject to planning oversight at the property where its used.
As a permanent resident, you should of course be included in council tax calculations.
If the caravan is deemed a "permanent residence" it becomes subject to different and more stringent regulations covering electrical, water and gas systems, and who is legally permitted to work on them.
The arrangement he has with his friend may be deemed to be a tenant and landlord situation.
I stress I'm not asking mickyriff to respond to these points I have mentioned them in case he hasn't considered them
Its is quite old. 2003 i think. Lunar zenith 6. Uses a truma heater.
No through the week i am in work and dont usually get back till tea time or later. So its just nights through the week. So mainly just been using it a few hours at night. Although i have left it on all day a few times. And probs both the electric rad and truma at the same time once or twice. That would explain the spike it electric bill.
Unfortunately an RCD won’t provide any protection in the event an external neutral fault. I found this short video that explains it, and the dangers very clearly.
The TN-C-S earthing system that it applies to, is the most commonly used earthing for domestic properties in the UK.
What about one of these diesel heaters, run on red or kerosene which is cheaper than pump diesel. (£178)
Hcalory 12V 5KW-8KW Diesel Air Heater Toolbox bluetooth APP
Available on ebay, not sure if I could post a link but a search will bring it up
Hcalory 12V 5KW-8KW Diesel Air Heater Toolbox bluetooth APP
Available on ebay, not sure if I could post a link but a search will bring it up
I stopped heating my green house as the cost of paraffin was far more than auto diesel. Unless you get bulk kerosene it's nota good option. Is it legal to use Red fuel at reduced duty in a domestic caravan, I know it's okay for heating in domestic premises and boats etc. So I guess a caravan might be covered.
According to the images of this model on google it does use a Truma model probably a 3002 size able to produce 3.2kW of gas heating under thermostatic control.
From your other comments it probably also has the Truma Ultraheat 2kW electric element and hot air distribution system.
Yes it's legal - it's also legal to use red diesel in a motorhome for heating purposes as long as it has it's own tank and the system is completely separated from the road fuel.
I am going to get gas as well. But As its quite old and i dont think its been used in a long time with gas. Not sure if it all works correctly. I:e. Pipes and connectors etc.
Even if it was, my post was suggesting to take a look at a specific diesel heater. As it's a stand alone unit, all that would be required is a 12volt supply and a pipe to duct the warm air into the van. I heat my bungalow in winter with a similar one of these. They use very little fuel when up to temperature. They are being used a lot in garages, sheds and homes as can be seen on the FB Group.
I have looked at the listing for this. It has no flue so its classed as an open flue appliance and it must not be used in a small space such as a caravan
THIS COULD BE LETHAL AS IT PUTS ITS PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION FUMES INTO THE LIVING SPACE. AND IT'S NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN A CARAVAN.
I am seriously concerned that you do not appreciate how dangerous non caravan approved appliance's might be in such a small living space.
If you are going to spend money. use it to get a mobile engineer to come and check out your caravan, as you seem to be ignoring the systems you already have could use.
Don't be a fool with the lives and property of you and your friend. It's that important.
THIS COULD BE LETHAL AS IT PUTS ITS PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION FUMES INTO THE LIVING SPACE. AND IT'S NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN A CARAVAN.
I am seriously concerned that you do not appreciate how dangerous non caravan approved appliance's might be in such a small living space.
If you are going to spend money. use it to get a mobile engineer to come and check out your caravan, as you seem to be ignoring the systems you already have could use.
Don't be a fool with the lives and property of you and your friend. It's that important.
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They are not fumeless they only claim smokeless which is a very specific claim.
When ever a fuel oxidises (burns) it extracts Oxygen form the air and leaves various other products such as Carbon Monoxide, (CO) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) , and Water vapour. (H2O) Each of these displace the available oxygen and can effectively suffocate in small places. But the worst is CO which is called the silent killer with good reason.
When ever a fuel oxidises (burns) it extracts Oxygen form the air and leaves various other products such as Carbon Monoxide, (CO) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) , and Water vapour. (H2O) Each of these displace the available oxygen and can effectively suffocate in small places. But the worst is CO which is called the silent killer with good reason.
- DO NOT USE THIS TYPE OF HEATER IN A CARAVAN. I CANNOT EXPRESS THE DANGERS ENOUGH.
I appreciate your concern. But why would they be allowed to claim for indoor use? And small work spaces. Living rooms. Etc.. most reviews seem great. But you now have me wondering. Would burning the gas with the truma not be the same?
Parksy
Moderator
A caravan heating appliance has a flue which directs the harmful fumes away from the interior of the caravan.
We can't tell you what to do, but the Prof is right, CO2 inside a caravan can be deadly.
I wouldn't take the chance.
www.nidirect.gov.uk
We can't tell you what to do, but the Prof is right, CO2 inside a caravan can be deadly.
I wouldn't take the chance.
Carbon monoxide dangers if camping, caravanning or boating
Everyone is reminded about the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning away from the home. It's important to be aware of the risks when staying in a tent, caravan or in a boat cabin.
No, the Truma has a sealed flue so the products of combustion do not enter the caravan.
MAybe consider a different van? Mine runs plenty warm enough on 500w from the heater even in deep winter. I only run it warmer when it's starting cold, and then only for max 30 mins. That's less than 20p an hour to run. Change out your lights to led too (12v ones) . Surprising how much electric they can use.
Alternatively a diesel heater as suggested is a good idea. Can be plugged into your warm air vents if you have blown heating to, and as mentioned cheap to run!
Alternatively a diesel heater as suggested is a good idea. Can be plugged into your warm air vents if you have blown heating to, and as mentioned cheap to run!
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