Motor mover switch Q.

[jimmyg352]

What’s the problem (if any) of towing whilst the motor mover switch, ie, the orange key, is in the ‘on’ position? Obviously the remote control unit is switched off.
Reason for asking is that ours is under a bed after it had to be moved because I can’t gain access to the leisure battery box when the van’s on the drive & I keep forgetting to turn it off!
Ta.

 

[RogerL]

What’s the problem (if any) of towing whilst the motor mover switch, ie, the orange key, is in the ‘on’ position? Obviously the remote control unit is switched off.
Reason for asking is that ours is under a bed after it had to be moved because I can’t gain access to the leisure battery box when the van’s on the drive & I keep forgetting to turn it off!
Ta.

Most motor movers turn themslves off automatically after a set time - otherwise they would add to the battery drain.

 

[Jcloughie]

I fitted an led light into the circuit. I found one that flashed and changed colour. So nice and obvious that it is left on, even though it looked stupid. Could perhaps be fitted in a corner of a window so does not have to be waterproof. I looked for a link but can’t find one, I think I got them from China.

In fact, I fitted another in my hall. Which tells me I have left the garage lights on, which I was always doing.

But otherwise, I agree with Roger.

John

 

[trevormonty]

There will be continous drain on battery running controller, won't be very high but could flatten your battery over a week or more.

If movers have automatic engage system there is very remote possibility it could be activated by mistake. . Activation could by radio signal from another device.
Would result in your wheels locking up

With manual engagement nothing to worry about.

 

[Woodentop]

Sorry, the above is wrong.
Powrtouch advised me that the only thing taking any current when it is not in use is a few milliamps driving the LED on the control box.
The receiver that brings it to life when the remote is activated is switched on for maybe 50mS every second or two. Given the receiver draws only tens of milliamps the average current the whole shebang draws when not in use can be safely ignored.
The handset and control box are digitally tied so there is zero chance of any other remote activating your unit.

 

[Dustydog]

In addition my Powrtouch instructions are very clear. The isolation switch MUST be switched off and the key removed. The switch is connected via a 120 amp fuse direct to the positive terminal of the battery. There is always the possibility of say vermin or some accidental movement that could dislodge the power cable causing a short and fire.

 

[Jcloughie]

In addition my Powrtouch instructions are very clear. The isolation switch MUST be switched off and the key removed. The switch is connected via a 20 amp fuse direct to the positive terminal of the battery. There is always the possibility of say vermin or some accidental movement that could dislodge the power cable causing a short and fire.

Do you mean 120 amp?

 

[Dustydog]

Do you mean 120 amp?

Yes John. Thanks👍I’ll correct it.

 

[jimmyg352]

Thanks for the replies so far. For clarification, the mover is a mechanically engaged type (big handle through 90 degrees) & the remote is activated by pressing 2 buttons at once.

 

[trevormonty]

Sorry, the above is wrong.
Powrtouch advised me that the only thing taking any current when it is not in use is a few milliamps driving the LED on the control box.
The receiver that brings it to life when the remote is activated is switched on for maybe 50mS every second or two. Given the receiver draws only tens of milliamps the average current the whole shebang draws when not in use can be safely ignored.
The handset and control box are digitally tied so there is zero chance of any other remote activating your unit.

No such thing as zero chance when it comes to radio interference. Given its manually engaged not a risk.

 

[ProfJohnL]

No such thing as zero chance when it comes to radio interference. Given its manually engaged not a risk.

I don't know what protocol manufacture's use but I do know from a project the company I worked for the testing and certification needed for a remote controlled similar system, was very detailed, and the link used a handshake protocol, and coded signals that used verification to check the integrity of signal before it would operate. This is the beauty of the digital system, because it is inconceivable that random radio interference would fullfil all the verification checks and cause it to activate.

 

[Seblo]

I don't think the car can charge the leisure battery with the mover switch turned on. Electrics aren't my best subject. Hopefully someone can confirm / deny

 

[Dustydog]

My Powrtouch does not in any way interfere with the charging of the Leisure Battery.

 

[Jcloughie]

I don't think the car can charge the leisure battery with the mover switch turned on. Electrics aren't my best subject. Hopefully someone can confirm / deny

It won't make any difference.

John

 

[Jcloughie]

On my last caravan, I fitted the motor mover myself and fitted the main switch in the front gas locker. Also fitted a second socket for the mains lead in there, for the same access issue when on driveway.

Both are inadvisable and possibly illegal from a gas safety point of view.

John

 

[Jcloughie]

I checked before doing it. Both perfectly legal, but I always remove gas bottle when at house anyway.
That said, gas cylinder should always be turned off when not in use, maybe not at a site, but certainly when travelling and at home.
My insurance policy demands gas cylinder is turned off when in "storage"
Why inadvisable. ???
I can think of plenty situations at home where gas and electricity are side by side. Gas hobs, CH boilers.
What about caravan fridges, water heaters, fires, . Gas and electric in the one unit.
Nobody turns gas cylinder on until set up (levelled and steadies down) anyway....I would hope.

I believe it has to do with the possibility, even though very small, of a gas-air mix accumulating in an area in which a spark may ignite. Particularly if Butane is used. The mover switch can deal with around 80 plus amp, so will spark, as do mains sockets while making contact.

I gave the choice of (1) inadvisable and (2) possibly illegal as I am not sure if it is actually illegal.

In domestic appliances, the gas is sealed from the electrical parts unless deliberately exposed to a spark.

At one time, manufacturers would mount a courtesy light in the gas cupboard. But I believe that was outlawed many years ago as it contravened a code.

But more info on this old post.

Adding a 12v point in gas locker

Can anyone see a hazard in fixing a fitting for our Coleman coolbox in the locker. We only would use this when on site as it would be back in the car when out, plus we would nearly always be on electric hookup so gas would not be on. I cannot see any problem can you?.

forums.practicalcaravan.com

And the actual regs are quoted in this link.

Electrics in the gas locker - Club 80-90 Forums

John

 

[ProfJohnL]

I checked before doing it. Both perfectly legal, but I always remove gas bottle when at house anyway.
That said, gas cylinder should always be turned off when not in use, maybe not at a site, but certainly when travelling and at home.
My insurance policy demands gas cylinder is turned off when in "storage"
Why inadvisable. ???
I can think of plenty situations at home where gas and electricity are side by side. Gas hobs, CH boilers.
What about caravan fridges, water heaters, fires, . Gas and electric in the one unit.
Nobody turns gas cylinder on until set up (levelled and steadies down) anyway....I would hope.

I am intruded to read that you checked the legality of your suggestion, becasue as a now retired professional, I know having a mains or 12V dc wire yet alone any switchgear or appliance's in the caravan gas locker has been outlawed.

I'm not going to get involved with any discussion on the rights or wrongs of the regulation as that is pointless as it is the law. You should also be made aware that transgressions of the Gas Safety Regulations fall under the Health and Safety legislation and as such convictions fall under Criminal law and can result is fines and custodial sentences.

This is a case of don't shoot the messenger.

 

[Martin_E]

Unless it’s a gas related item no electrical installations are permitted in the gas locker battery or other, not sure if it’s a BS standard or gas safety regulation.

 

[Buckman]

Not sure why there is a concern about what Davyayr did in a previous caravan that he owned as they could have been 50 years ago?

While I agree about no electrical fittings in the "gas" locker, but where is that stated in law when it involves a caravan with drop holes for gas to be vented out. Can a link be provided to put the issue to rest once and for all?

 

[Dustydog]

My 15 year old Wyoming has an OEM 12v light fitted in the gas locker. I too wonder the regs changed. Makes good sense to me

 

[Jcloughie]

Not sure why there is a concern about what Davyayr did in a previous caravan that he owned as they could have been 50 years ago?

While I agree about no electrical fittings in the "gas" locker, but where is that stated in law when it involves a caravan with drop holes for gas to be vented out. Can a link be provided to put the issue to rest once and for all?

The concern is that davyayr was advocating doing this for the OP. See #15

The current regulations are within the links I provided in #18

John

 

[Dustydog]

The concern is that davyayr was advocating doing this for the OP. See #15

The current regulations are within the links I provided in #18

John

I found this in the link but no reference to which year or the specific regs? Not sure if it’s an NCC, or one of the many LPGs? Whatever it seems a no brainer to me.

Regulation 712.528.2.1 states "No electrical equipment, including wiring systems, except ELV equipment for gas supply control, shall be installed in any gas cylinder storage compartment."
Regulations are changed very often these days . Hopefully no one is suggesting applying regs retrospectively😉

 

[Buckman]

I think those regulations apply to a domestic home and not a caravan, but the regs should include and specifically mention trailers.

 

[Jcloughie]

I can’t remember the year exactly, but I can remember the complaints when locker lights like yours stopped being fixed. Some manufacturers put one on the ‘A’ frame but that was a bit useless.

John

 

[Jcloughie]

I think those regulations apply to a domestic home and not a caravan, but the regs should include and specifically mention trailers.

I thought it was very specific.

John