To zig or not to zig

Post by **maxstu** » 21 Feb 2008, 15:39

Hi all,
After a bit of reassurance to be honest.
We own a 1986 Transporter professionally converted by Bilbo's in 1990. We've owned the van since july '07 and love her. However, while I am happy with the 12 volt set up in this van, I'm a bit concerned about 240 volts. It does works well, despite being a tad basic. Afterall, bonfires are best outside, are they not?!

The 240 volts camping electrics are configured thus....
240 hook up through drivers window connects to 4 gang 13 amp socket mounted on cabinet behind drivers seat. One plug goes to fridge. One 3 amp plug goes to Spark Rite Model SBC4 (max. 4 amp) to charge both batteries. Er, I guess!!? Also there's a relay fitted next to car battery. Why??

This leaves two socket for other items...dvd player etc. The wiring look okay but a bit old and some wires have hardened.
Is this generally acceptable or should I invest (a lot!

) in a proper hook up point, onto a consumer unit then a charging zig?
Many thanks
maxstu

Post by **Titus A Duxass** » 21 Feb 2008, 15:51

I'm in the same situation as you.
I have a similar setup and have been using it so for the last 5 - 6 years.

I am tempted to hardwire mains in, but the costs must be considered and my system works.

The relay is probably the split-charging relay for charging both batteries when the engine is running.

Post by **matt-the-sign** » 21 Feb 2008, 15:56

Cant see that a proper hook up is any more safer, just more convenient, however I would deffo replace the wiring if its suspect and that wouldn't cost a lot .... my 2p worth

Post by **sherlock** » 21 Feb 2008, 15:57

Ive not even got a liesure battery. Just a long lead that goes in through the window with a 4 pin plug on the end, works fine but may think about proper hook up this year or at least a split charge. Is this a easy job ?

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 21 Feb 2008, 16:05

Doesn`t sound very safe. You should have an RCD unit as the first thing in the system before you plug anything into it.

I would do a proper install if you`re planning on staying alive

Mains socket in the side of the `van, wired to a 2 circuit RCD consumer unit, then from that wired to your various electrical items, fridge, on-board charger for the LB, mains lighting if you want it (you can stick with the 12V lights really as they run from the LB which will be charging) couple of mains sockets for plugging stuff in. Not a big job. All bits available from caravan or motorhome people. Try these:

http://www.rainbowconversions.co.uk/

Good mail order service

Post by **maxstu** » 21 Feb 2008, 16:06

Hi Sherlock, Matt & Titus,
thanks for the reassurance. Same here. It all works well and proper just me being a big girlie.
Will get some wiring replaced shortly.
I had a modern coachbuilt motorhome before this. With all dancing n singing electrics. But the thing had no character whatsoever. Just a big white overweight whale. Wish I had bought this dub years ago.

Cheers to all
maxstu

Post by **maxstu** » 21 Feb 2008, 16:15

Hi Westy,
Aaah yes. I see what you mean

A friend gave me a consumer unit made by HAGER. Good for 5 amps and and 10 amps. Max 25amps. Test button too! Looks Spanish made though and has something about 220volts on front. Any good? Would send a photo send a photo if I knew how!

Post by **Titus A Duxass** » 21 Feb 2008, 16:29

All the campsites that I have been on have RCDs in the lekky box where you plug in.

Post by **Willoughby** » 21 Feb 2008, 17:22

IMOH hard wired is the way.
If you still want to go for the through drivers window I would treat myself to one of these and make sure the van is earthed via the hook-up.
Will save the van becoming live if there are any probs.

http://www.abbeypowertools.co.uk/miscel ... 89301.aspx

K

Post by **Mocki** » 21 Feb 2008, 17:26

my personal opinion is that you should have a rcd, and not rely on campsites to keep you safe!

Post by **campervanman** » 21 Feb 2008, 20:05

Go the RCD route, especially if its one with a test button and a light that indicates the incoming supply is not kosher.
Some (foreign) campsites have electrical supply pillars with the live and neutral connections reversed and once found a site with live and earth reversed. Invest in one of those 13 Amp socket testers and use it to check incoming supply before you toast something expensive!

Post by **maxstu** » 21 Feb 2008, 20:58

Hi Willoughby, campervanman & Mocki,
I must admit the lack of RCD using 240 volts did cross my mind a few times.
Though we mostly wild camp and stay on 12 volts, we use camp sites every third day or so to shower, etc. And that's when we hook up.
More importantly, we are heading to Northern Spain and France in April.
This is where I'm getting nervous. I've heard many a story about poor two pin bodges without earth wires etc. I like my hair straight if you know wot I mean?

Willoughby I like the inline RCD by Draper. where the best place to wire it in? To orange hook up cable just behind plug so it's inside van? Will this earth my van too? Will this solve worries mooted by campervanman ?
Thanks to all
maxstu

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 22 Feb 2008, 15:23

My old fella used to have a good saying:

"you`re a long time dead"

Post by **maxstu** » 22 Feb 2008, 15:31

Hi Westy,
Ne'er a more true proverb! Have RCD ordered and am going to renew 240 lekkie.
cheers
maxstu