How do my Electrics work?

[brookseysblues]

Hi,
I am brand new here and very green with campers. I have recently purchased a 1987 T25 1.9 Diesel Hi top and have already twice woken up on campsites to have a flat battery So I would really love some help in understanding the electrics in the van. The van has an Electrolux fridge (which runs off gas too), water pump, lights, Zig unit and electric hook up. It has two leisure batteries installed plus the engine battery. If I could have help with the following questions I would be over the moon
1 - The system is controlled by a big red isolation switch with the settings 1, 2, both or off. I really don't know whether the leisure batteries are 1 or 2 and also how I should ideally use this switch
2 - On the zig unit is the van battery the leisure battery? and also what is the aux switch for?
3 - We will mainly be staying on campsites with electric hook ups so what are the best settings?
4 - Will the fridge run off mains when on the hook up?
I have put pics of it all below.
Thanks in advance Peter


Behind Zig unit:

Switch under Rock & roll bed:

[baj25]

Hi,
I think that to fully understand this you'll need to get a meter on it, or get help fom someone.
But, I'll have a go at helping.
Big red thing I've not seen before.
My logic is that van battery would be leisure battery. Again by my logic, the aux switch is like a master switch for the 12v (whichever source is selected). The 3 fuses on the right must protect some 12V circuits, I assume you have some 12V lighting, and 12V normally needs to be on to run fridge on gas (for ignitor and flame detection). Aux switch would turn on power to these circits.
Fridge should run on mains with hookup, they usually have a 3 way switch, one position of which is mains.
You look to have a toroidal transformer there as well (the dougnut looking thing), so you could have a battery charger there (not sure what else the tranny would be there for?)
HTH, bri

[billybigspud]

More importantly, are them 230v mcb's/rcd in a box or just screwed there?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Big red switch is standard fitment on a lot of boats - it is a simple way of connecting two batteries, also using just one as a leisure battery. I start up on both and if moored up for an overnighter switch to a single so that you still have a starter fully charged the next day. You will have to trace the wiring to see if it is just connecting two leisure batteries or starter and one or two leisure. It could be being used simply as an isolator for the starter battery as anti-theft device. They can be rated for 300A or more so could be used in the starter circuit.

[brookseysblues]

More importantly, are them 230v mcb's/rcd in a box or just screwed there?

The are just screwed in under the rock & roll bed to the bottom of the cupboard and not in a box

[California Dreamin]

If I'm being completely honest with you (looking at the pictures), the electrics look like a 'dogs dinner' and appear to be in need of work to make things safe but at the same time could do with updating.
That charger/transformer is as 'basic' as it gets and the 230v 'mains side' is in a dangerous condition with bare exposed wire ends.

Martin

[1664]

If I'm being completely honest with you (looking at the pictures), the electrics look like a 'dogs dinner' and appear to be in need of work to make things safe but at the same time could do with updating.
That charger/transformer is as 'basic' as it gets and the 230v 'mains side' is in a dangerous condition with bare exposed wire ends.

Martin

I could not agree more

[brookseysblues]

I think a trip to the auto electrician is needed! Thanks for all the help. Can anybody recommend one in the Manchester area? Thanks again

[1664]

I think a trip to the auto electrician is needed! Thanks for all the help. Can anybody recommend one in the Manchester area? Thanks again

You need a standard electrician for the mains hook up wiring, an auto electrician won't be qualified to do it.