Club 80-90 Forums

Had a look in wiki and also on this section.

'Simple' questions.

Irrespective of where I lead the power into the bus, if I just want two discreet sockets and a hard wired battery charger (fused connection) will an in-line RCD directly after the input plug suffice or do I need a consumenr unit? Also if I wire the charger into the starter battery circuit, will the split charge system operate when the starter battery is charged and switch to the aux (when I get round to fitting one). Logic says yes to both of these but you never know with electrickery.

Unfortunately you get yourself into the whole camper regs conversation, ie: what are the current requirements for a camper mains install etc
Done to the book, then yes, a consumer unit is a requirement.

will the split charge system operate when the starter battery is charged

Not unless it's a 'SMART' voltage sensing relay....if it's a normal relay getting it's switching feed from the alternator, the relay won't switch just because the battery is on charge.
However, SMART relays WILL connect the starter battery to the Leisure battery once they sense the starter battery voltage rise above a certain point (normally around 13.5volts) and as most battery chargers are rated above 14volts this would mean the charger switching and connecting both batteries whilst on mains hookup.

Martin

Cheers martin
In what sense is 'by the book'? if I just use one of them hookup cables with three sockets and an RCD on the end I'm in the clear but if I wire the van up without consumer unit I'm not?

As with all professions there are strict intaller codes of practice & regulations governing how things are done to a current standard. All I can say is be sensible, don't cut corners and whatever you do be sure that it's safe,

Martin

My brother can advise on the electrical aspects (he's a meter reader) and I'm in H&S. I never cut corners with 240v. and I always ask the meter reader to check my work.

thanks for that.