Power Distribution Panel
Moderator: Doone
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- Tribal Elder
- Posts: 601
- Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 6:25 am
Power Distribution Panel
On the winter jobs list is fitment of a 240v hookup.
I was wondering what peoples preferred options are for power distribution panels, I'd like one with RCD's & battery charger built in if possible, to work alongside my solar circuit.
I was wondering what peoples preferred options are for power distribution panels, I'd like one with RCD's & battery charger built in if possible, to work alongside my solar circuit.
Re: Power Distribution Panel
keep your eyes peeled on ebay I got a used one of these a while back for £17
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Caravan-Motor ... 27dac233c6
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Caravan-Motor ... 27dac233c6
prior owner of >>>>1999 2.5 diesel ex tin top &FORD FREDA 2000 2.0 LTR PETROL
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- Tribal Elder
- Posts: 601
- Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 6:25 am
Re: Power Distribution Panel
Yes - the solar charger, and your EHU charger both go to your LB direct - the same connections. They are both battery chargers and will both stop when your battery is full.
I don't bother with power management units - they are very caravan oriented.
In mine I have an Amperor 3 stage charger and power supply:
http://www.amperorassociates.co.uk/c-ba ... 3_18A.html
(I actually have the 25 amp version as it was only a tenner extra).
This unit powers your fridge etc, and properly charges your LB - 3 stage charging with a float top off charge when full, when you are plugged into the mains.
No need for a fairly pointless control panel installation either.
I don't bother with power management units - they are very caravan oriented.
In mine I have an Amperor 3 stage charger and power supply:
http://www.amperorassociates.co.uk/c-ba ... 3_18A.html
(I actually have the 25 amp version as it was only a tenner extra).
This unit powers your fridge etc, and properly charges your LB - 3 stage charging with a float top off charge when full, when you are plugged into the mains.
No need for a fairly pointless control panel installation either.
http://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk Solar panel solutions for campervans
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- Tribal Elder
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- Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 6:25 am
Re: Power Distribution Panel
My only issue with that is the lack of integrated RCD panel or mains output (SWMBO would like to power her hair straighteners/dryer)
Re: Power Distribution Panel
I put a single domestic RCD in the van hidden in a cupboard. From that goes cable to the twin power sockets mounted on a cupboard panel, and then another wire goes directly to the Amperor power supply/charger (so it gets switched on when you are on hoohup).
http://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk Solar panel solutions for campervans
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- Tribal Elder
- Posts: 601
- Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 6:25 am
Re: Power Distribution Panel
So a simple consumer unit like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IP55-2-Way-Ga ... 1e9279edc3
whilst at college I was trained in domestic wiring, so I'm OK with the bulk of the work. I'm assuming the locating the consumer unit in the same cupboard as the gas bottle is a massive no no & obviously the camper body has the be earthed to the inlet in several locations.
whilst at college I was trained in domestic wiring, so I'm OK with the bulk of the work. I'm assuming the locating the consumer unit in the same cupboard as the gas bottle is a massive no no & obviously the camper body has the be earthed to the inlet in several locations.
Re: Power Distribution Panel
Exactly. A simple RCD consumer unit.
http://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk Solar panel solutions for campervans
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- Tribal Elder
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Re: Power Distribution Panel
Still trying to decide whether to hack a hole in the side of the van for an inlet plug or to locate it under the rear somewhere.
Re: Power Distribution Panel
I mounted mine on the towball bracket on the spare caravan plug side. If I were to do it again I'd cut a hole and flush mount one as its not difficult.
http://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk Solar panel solutions for campervans
- Simon Jones
- Supreme Being
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- Location: Salisbury (ish), Wiltshire
Re: Power Distribution Panel
I've got a Zig CF8 but as mentioned it's pretty pointless. I've got one if these bad boys ready if I get round to changing it: 45A and supports charging both batteries.
Re: Power Distribution Panel
That looks fine, the big difference is you cant use twin and earth solid core, you must use flex.Mark Elvin wrote:So a simple consumer unit like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IP55-2-Way-Ga ... 1e9279edc3
whilst at college I was trained in domestic wiring, so I'm OK with the bulk of the work. I'm assuming the locating the consumer unit in the same cupboard as the gas bottle is a massive no no & obviously the camper body has the be earthed to the inlet in several locations.
I would fit several earth connections and ensure they are strapped together.
Remember the RCD should be tested every year or so and check the security of the earths
Just take note unless you are 100% happy don't do it your self
http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ... tatistics/
- helen&tony
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Re: Power Distribution Panel
Hi
I have a small consumer unit and socket in the rear...like Dodgey...and the inlet is mounted to the towbar on sheet steel held to the towbar wit a few jubilee clips...Easy access in the event of repair, and the wiring goes through the rear passenger air exit.
The whole thing is so that I can just connect my C-Tek when I need to top the Bongo battery up, as I use a dash-socket for the C-Tek. I have a separate mains hookup for the awning. Photos available.
Cheers
Helen
I have a small consumer unit and socket in the rear...like Dodgey...and the inlet is mounted to the towbar on sheet steel held to the towbar wit a few jubilee clips...Easy access in the event of repair, and the wiring goes through the rear passenger air exit.
The whole thing is so that I can just connect my C-Tek when I need to top the Bongo battery up, as I use a dash-socket for the C-Tek. I have a separate mains hookup for the awning. Photos available.
Cheers
Helen
In the beginning there was nothing , then God said "Let there be Light".....There was still nothing , but ,by crikey, you could see it better.
- mikexgough
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Re: Power Distribution Panel
RCD consumer unit here too feeding 2 rcd 13 amp sockets.... feeding also a Lidl Battery charger built in and also a Maplin 12v 8 amp power supply for an additional 12v socket which can power the Cf18 waeco from the mains... if needed
In the main....I rarely use the 240v set up these days.....the odd connect up for a vacuum cleaner and fan heater and the battery charger could be used of we end up too cloudy and the leisure needs a top up...
In the main....I rarely use the 240v set up these days.....the odd connect up for a vacuum cleaner and fan heater and the battery charger could be used of we end up too cloudy and the leisure needs a top up...
Conversant with Bongo Top Pinion Oil Seals
Bongo owning Velotech Cycle Mechanic
Bongo owning Velotech Cycle Mechanic