Power Distribution Panel

[Mark Elvin]

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.

[Colin H F]

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

[Mark Elvin]

One question. do people normally connect their solar charger direct & their charger feed from the PMS, both direct to the battery.

I'm hoping my RCD/distribution panel will fit into one of the wheel boxes on the rear conversion.

[Dodgey]

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.

[Mark Elvin]

My only issue with that is the lack of integrated RCD panel or mains output (SWMBO would like to power her hair straighteners/dryer)

[Dodgey]

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).

[Mark Elvin]

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.

[Dodgey]

Exactly. A simple RCD consumer unit.

[Mark Elvin]

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.

[Dodgey]

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.

[Simon Jones]

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.

[winchman]

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.

That looks fine, the big difference is you cant use twin and earth solid core, you must use flex.
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]

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

[mikexgough]

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...