g8dhe wrote:On my cable I have fitted one of these RCD'd about 8 inches from the plug so it doesn't lie in the grass, click for details,
this means that I am not relying on any possible RCD fitted by the site owner. Also the cable itself will be protected, in that if anybody runs over the cable in a vehicle and they damage it then if anyone picks up the cable they might get a shock, but the RCD will at least protect them (its a 10mA 30/ms device). Having taken the time to inspect a couple of sites where feed boxes etc. have been unlocked, I don't intend relying on any owner!
I would agree with Geoff regarding the RCD, especially as I am a very old man and probably
wouldn't survive a 30 milliamp shock anyway, particularly some of those as seen on Ebay.
However, while perfectly safe it may not comply with the IEE regulations if your vehicle
is registered as a motor home or camper van. As several other points discussed here are
related to this thread I thought I might check the regulations as my memory is not what
it was. Just a few observations if they are of any interest.
Part P of the IEE regulations has very little to do with caravans or camp sites, these are
covered in section 708 and 721 amended in the 17th edition. The link I provided was written
before the regulations were amended in the 17th edition but still remain true today as the
regulations only apply to new installations or major alterations or extensions to existing
installations.
All caravan sites usually need planning permission from the local council and part of that
planning permission will require that all electrical installations must comply with the
IEE regulations and any deviation from this requirement may result in the licence being
withdrawn. I can see an anomaly here in the wording of the licence, does it specify current
regulations, or the regulations at the time of installation ?.
Due to copy write law, it would be illegal for me to openly publish these regulations but I
don't see any harm in publishing my interpretation of some of the changes in the 17th
edition.
1:
The campsite supply sockets should be no further than 20 metres from the point of use, ie.
caravan, motor home, awning or tent, and each pitch must be provided with it's own socket.
2:
A maximum of 4 socket outlets can be used at each distribution point and therefore precludes
the use of double or triple adaptors, in other words, no more than 4 cables should be used
to distribute the electrical supply to no more than 4 points of use.
3:
Each distribution socket must be provided with it's own over-current protection and include
individual RCD protection not exceeding 30 milliamps tripping current and not exceeding 40
milliseconds tripping time.
4:
In a caravan or motor home an RCD must be fitted to the incoming supply with the same tripping
specifications as required for campsite distribution sockets. This allows to some extent for
those distribution systems that do not comply with the 17th edition of the IEE regulations.
5:
The only reference to hookup cables I can find are mentioned in section 721 which are:
Any caravan or motor home purchased by a user must be supplied with a plug complying with
BS EN 60309-2 and a flexible cable conforming to BS 7919 minimum size 2.5 mm and 25 metres
length. While the conductor insulation must comply with UK standards, green/yellow, brown
and blue, there is no mention of outer sheathing colour providing it complies with BS 7919.
It would be prudent to use an ORANGE sheathed hookup cable as many well known camp sites
have their own regulations demanding their use and they have the authority to eject you
from the site if you don't or won't comply, many others are less fussy and allow any colour
providing it complies with the relevant regulations.
) that is anything other than orange?.
.
