Help! Advice needed on Electrics, Please.

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Copyright Just4me.NL

slaphead

Hi All,
Started to prep my new (old) caravan, ready for the school summer hols. I'm a total virgin to caravanning and just one look at the electrics (once I'd found 'em, hidden under a seat!) was enough for me to know that I need help!
pic is of what's in the seat/cupboard space. Problem is, what are all the different bits, and what should be connected to which (if you see what I mean?). Any help or advice would be very,very welcome. I'm competent with domestic and vehicle wiring, but have never even seen a set-up like this before. Confused

I have More pics if needed.

CLTouring · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

That is some very nasty wiring you have there. if that was mine, the first thing I would do is to remove any wiring that has no purpose. In your case, you seem to have lots of that judging by all the dead ends and insulation tape.

slaphead · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject:

Langy01 · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:44 pm Post subject:

I think the first thing I woudl do is speak to an engineer at you rlocal dealer. They are usually more than happy to advise even where they will not get the work.

Second thing as you quite competent with electrics I'd disconnect everything and meter it all back to trace it all down and totally tidy up those wires.

It shouldn't take too much to sort out the 230V first as this is pretty minimal. The 12V supply should then be easily traced for the lights, pumps etc.

Good luck.

Paul

Challenger · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:48 pm Post subject:

That lot looks awfull. Looks like the previous owner has disconnected lots of things and not made the system safe. Take it all out and start again if I was you.

leonips · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject:

Hi Slap,
at first I was amazed but I don't think its that bad,

firstly when you connect the mains do the sockets and 240v bits all work,
if they do, then disconnect the mains and put the lid back on the trip box the small LED, with 2 white wires and knobly thing should sit inside this box there may be a hole or holder it fits in, this tells you the mains is on when lit.

now for the choc block bits on the floor this looks to me like your caravan road lighting loom connections, and your car supply to the fridge and caravan battery.

trace the 12s and 12n sockets and wires into the van.

if your road lights work, leave alone, if not here is the place to look.
you may want to get a pencil and paper and make a note of which wire connects to which. a roll of white tape and a pen to write on it helps.

I suspect that the caravan battery was connected here at some time and was charged from the car aux supply but you will have to tests this system out.

If you don't feel confident with messing with this I suggest you make all the spare ends which are taped separately into proper butt end crimps which you can buy at car outlets, remember even 12volts can cause some severe damage and even a fire so make sure that the a no bare conductors showing

Good Luck.

Langy01 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:06 pm Post subject:

Do you have any update on how you have got on with the rewiring etc?

Paul

slaphead · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone, for the replies, your interest and advice.
TBH, I haven't had time to get to grips with this yet. Amongst other things, I have spinal injuries which means that I'm not very mobile, so I have to have the right day, frame of mind and decent weather before I can start! Please don't think that I'm ignoring your advice, I've taken it all in and printed most of it out, so that I can remember what to do once I'm out in the van!
Thanks again everyone, I WILL update as soon as I can. (Honest!) Wink

Langy01 · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject:

Thanks for keeping us informed. I hope you have many good days ahead of you so not only can you get the electrics sorted out but enjoy the Caravan fully.

I look forward to hearing an update.

Paul