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Cable snap ? Dear oh dear. There isn't a transformer in an EHU, perhaps you meant an RCD which doesn't really matter because camp sites are required by law to have those installed at the hook up point. 

Quote: Originally posted by Safeway56 on 20/3/2010

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Cable snap ? Dear oh dear. There isn't a transformer in an EHU, perhaps you meant an RCD which doesn't really matter because camp sites are required by law to have those installed at the hook up point. 

 

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get over your own arrogance.

I actually admit i know next to nothing about anything diy based.  However, arrogance like you are showing is not called for either.

Some people like me like piece of mind.  Cable snaps are quite easy and can occur if a car runs over the cable.

just because u perceive yourself as competant enough to ressolve the issue on site, don't assume others feel the same way.

Quote: Originally posted by gillychick on 20/3/2010

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john i dont think for a minute safeway was being arrogant i think you maybe just read it wrong and over reacted?

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What I have done in the past, is to take my unit down to the campshop and asked them to test it.  All they've done is plug it in, and used an electrical item.

I had a problem with my unit.  Even a couple of electricians would'nt look at. As it was under guarentee.  In the end I swapped it for another one.

Quote: Originally posted by dadsbeaniemad on 20/3/2010

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Safeway - if I remember right you had a bad fire in your van???? how are things now - have you managed to keep camping? Any plans for his year?

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I no longer have a camper van...We've got a caravan but we much prefer tents(anybody want a caravan ? going cheap) You've got more room in tents and the air is so much fresher, so much so that on the first camping trip of the year last year we slept the clock round...8.30pm till 8.30am. Something we've not done for years. The only problem is I just can't stop buying tents...we've got seven on the last count but even worse I started collecting cooking stoves and now can't stop that also. I've got a six foot tall shelving unit filled completely with stoves of all descriptions...gas...dual fuel...primus stoves...meths burners...you name it I've got it. I'd camp the year round but the great she-devil won't have it and I'd feel a little uncomfortable on my own. 

Quote: Originally posted by dadsbeaniemad on 20/3/2010

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I have another solution to testing it mantrachant

A night away very close to home ..... just for ehu testing puposes of course.
If you go to Worsbrough then it's near enough home to be OK if all is not well

What could be better - a night away to check it out.


http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=3122

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Quote: Originally posted by Safeway56 on 20/3/2010

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What's to go wrong with an EHU lead?...The worse that can happen is a loose connection which doesn't require the engineering skills of Brunel to remedy.

. 

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Think we're talking about the whole unit here rather than just a lead....

Rats and such chew electrical cables. The unit could get wet if stored under a drip. Or your Hubby could place a large tea chest of books on it, sigh. Fortunately, our unit survived......

Quote: Originally posted by dukedog on 22/3/2010

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As a professional electrician can I just add a few words of advise?
A lot of what has been said is fine no problems with that.
Just plugging in and trying an appliance on the other end is NOT much use as a test for electrical safety!
What I do is carry out a visual check first. Check the cable for any signs of damage, ie cuts and abrasions to the outer sheath.
Then.. Check the connections in the plug for security and tightness. The connections MUST be tight. loose plug connections are a major factor in fires caused by electrical equipment.

I have the luxury of a proper test instrument for checking the trip times and current of the RCD but I appreciate that the average camper will not have this.
so...
all you can do is plug it in, use one of those polarity/earth test plugs and check all is OK.
Finally operate the "test" button on the RCD.
It should disconnect the supply instantly.
If it does not, take it to an electrician and have a new RCD fitted.
(Mind you it will probably be cheaper to by a new unit!)
Hope this helps some of you.
As ever
Frank

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I do like posts like this. Clear sensible advice from someone who actually knows the drill.

Quote: Originally posted by dukedog on 22/3/2010

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As a professional electrician can I just add a few words of advise?
A lot of what has been said is fine no problems with that.
Just plugging in and trying an appliance on the other end is NOT much use as a test for electrical safety!
What I do is carry out a visual check first. Check the cable for any signs of damage, ie cuts and abrasions to the outer sheath.
Then.. Check the connections in the plug for security and tightness. The connections MUST be tight. loose plug connections are a major factor in fires caused by electrical equipment.

I have the luxury of a proper test instrument for checking the trip times and current of the RCD but I appreciate that the average camper will not have this.
so...
all you can do is plug it in, use one of those polarity/earth test plugs and check all is OK.
Finally operate the "test" button on the RCD.
It should disconnect the supply instantly.
If it does not, take it to an electrician and have a new RCD fitted.
(Mind you it will probably be cheaper to by a new unit!)
Hope this helps some of you.
As ever
Frank

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