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Subject Topic: Caravan electrics in Spain Post Reply Post New Topic
18/5/2017 at 11:51am
 Location: Conwy Wales
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger G520-4
View DC2525's Profile View Profile   Reply to DC2525 Reply   Quote DC2525 Quote  
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Can anyone help with a question re caravan electrics abroard in Spain.

When I plugged in the electrics, using the usual blue plug, to the Caravan site electrics, I tested the connection using:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tester-Socket-Wiring-Electrical-Safety/dp/B00B7P2E6U

What shows up is 2 green lights and one red light whether the mains switch on the van is switched on or not. This is not one of the configurations on the front of the tester.

The guy at the campsite says it happens with UK vans and there is nothing to worry about. It is just the different wiring.

All electrics seem to be working fine in the van

Any help greatful.

Thanks

David


18/5/2017 at 12:23pm
 Location: Grantham
 Outfit: Caravan
View Russell Winter's Profile View Profile   Reply to Russell Winter Reply   Quote Russell Winter Quote  
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Did you find an answer to your question? I may be going to Spain shortly and I am interested this


18/5/2017 at 2:47pm
 Location: london
 Outfit: Elddis marquis majestic 185
View barry915's Profile View Profile   Reply to barry915 Reply   Quote barry915 Quote  
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Sometimes in Spain and France the live and neutral,are reversed in which case many people make up a polarity reverse lead, there are some threads on this forum.
In the case of the reverse polarity you may find that if you plug an appliance into the 13amp socket it might still work even though the socket is switched off ( Assuming the socket has a switch)
I am surprised that your tester does not tell you what the red light means, do you have access to another tester, perhaps from a friend
I am sure there will be someone on this forum that will be able to help you

-------------
Basa


18/5/2017 at 3:18pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View saxo1's Profile View Profile   Reply to saxo1 Reply   Quote saxo1 Quote  
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If the polarity is reversed then the tester would indicate it.
If the polarity is reversed an appliance won't work if switched off but the cable to it will remain live unless the switch is double pole.
That 13A plug in tester is OK for most faults but it won't display several quite serious faults.
It can't indicate a reversed neutral and protective conductor, or, if the earthing is TNC-S (which it shouldn't be on a campsite) it can't detect if the line conductor and the PEN conductors are reversed.
It can only indicate if an earth is present but not if it is low enough resistance to disconnect the supply quick enough to ensure safety.
It is difficult without being on site to properly diagnose what is causing the problem any suggestions would be pure guesswork!
The best thing is to test your RCD to ensure it works correctly and if you are concerned don't mess about with anything while it is plugged in or switched on and unplug anything that is not in use.
The RCD is your protection against electrocution!
saxo1


18/5/2017 at 4:00pm
 Location: Conwy Wales
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger G520-4
View DC2525's Profile View Profile   Reply to DC2525 Reply   Quote DC2525 Quote  
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Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have found that when the tester is plugged in the buzzer is intermitant and the red light shows constantly whether the plug switch is on or off. When it is on, the two green light also shine constantly. When the plug switch is off the green lights go out just leaving the red light on. The caravan site (from what I can understand of their English) say it is to do with the way the earth is wired and not to worry.


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18/5/2017 at 4:09pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View saxo1's Profile View Profile   Reply to saxo1 Reply   Quote saxo1 Quote  
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I tend to agree with what the site has told you.
saxo1



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