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Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 04/2/2009

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I have sought clarification from the IET & the NCC.  I don't doubt what inthenightgarden is saying, but I do have two questions: -

1/ If you do a web search on this, nothing specific to the IET 17th edition or the NCC comes back, apart from a few threads on this site.  You think someone would have told us!

2/ Does this apply to tourers or just fixed wiring on sites/installations in static vans that are being rented out?

We shall see...

Steve.

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Back again.  Still no definitive answers.

IET say "The site provider has every right to expect caravaners have safe electrical installations and are well within their rights to request evidence of this. BS 7671 requires that all electrical installations are subjected to periodic inspections at regular frequencies, the resulting Periodic Inspection Report, assuming the installation is safe for continued use, can be submitted to caravan site provider as evidence."  Note the word can, not must.

BH&HPA say "The British Holiday & Home Parks Association is a trade association that represents park owners and managers in the UK and as such we do not advise consumers.  You may wish to contact the National Association of Caravan Owners who may be able to assist with your query"  No requirement there then.

NACO say "We have many members with contracts that commit them to a certain level of testing (gas & electricity) every year, so this sort of requirement is not uncommon. In most situations, the tests only become obligatory if the caravan in question is being let-out."  So they don't require testing for tourers either.

C&CC have not yet responded.  So, it sounds like the compulsory testing only applies to caravans that are rented out, not tourers.  However, site owners are within their rights to ask for test certificates, you just don't need to have one!

Hope that course wasn't too dear Inthenightgarden...

Steve.

Quote: Originally posted by inthenightgarden on 10/2/2009

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did you ask the ncc steve?



Post last edited on 10/02/2009 16:46:02

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Yes, but as yet no reply.

Steve.

Yes it's all True a Caravan has to be tested every 3 years by law! or yearly if used frequently. (Statics also)

I enquired late last year regards providing a service on-site to test a Caravan and Portable Appliances but was nearly laughed off this site so gave up.

Insurance companies Will use any excuse not to pay out in certain circumstances (ie FIRE). Yes we all think it is more money but that is the way things are going. A house (which a lot of people dont know) HAS to have a PERIODIC TEST REPORT done every 10 years whether or not work has been done! Some H.I.P.S require too.

The average house will cost between £40-£60 per circuit to be tested  (£250-£400 total) and will take a full forenoon/afternoon - any shorter and CORNERS ARE BEING CUT!

I am providing a service in the South Hampshire Coast area (based at Portsmouth) to come visit you and test your unit on-site or at home for between £40-£50 (plus fuel cost) and £2.50 per Portable Appliance. You will be provided with a full Test report for the Unit and Test Report for the PAT equipment (each Item Identified locally too and listed on Test Register)

A newly rewired Campsite HAS the right to refuse entry, why should they have to abide by the new regulations if the dodgey DIYer has wired his caravan to trip every 5 minutes on the same feed as yours. By Law you do not have to have your portable appliances tested but again the campsite has a right to ensure safety on THIER site. The cost of Life and the cost of your caravan are priceless compared to the small cost of a Periodic Test. Remember it is like an MOT too (only valid for time of test) so if you modify anything afterwards the report it will not cover it!!!! Wire colours have changed for a reason and full details are added to test reports!

I have been an Royal Naval Electrician for 22 years and have recently updated to the 17th Edition and Inspection and Testing and also recently updated my PAT qualifications. I am happy to discuss any questions for free or quotes via email to Brian at bjdeacon at ntlworld.com. Or ring me on 07861 295 436. I am small business so there may be a short period before i get back to you. I repect myself as being a very friendly safe fellow camper who has a skill available at a small cost. Full details of the regulations are available on request too

The 17th Edition costs £55 and can be read at a local library. IEE Guidance Note 3 also details £25.

To add!

An Earth Fault Loop Impedance meter is required to test an Installation / Caravan with RCD facility.

The job on a caravan should take about 2 Hours (properly done plus cup of tea and choccy biscuit time)

This wil involve removing light bulbs, Socket fronts, Consumer unit Wiring and various other checks. It may look like he is removing equipment but he should put them back as fitted unless originally fitted incorrectly.

The minum qualifications required are:

Test and Inspecting your caravan -  City and Guilds 2391-10 Inspection, Testing and Certiiification of Electrical Installations Inclusive of City and Guilds 2382-10 Requirments for Electrical Installations (BS 7671-17th Edition). 'They only need to be accreditied by the likes of the NICEIC/ELCSA/ECU/Part P etc... for Domestic Testing and reporting to the local council.

Portable Appliance Testing - You have to be classed as competent only, but to prove competency look for a City and Guilds 2377 Portable Appliance Certiificate as a minimum.

The normal cost of a test is ONLY for a test, faults found can cost you more to get repaired!!!!

Hope this helps some one.

OOOH and they can ask to see your PAT certificate for your Tent EHU TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and not all PAT testers will test EHU with RCD's fitted................so watch out for the dodgey DIYer.

REAL electricians PAY for courses for REASONS....not to hold the nose bag for the cowboys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!