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Quote: Originally posted by Eric Siddle on 30/5/2013

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I have been trying to get a definitive answer on campsite hookups but get more confused. Any advice!!

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You probably wouldn't notice the difference but in the article it says that an RCD will trip in 40 milliseconds,it will only trip in 40milliseconds at 5 times its rated current,it can take 200 milliseconds at its rated trip.

 for a 30 mA RCD >150 mA less than 40 milliseconds  at   30mA 200 milliseconds,it might not seem a lot but it certainly feels like it!

Saxo1

It is only the live conductor that alternates  from +230 t0 - 230 the neutral remains at or about zero volts.In reverse polarity the live and neutral are reversed so that the neutral becomes the live conductor

It doesn't switch from + to - between conductors just on the live conductor.

Saxo1

Only class 2 is double insulated and doesn't  have an earth conductor,class 1 has an earth conductor.

An RCD won't trip on reverse polarity unless there is leakage to earth on one of the conductors to cause an inbalance on the RCD circuit,irrespective of polarity.

In mainland europe both the neutral and live conductors are switched(double pole) so it doesn't matter whether polarity is reversed or not as both conductors are broken by the switch.

If you are using modern equipment and the caravan/tent electrics are protected by 30mA RCD and MCB protected then the risk is miniscule.

Saxo1

Quote: Originally posted by david8858 on 31/5/2013

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In the old days before double insulation when the neutral lead was connected to earth in the appliance there might have been a problem - particularly for service engineers since the chassis of the equipment would be 'live' if the plug was wired incorrectly.

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