We are just returning from our 1st weekend in the caravan and yesterday am we could smell electrical burning on and off had a look around all seemed OK went out for the day came back to find no mains electric ? Checked fuses all ok went outside to ecu feed into van found electrical burning smell and connections both end lead and van sooty ? Any clues on why might of happened and what we should do to repair ?.
Loose connection,remove old plug and fit a new one,check the caravan socket for signs of overheating and check the insulation on the internal wiring at the back of the socket for insulation damage from overheating.If there is any sign of the conductor insulation being brittle or discoloured then replace the socket and the wiring to the cons unit.
If you don't feel competent then pay to have it replaced.
If you ignore it and don't replace it if it shows signs of overheating it will just overheat again due to the increased resistance possibly resulting in a more serious outcome,fire!
saxo1
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Usualy caused by a loose connection and the electricity arching between the loose posts,
I have seen this happen on two occasions, the first time the connections welded themselves together. Sounds like a new plug and socket is needed
Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 11/10/2015
Frankly, if you need to ask the question in your OP, then you need to get a qualified electrician to check the van over and make repairs.
The OP asked for advice not criticism!
Having receiced some advice they can enquire ,if they are unable to do it themselves,from electricians or a caravan workshop what the possible price for the repair s.
saxo1
yes get a new plug, or socket depending on whch end is burnt out, strip wiring back and make a clean connection, if you have the van stored at home run it and see what happens. ie running it as if you were away.
13 amp plugs and sockets can do the same in your home if not wired correctly, and pulling close to the max amp, and before anyone says the 17 edition makes you an electrition are wrong they are,anybody can take that exam to read, and understand the regs but cant do the job.
The EHU cables, especially the female connector at the caravan end, often fail because the connection is fairly tight and people pull on the cable and wriggle the connector to disconnect it
I agree, if one end is faulty then changing all three or at least checking all connections is the way to go,
saxo1