Campervan electrics....

[timo1]

Hi. I have just bought a vw van, and its my plan to install a 240v system ( for hooking up at campsites) as well as a 12v system to run off of an aux battery.

Im obviously happy with the regs re flex being used, separation etc, but given that the 12 v system uses the chassis as its 0v, is it ok to use the chassis as an earth for my RCD unit? I was thinking of positioning a met block connected to the chassis, which my CU will use, and also using it for the 12v system (I intend to put a small 12v fuse board near the RCD C/U.

I realise that the CU has to be earthed, so can't see any other way!

I think it seems right, and sec 721 does not seem to disagree but would be very grateful for your views.

 

[telectrix]

your CU will be earthed via the hookup. someone on here will be more conversant on this subject than i am. as the vehicle itself is insulated from earth by 4 rubber tyres, it's not extraneous. i'll reserve my opinion till better minds have responded.

 

[Rampantchilli]

I thinks ok,you'd need to bond to the metal work, ie the vehicle anyway, so should be ok, your main earth connection will of course use the hook up.
are you intending to fit a ZIG unit? That would work well in a camper, used in most
factory conversions in VW based campers, or caravans

 

[timo1]

Hi. Thanks for the responses. I am keeping it pretty simple as its going to be a day / surf type of bus, so I was going to just use a relay that switches the aux battery on when the ignition is off, and a couple of 240v sockets. Im enjoying it actually, the cables on the vans are easy to run and there are so many things you can buy to sort the interior out. Ive picked up a couple of decent sized jobs lately so am struggling for time, but I am determined to get out in the van!!