Caravans and Connectable Installations
[ Last Updated 27 March 2006 ]
Q. In What Instances is RCD Protection Required for Caravans (Connectable Installations)?
A. In all new caravans/motor homes, etc, RCD protection is required when AS/NZS 3001 is being used as a means of compliance to provide personal protection. Note: RCDs in caravans are required to be double pole.
Q. Caravans Manufactured to AS/NZS 3000 Have an In-line RCD in the Supply Cord. Why Change to an RCD in the Caravan if the In-line RCD Needs Replacing?
A. The in-line RCDs are failing due to water ingress through the IEC 60309 plug top and flexible cable cores and are suffering mechanical damage due to being dropped or being run over by vehicles. RCD protection mounted in the switchboard protects the caravan installation but the supply lead is unprotected. However, this is no different to the majority of caravan supply leads when connected in a caravan park by an IEC 60309 plug.
Q. Does a Caravan Have to be Upgraded to the New RCD Requirements and Have the Neutral to Earth Link Removed to Obtain the Next WoEF?
A. No. Upgrading to new RCD requirements is not retrospective or mandated by the Electricity Regulations. However, upgrading is recommended. A bulletin detailing the work required for the upgrade is available from Energy Safety (Ph. 0508 377 4636) or download from here.
Q. What are the RCD Requirements for a Permanently Connected Caravan?
A. If a caravan is permanently connected to a supply of electricity, the provisions of AS/NZS 3000 apply, as the caravan then forms part of the electrical installation providing the supply. Refer to AS/NZS 3001 clause 1.1(i).
Q. What Proposals are Being Considered to Upgrade Old Caravans to AS/NZS 3001 Requirements to Provide RCD Protection?
A. While it is not proposed at this time to mandate upgrading of existing caravans to AS/NZS 3001 requirements (the provision of a RCD in the caravan switchboard and removal of neutral to earth link), a bulletin detailing the work required for the upgrade is available from Energy Safety (Ph. 0508 377 4636) or download from here.
Q. What are the Requirements for RCDs in Caravan Park Service Pillars?
A. Socket outlets to AS/NZS 3112 (three pin flat pin socket outlets) are required to be RCD protected. Socket outlets to IEC 60309 are not required to be RCD protected.
Q. What Internal Wiring Sizes are Permitted for Existing Caravans for WoEF Renewals?
A. The caravan internal wiring which complied with the Electrical Wiring Regulations, ECP 1 or AS/NZS 3000 section 701 requirements in force when the caravan was manufactured are acceptable for the renewal of a WoEF.
Q. Who may Undertake Caravan Park Re-inspections?
A. Electrical inspectors with a valid practising licence or those approved by the Secretary. The requirements for re-inspection are contained in NZS 3019.
Q. What are the Requirements for Caravan On-board Generators?
A. The requirements for the changeover switch to select the supply source to which the caravan is to be connected is given in AS/NZS 3001 clause 3.4.4.2 and requires both active and neutral supply connections to be switched by a multi-pole switch.
If the on-board generator is connected with one side of generator output earthed to the caravan installation earth bar, the switchboard protective devices and fitting switches may be single pole and are connected in the unearthed pole. The generator neutral to earth connection must only be present when the caravan is being supplied by the generator.
If the on-board generator is connected and operated as an isolated supply, the switchboard protective devices and fitting switches must be double pole and are connected in the active and neutral poles.
Q. What are the Requirements for Caravans Connected to Domestic Installations?
A. Connection to the domestic installation may be made by either an IEC 60309 16A socket outlet or a 15A or greater AS/NZS 3112 socket outlet (three pin flat pin) with an minimum IP rating of IPX4 or higher if in a exposed position. The socket outlet must be protected by an MCB with a rating not greater than the socket rating. An RCD should also be provided which would require the caravan to be upgraded to remove the neutral to earth link (if installed) and installation of a RCBO.
Q. What are the Requirements for Connecting Fire Service Appliances to the Electricity Supply?
A. Regulation 98 applies, which also requires that supplementary protection against electric shock (RCD or isolating transformer) is to be provided in the supply for the connection of the fire appliance. AS/NZS 3001 requirements apply to the fire appliance.
Q. Is Connection by 15A Three Pin Flat Pin Permissible for a Connectable Installation?
A. For caravans in a caravan park and pleasure vessels in a marina, either a 16 amp IEC 60309 (round pin) or a 15A 3 pin flat plug are options. There are no restrictions on the types of plugs and sockets that can be used for the supply of connectable installations in all other locations. For all supplies to connectable installations, excepting IEC 60309 types in caravan parks, supplementary protection against electric shock is required. Protection by an RCD or isolating transformer is an acceptable means of providing such supplementary protection. Each socket must be protected by an MCB of the same rating as the socket outlet.
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