Peter Bowman Towing Centre

PERIODIC ELECTRICAL TESTING.
 
Firstly may we set out that this is not meant to scare anybody or push them in to having this service done against their will. It is commonly something that is never thought of and needs pointing out.
The facts underlined below will help you to make a more informed choice if you think it is needed in your case.
 
'The caravan owner should be supplied with and be in possession of a completed and signed Electrical Installation Certificate issued by a "competent person". These should be originals, giving details of the caravan (make, model and VIN number) and signed by a "competent person". Photocopies are not acceptable.'
(CARAVAN CLUB DOCUMENTATION).
 
BRITISH STANDARDS
 
The distribution and supply of electrical power in the UK, as well as wiring installations in buildings, caravan sites and caravans is governed by the British Standard BS7671, 2001. The Supply Authority (Supplier) will not supply any building or caravan site until they are satisfied that the installation conforms to this British Standard. These details indicate the specification for new equipment. Older caravans and accessories may not meet all the requirements of the latest standard, but this would not generally mean they are unsafe nor inappropriate to use, subject to being in good condition. Service workshops or inspection engineers may point out deficiencies compared to the latest standards, and may recommend updating of the system to give a higher standard of safety. In some cases, upgrading may be necessary before having a new appliance fitted.
 
WHAT IS PERIODIC TESTING ?
 
Periodic Testing is the inspection and test of an electrical installation at regular intervals. Checking for faults, potential hazards both electrical and thermal relating to electrical and compliance with British standards. Also to check safety devices fitted to the vehicle are working correctly.
 
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT ?
 
These test are done on houses and more commonly commercial properties.
The importance to a caravan/motorhome is magnified by the fact the installation is constantly being transported and connected to different places.
Often people assume that everything will be working correctly until something dangerous happens and they are proved wrong.
 
HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE DONE ?
 
When purchasing a caravan new or old you should ask for the electrical inspection certificate. So having it done before the sale of a caravan can only be a plus point, it can even add value or could be the difference between two similar vehicles.
Life circumstances such as fostering children will require you to have a current electrical inspection certificate.
Depending on the caravan and the distance you cover relates to the length of time between inspections. This time can vary from 1 year to 3 years and is at the discretion of the person carrying out the inspection based on what has been found.
At the time any additions are made to a circuit it could be deemed necessary to first check the condition of the installation.
 
OTHER BENIFITS OF HAVING A CERTIFICATE
 
Some caravan sites are asking for proof of electrical safety before allowing people to couple up. This is only ever going to become more widespread and better to be prepared.
Built in safety devices such as RCD's need to be tested not only for operation but also timed in how quickly they operate. A faulty RCD could be one that doesn't react quickly enough and could be fatal.
Any earth bonding is checked, a visual inspection is not adequate as the contact surfaces are not visible. A resistance check should be performed to ensure it within safe limits.
Piece of mind, firstly that if the worst was to happen that you have the best possible safety equipment. Secondly that the likelihood of any thing happening is greatly reduced due to slight improvements and/or more understanding by you the customer.
 

Consumers do not often see the installations on their vehicles through the eyes of an electrician. They are often are very surprised at what seems to be little things that are pointed out can be very dangerous and can easily be made safer.
 

ON A FINAL NOTE
 
Why choose us?
 
We are fully qualified to carry out the above inspection and test.
We work on Caravans and Motorhomes everyday and know the systems used far greater than an electrician from any other background. As the test is greatly a labour charge this can cost less than someone who has to become familiar with the system.
We can combine the test at the same time as service, so all done at once.
You already know our work
We stock a large amount of spare parts and have an extensive range of suppliers for the quickest turnaround on repairs.