Caravan 240V wiring code

garyd · Newbie

Caravan 240V wiring code

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Hi Gary. Havent seen a post from you before and good to see you starting off with a good question.

I don't know the answer, but only replying to 1) because 61 people have already viewed your post and not msg'd you), and 2) to say welcome to the GN's.

I'm sure one of the electrical gurus will post up an answer to you soon, but if not, give your state consumer affairs dept a phone call. They will connect you with an electrical inspector who will give you the good oil and if the wiring is incorrect, advise you on your options (in W.A these guys are extremely helpful as I had to use them on a 240v warranty claim for my 'van)

PeterD · Guru

garyd wrote:
Noticed cable size was 1.5mm2.t&e. Follow up check all outlets & inlet wiring to main C/B,s again only 1.5mm2 t&e
Checked ASNZ 3000 Standard Code which indicates should be 2.5mm2.

Gary, do you have access to AS/NZS 3001. That is the applicable standard for Electrical installations - Transportable structures and vehicles including their site supplies.

The only thing I can see regarding your question is in Section 3, Permanent electrical installations in transportable structures. Under the heading "Wiring systems" 3.1.1 Size and type of cable indicates fixed wiring should be multi-strand or flexible cords having not less than 7 strands and not less than 1.0 mm2 (not the full wording.)

Maybe Oldtrack will be on in the next few days and confirm or amend my info.

garyd · Newbie

Thanks Bruce, Will check up with SA Authority

garyd · Newbie

Hi Peter, Just found out son's mate has has latest version so will check out on weekend.

I will also give SA Authority a ring

Thanks for you help. Gary

Cruising Cruze · Guru

G'day Gary

First of all welcome to this site

To come back to your question :

Maybe the caravan builder wanted to safe some money ( I would not be suprised )

I was flabbergasted with our new electric stove how thin the wires are in there

The electrician who installed it told that that was the norm this days

I'm wandering what your outcome will be

Cheers John

KFT · Guru

1.5 mm sq is rated at 16 amps and is used quite extensively in caravan manufacture.

as long as it is multi stranded cable it is quite acceptable under the wiring rules.

Frank

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

I think they are all into saving money (& weight) these days & using cable that just meets the regulations. When I pulled my fridge out a few years ago, I was stunned that they could use such thin cable! It makes a mockery when you see what they use to cable a house with & it carries the same load.

And the thinner metal chassis handle the rough stuff with ease. Mind you, if I built a caravan, it would weight ten tonnes (perhaps it's better that I don't)!

Warren

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

If rules are same as domestic wiring rules . It should be 2.5 mm sq . 1.5mm is light circuit .

KFT · Guru

AK the rules are not the same as for buildings.

1.5mm easily covers the max demand.

Frank

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yes the breaker will tell the size of wire . Load limiting .

Phil C · Guru

Welcome garyd, good place to be.

Just a thought or two on this one.

Thats interesting as our 2013 build Jayco has rather heavy multi stranded (way more than 7 strands and certainly fine than .2) 2.5mm sq (not TPS) to all the GPOs. AS3001 as mentioned by PeterD is an add on to the wiring rules for transportable units, however in most cases it cross refs to AS3000. It would seem the voltage drop in smaller runs is less than in a house (longer runs) so maybe thats the reason 1.5mm sq was used. Then again its cheaper for a roll of 1.5mm sq t&e than 2.5mm sq..

Mind you the 240V cable in our van is very difficult to work with so I suspect it was cheap and nasty, but it does comply with the codes for size and colours of conductors.

I would be very interested to see what PeterQ has to say as well.

Cheers

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

7.0.67 is 2.5mm sq cable . 7 strands of 0.67.. Make sure it's connected well in GPO . Doubled over .. Pretty sure 1.5 is single core ? Cable is also de rated if run through insulation etc ., voltage drop is not the issue its amps or load, wiring size should be the same on same circuit .

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 30th of June 2016 12:44:15 PM

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi
The Standards state All wiring forming part of the electrical installation SHALL have a conductor cross sectional area of not less than 1m sq and not less than 7strands[End quote]

Of course the actual size required will be in accordance with AS3000, based on loads & circuit protection

Vans fitted with a 15A inlet socket require Min 1.5mmSq. [7strand]

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Monday 4th of July 2016 01:12:23 PM

KFT · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
7.0.67 is 2.5mm sq cable . 7 strands of 0.67.. Make sure it's connected well in GPO . Doubled over .. Pretty sure 1.5 is single core ? Cable is also de rated if run through insulation etc ., voltage drop is not the issue its amps or load, wiring size should be the same on same circuit .

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 30th of June 2016 12:44:15 PM

AK we use 7/.050 which is 1.5mm sq stranded

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

All good . I compare some things with my motorhome and domestic wireing . Mine is higher rating and 2.5mm .. But "20 amp" breaker.,..