We have a Peugeot boxer campervan and have had mixed info re the consumer unit as to whether we should switch it off when wintering or not using for a few weeks. Any advice
Quote: Originally posted by Roving pair on 24/1/2025
We have a Peugeot boxer campervan and have had mixed info re the consumer unit as to whether we should switch it off when wintering or not using for a few weeks. Any advice
Purely a personal choice but I don't really see much point in switching it off if the campervan isn't plugged into electricity. If you do leave it plugged in to keep the battery charged, then you wouldn't be able to switch the consumer unit off anyway or the charger wouldn't work.
I suggest you read the user manual for your particular control. If you don't have a copy, they are usually fairly easy to find online if you can find the make/model of the unit from attached label/graphics.
With my caravan, the unit handles 12v system, leisure battery charging and 240v system. The instruction is to switch off the master switch to save the unit discharging the leisure battery unnecessarily when not in use, and ALWAYS have it switched off when connecting 240v EHU.
Basically only switched on when towing/driving or in full use.
I must admit I never switch my consumer unit's master switch off. It only controls the 240 volt mains supply to the charger and other mains equipment, so turning it off would not affect whether or not the battery discharged through the charger. I have a battery master switch in my caravan which would prevent that though. That would only happen if the charger were faulty anyway.
It is not strictly necessary to switch off the mains master switch when connecting the mains supply, as long as you remember to always connect the lead to the caravan/campervan FIRST, and the supply second. If there is a problem the consumer unit should trip.
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