On my last day of camping recently, the mains on my caravan tripped (and tripped the on-site supply box). I haven't been able to reset it (i.e., it keeps tripping). The site owner checked his box and there was no problem - and I checked it again when I got back to the storage park and it tripped again. So it's certainly something to do with the van.
I'm looking for suggestions as to what I should do - it doesn't seem to me that any individual fuses have gone.
I wondered whether it might be something to do with the battery. I know that the battery lost its charge a year ago (I left it connected over the winter) and I haven't had it re-charged. I was wondering whether this could have anything to do with it? I believe that the mains runs through the battery when on-site: assuming this is correct, would a flat battery lead the mains to trip?
It could be a faulty EHU cable or it could be possibly damp on the round pin connections. Spray some WD40 into the contacts first on each end of the cable and also the caravan 240 volt connection as this will eliminate any damp and clean any surface corrosion. If that fails then get a 3 pin 240 volt mains tester with a lead that has a 3 pin plug at on end and EHU connection on the other and test the cable that way. If the tester detects a fault then you have found the problem and need to replace the lead EHU cable. If that proves satisfactory then it has to be something more sinister which is in the 240 volt mains circuit itself in the caravan. Basically you have to start at the beginning and rule things out as you go along but if you are coiling your EHU cable too tight this won't help as it is likely to crack the cable insulation which will cause a short circuit and this will also trip the electrics. I roll my EHU cable up when finished and store it in a proper EHU cable bag as this helps to keep the contacts dry and free from any dust. You may need a 3 pin adaptor to link the two 3 pin plugs together but as a general guide, the type of cable and mains tester are shown in the links below.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Electric tripping
