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Subject Topic: Simple electrics question ... one wire?
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PersonGabriel Oaks
19/3/2014 at 8:21am
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1979 Cadet only has one wire going to the light over the number-plate. In all my years I've never ever known any electrical appliance, battery or DC, to have only one wire.
Any ideas?
I want to replace it with a new light, but my new light has two wires.

I'm thinking, is the neutral from the old one going to the caravan body or something? I dunno. This one has me foxed.


PersonLobeyDosser
19/3/2014 at 8:52am
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If there was originally only one wire, then the earth must be through the body.
For the new light, the earth will have to be bolted to the body and the live joined to the existing live wire.

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Lobey.


Personjeff juke
19/3/2014 at 10:57am
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As Lobey says its the body of the light unit that will be going to earth.

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Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


Personmichell8
19/3/2014 at 12:09pm
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I recall a 70s caravan with earth return through body & there were always lighting problems due to bad earth. If you want to tow caravan on road I would suggest you rewire lights with wired earth return, it shouldn't be that difficult.


PersonGabriel Oaks
19/3/2014 at 1:42pm
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Excellent replies. I've rewired the front 'one wire' light with a proper cable for earth, but it's going to be very difficult to run a new cable to the light above the number plate, so I'll earth it on the body.

By the way, I wonder what the regulations are for not having a number-plate light? Anyone know? Is it a legal requirement? I'd guess not.


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Personmichell8
19/3/2014 at 1:49pm
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There are different regulations for pre 1986 trailers/caravans such as no rear foglight required but I think you will find a numberplate light is required.


Persontango55
19/3/2014 at 3:56pm
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The law regarding vehicle MOT's is that if a light is fitted it has to be working so I would imagine it would be the same for a trailer as well. After all, the number plate light is there for a reason that's why all trailer and caravan manufacturers have to comply to vehicle regulations and legally have to fit them by law.



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