hook up circuit breaker switch

[alstevens]

having only recently discovered this switch ( wondered why the hook up would not work....) is there any reason not to leave it on all the time ?????

cheers folks

al

 

[Hotel California]

It only functions if the hook- up cable is plugged in.
Tip: give it a frequent test by pushing the small grey button on top while on hook-up It must switch off....

 

[AlanC]

It is a circuit protection breaker so can be left on all the time. It will trip if there is a problem with the electrics. Test occasionally and forget until it trips.

Alan

 

[Hotel California]

It is a circuit protection breaker so can be left on all the time. It will trip if there is a problem with the electrics. Test occasionally and forget until it trips.

Alan

This only reference when on hook up !
If not on hook up and there's a problem with elec. a fuse will blow....

 

[AlanC]

This only reference when on hook up !
If not on hook up and there's a problem with elec. a fuse will blow....

Yes, if you have a problem with any of the leisure power when off hook-up then yes the relevant fuse will blow. The same applies when on hook-up, so no change in relation to this either on or off hook-up.

The Residual Current Breaker (RCD) which the breaker is called, is a safety feature, installed to break the van off power completely and very quickly in the event of some electrical problem, and thereby protecting you.

The mains power passes through this RCD first, before powering any of the van circuitry, such as the battery charger and the power socket on the side of the kitchen unit. Actually, hook-up only powers these two things.

As it is a protection, it can be left in the up position and forgotten about, until, that is, it trips for some reason. Always worth testing it though, to make sure it is functioning properly

BTW, all UK electrical house installations have this breaker installed too. This is the best protection you can have from an electrical shock, as it will trip, in the event of a problem, in a micro second.

Alan

 

[jts46]

It will also trip if you draw too much current, in excess of 10amps.

John

 

[larrylamb]

"BTW, all UK electrical house installations have this breaker installed too. This is the best protection you can have from an electrical shock, as it will trip, in the event of a problem, in a micro second."

Not all Alan, only ones that comply with the 16th and 17th edition electrical regs. Lots of houses still have basic protection against overload and none for earth leakage faults.

 

[Hotel California]

....it does NOT work OFF hook-up ....
There is no power going thru from the lesure batts. Only 220v!
Try the test button if not on hook-up ...nothing will happen.

 

[larrylamb]

....it does NOT work OFF hook-up ....
There is no power going thru from the lesure batts. Only 220v!
Try the test button if not on hook-up ...nothing will happen.

Which post are you referring to?

 

[Raggedroy]

The test button does not test the full functionality of the RCD. By the way it is not an RCD, it is an RCBO. An RCD only protects you from leakage to earth, an RCBO also protects from overcurrent. I believe the RCBO fitted is rated at 30mA (earth leakage) and 10A (overload). It is still worth periodically testing with the button but if you want to be sure the earth leakage function is operating correctly you will need an RCD tester.

 

[alstevens]

Thanks folks - guess its ok to leave it on then.......

al