Saturday, Sep 15, 2012 at 09:08
JTD,
Modern caravans, motorhomes and campers are set up entirely on 12 volts and the 240 only powers a modern multi stage battery charger, as
well as microwave and airconditioning. Every thing else runs off 12 volts or gas.
What this means is that you set up the camper for 12 volts. You then run your 240 to a power point which powers up the battery charger to top up the battery and supply house (camper in your case) 12 volt requirements.
Better still, dont run 240 power, just use a lead to the battery charger and this negates the need to have it proffessionally wired.
If you set up solar then, unless you have extended periods of overcast weather, you may never need to hook on to 240 power to top up your batteries.
Note that wiring 240 volts requires an electricians licence and there are very special requirements for mobile power, eg caravans, motorhomes, campers and the like. All power points have to be double pole etc.
Best thing about 12 volts is you do not have too worry with small kids around it.
It all depends on what you want to do in the way of 240 appliances on the camper but I would keep it simple and try and avoid 240 except for the battery charger. If you get a battery charger get the biggest you can afford, at least 15 amps and 25 amps if you can afford but it must be multi stage for the sake of your batteries. In this manner there is only 1 lead going to 1 appliance and no special requirements need to be met.
Hope this helps, ask any question if in doubt. Remember the only stupid question is the one that did not get asked.
Cheers, Bruce.
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