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Gas safety and electrical checks

Kerry55 replied on 05/10/2018 06:21

Kerry55 profile picture Member

Kerry55

Posted on 05/10/2018 06:21

Hello, I have just bought a 2002 Rimor Sailer motorhome as a first time newbie, new to owning and running a motorhome.  It did not come with gas or electricity safety certificates.

So yesterday 4th October I took it to our local motorhome dealers (Alan Kerr Paignton) who said it failed both the gas and electricity safety checks because it has no gas drops and because the electrical system is not earthed. I said it did not have gas drops built in owing to the age of the vehicle. They say legislation has changed and gas drops are now mandatory.

I find it hard to believe the electrical system has no earth bonding even if the vehicle is 16 years old.  

And surely gas safety certificates are only needed if I am going to hire out my motorhome (which I'm certainly not going to) or live in it for longer than 28 days (again, no).

I would be grateful for urgent comment and advice.  Many thanks in advance.

 

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Tinwheeler replied on 05/10/2018 19:40

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Tinwheeler

Campervanner
Posted on 05/10/2018 19:29 by hitchglitch

Unfortunately I no longer have a copy of the Wiring Regs (BS7671) although it’s available at the library (I had a complimentary copy of the 14th Edition when I was on the committee) but from a quick search it seems that section 721 may cover caravans and would require equipotential bonding of all conductive parts using 4mm cable. So, the Regs. may or may not cover caravans and motorhomes but it is fairly clear to me that manufacturers comply and dealers test to the Regs. The metalwork should be bonded.

Posted on 05/10/2018 19:40

I think the 18th edition is current.

Yes, some caravans will be covered - statics hired out and those used for residential purposes.

hitchglitch replied on 05/10/2018 19:42

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hitchglitch

Motorhomer

Posted on 05/10/2018 19:42

I just did an Internet search and the 18th edition of BS7671 section 721 covers caravans and motorhomes and includes mandatory requirements for equipotential bonding, however, even as a member the price of the BS is £60 which I’m not inclined to pay. Anyway, the Regs. are not retrospective and I cannot say how many previous editions this may apply to. It also requires Earth points to be accessible and protected from corrosion.

Would you see bonding straps from the chassis and behind the sink unit? I may take a look around my motorhome when I get a chance, or put a meter from the taps to the chassis!

Tinwheeler replied on 05/10/2018 19:50

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Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 05/10/2018 19:50

They’d be visible underneath and when the sink was removed - something that’s happened more than once.

Shall we leave it there before we are accused of dominating the thread?

hitchglitch replied on 06/10/2018 12:09

hitchglitch profile picture Member

hitchglitch

Motorhomer
Posted on 06/10/2018 11:46 by Fozzie

www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/7.11.1.htm

You could try this link for more information.I am not sure  how to make it active though.

 

 

 

Posted on 06/10/2018 12:09

Thanks for the reminder on this which I had forgotten about. This covered the 16th Edition of the Wiring Regs. (BS7671) and we are now up to the 18th so the guidance goes back some time. So, to be absolutely clear, to comply with the standards bonding IS required and has been for some years. Note also the requirement for double pole mcb’s (circuit breakers) and rcd’s which goes a long way to alleviate some people’s concerns about reverse polarity.

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