Electrics failed....newbie in a panic!!!!

Dottydingle replied on 07/07/2016 20:34

Posted on 07/07/2016 20:34

We have arrived on site and all set but the sockets are not working. We have lights, radio and the water pump is working but not heating The water.  None of the sockets or the fridge are working. I've looked at the fuse box but can't even work out if the 4 main switches should be up or down!!!

Any help much appreciated please.

Whittakerr replied on 07/07/2016 20:43

Posted on 07/07/2016 20:43

Lights etc. Probably working off the battery. Rich 81 has a good idea, you sometimes need to twist the plug in the site socket to switch it on.

if your not sure if the MCBs in the fuse box should be up or down, just try them in both positions.

has the site electric post got more than one socket? If so try another.

if all else fails just ask someone for help, you will always find someone who has got some experiance more than happy to help.

good luck.

katieb replied on 07/07/2016 20:44

Posted on 07/07/2016 20:44

Just typed in what Rich suggested!

As he said, on some sites you have to twist the plug in a clockwise direction at the bollard for it to connect.

If this does not work check your fuse box - normally the switches are up for on and down when they are off or they have tripped.  If in doubt try both ways.

It is also possible that the electric is faulty at the bollard - if there is a spare socket next to yours try that.

We once could not get electric on a site after having tried everything  - it turned out the whole site had suffered a failure, so if you can't rectify the problem just check this.

Good luck

Tigi replied on 07/07/2016 21:22

Posted on 07/07/2016 21:22

I take it you have switched the mains on in the caravan by pushing the main switch up, if power is reaching the van pressing the RCD Button (usually adjacent to the mains trip) will cause the main switch to trip out if nothing happens power is not reaching the van from the bollard. Next check the individual trips (often three)  marked fridge etc. Good Luck.

Dottydingle replied on 07/07/2016 23:25

Posted on 07/07/2016 23:25

Thanks everyone, we needed to twist the plug on the pole. When I first tried it it wouldn't move. Lovely gentleman showed us how to do it!!!

Fysherman replied on 08/07/2016 09:22

Posted on 08/07/2016 09:22

Dotty, It's important from a safety perspective that you connect the hook up lead to the caravan first then into the bollard.

When disconnecting, take it off the bollard first then the caravan.

This keeps you protected if something is faulty. It is also a good idea to have the inside circuit breakers off before you start and turn them on again to connect. Off inside first before disconnecting.

Enjoy your caravanning. It will all be second nature in no time.

Pippah45 replied on 09/07/2016 08:07

Posted on 09/07/2016 08:07

Yes so second nature that you stick it in the bollard and then forget to check if it's a twister one or not!  I assumed all was working without checking until I noticed the fridge light flashing! If the bollard has a red button (to release the plug) then it's a twister to start with - I think?

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