Electric hookup set up query

[T6 Syd]

Hi, a question for you electrics gurus.

I'm doing a bit of a redesign on the internals of the van. The old set up for the hookup includes a consumer unit with two pole isolator and an rcd. My question is, can I do without the consumer unit if my hookup feeds directly to a double socket outlet with integral rcd? I don't see that such a design offers any less protection, and offers more convenience. The old set up consumer unit was within a cupboard next to the fixed bed and was definitely not quick or easy access to operate the isolator or reset the rcd should it operate. I don't see the need for an isolator when the safe method of isolation is to pull the hookup cable out, so that there is no 240v to the van at all.

Would I be doing anything wrong?

Thanks

 

[Salty Spuds]

Hi, a question for you electrics gurus.

I'm doing a bit of a redesign on the internals of the van. The old set up for the hookup includes a consumer unit with two pole isolator and an rcd. My question is, can I do without the consumer unit if my hookup feeds directly to a double socket outlet with integral rcd? I don't see that such a design offers any less protection, and offers more convenience. The old set up consumer unit was within a cupboard next to the fixed bed and was definitely not quick or easy access to operate the isolator or reset the rcd should it operate. I don't see the need for an isolator when the safe method of isolation is to pull the hookup cable out, so that there is no 240v to the van at all.

Would I be doing anything wrong?

Thanks

Electrically it’ll work. But, you’d be taking the MCB out of the equation. So you’re relying on the site EHU to protect your internal wiring. If you are fitting a twin outlet socket, you could feasibly have a 26A load on your internal wiring. Personally I wouldn’t remove the consumer unit.
If you hardwire any other consumers into the 240V side, e.g. battery charger, its wiring won’t be protected.

 

[T6 Syd]

Thanks for the reply Salty.

The installation will be just the socket outlet, nothing hard wired in.

Yes, I accept your point, additional safety is, with extremely few exceptions, always better.

In this case, though, the mcb in the consumer unit is rated higher (20A) than the vast majority of campsite EHUs, so in theory the campsite EHU protection should go first. Also, the wiring from the van connection to the consumer unit is not protected by the mcb or rcd in the consumer unit, and the socket outlet will involve no more unprotected wiring than exists with the consumer unit. The wiring is likely rated at >30A, so connected loads won't draw near that before tripping the supply protection - accepting of course that EHU supply point mcbs/rcds are reliable.

That was the logic behind my thinking anyway. I guess I could look at putting an inline fuse in the supply, although it would likely have to be a cartridge type fuse so a bit slower acting than an mcb, but still protecting against trying to pull 26A. If I used a 13A fuse I'd probably need a supply of spares with a double socket outlet

 

[Bargy62]

Thanks for the reply Salty.

The installation will be just the socket outlet, nothing hard wired in.

Yes, I accept your point, additional safety is, with extremely few exceptions, always better.

In this case, though, the mcb in the consumer unit is rated higher (20A) than the vast majority of campsite EHUs, so in theory the campsite EHU protection should go first. Also, the wiring from the van connection to the consumer unit is not protected by the mcb or rcd in the consumer unit, and the socket outlet will involve no more unprotected wiring than exists with the consumer unit. The wiring is likely rated at >30A, so connected loads won't draw near that before tripping the supply protection - accepting of course that EHU supply point mcbs/rcds are reliable.

That was the logic behind my thinking anyway. I guess I could look at putting an inline fuse in the supply, although it would likely have to be a cartridge type fuse so a bit slower acting than an mcb, but still protecting against trying to pull 26A. If I used a 13A fuse I'd probably need a supply of spares with a double socket outlet

you may as well just wire a 240v double socket to the end of your EHU cable stick it through the van window and you have the advantage of being able to use it anywhere you like, job done

 

[T6 Syd]

I have considered a 'tent hookup' straight to a protected set of socket outlets, but we may not want to leave a window open when leaving the van. It is definitely an option though, no socket outlets to fit into the van linings.

I should also say, I'll be using a power station which is the only thing I'd need to plug in to the hookup.