Caravan hook up

Are caravan outlets permitted in dwellings anyway? Are they not precluded by Regulation 553.1.201? Even an interlocked switch outlet won't comply with that Regulation - although I suppose you could argue that the "use" of the outlet is not "household and similar", or that 708.55.1.1 over-rides or modifies 553.1.201 (which I don't really subscribe to as the scope of Section 708 doesn't really translate well to "hooking up a caravan at home").


I'm also pretty open-minded on that score, since we're happy with IEC 60320 cable couplers without shutters being used in homes.



Regardless of all that, and all the rantings about PME, it doesn't change the fact that most camping/caravan outlets, and many other places, readily sell devices like this for a few quid: https://cpc.farnell.com/concordia-technologies/is1053rqw/16a-socket-to-13a-plug/dp/PL15913


... and as a result there are loads of caravans on driveways at homes throughout the country supplied by PME networks, almost always connected to a BS 1363 socket-outlet in a garage or on the outside of the home.



So, what will the "qualified electrician" actually do when asked if they can install a caravan outlet at a dwelling? Well, they'd probably advise two options, or, given the response they've had previously, just say "I can't do that, but I can install an outdoor socket-outlet for you if you like".

Andy thank you so much you really have been so helpful and I appricate this as you have gone above and beyond with this subject. I will keep my eye on changes to the magic blue bible. Also like to thank everyone else for joining in thank you all.

I am not talking about a device cutting out anything with DNO. I was looking at a Viridian EV pen loss connection centre. New to market. A solution to not using an earth rod.

I think UKPN was referring to the device cutting the connection between the caravan and the DNO's earth terminal - which they necessarily must do.


There are a few non-electrode makes of such devices on the market now - which meet the requirements of regulation 722.411.4.1 (iv) for EVs - i.e. the look for a broken PEN (a.k.a. CNE) by checking the L-N voltage and presume a break when it's outside of a +/- 10% of 230V range.


There are a couple of issues - firstly there are some conditions, where a single phase installation is fed from a 3-phase distribution system (which is of course the most common arrangement), where a broken PEN can occur and the N & PE of the installation be raised well above a safe voltage above true earth, but the L-N voltage can remain within the 207-253V range - so they're not ideal where there is any other alternative available. Some manufacturers are building in extra checks (like additionally tripping if there's more than 30mA of protective conductor current) - but still the thing won't necessarily disconnect before someone gets a shock.


Secondly you'd still be connecting the caravan to the DNO's PME earthing facility (when the device hasn't detected a broken PEN) - which the ESQCR has a legal objetion to (OK, technically the legal obligation is on the DNO rather than the consumer, but the DNOs are pretty good at passing the responsibility down via the contractual agreement with the consumer). Yes technically the situation is very similar to charging an EV, but the law (or the wiring regs) hasn't caught up with the technology yet - so it's not much use for a legal and wiring regs compliant solution.


   - Andy.

I think the Wiring Regulations are written with the thought that caravans will be set up and used in the middle of a field, rather than on a house driveway that may have metal water and gas supply pipes running buried under it along with electricity cables as well as possibly telephone and other cables.


So simply hammering a rod in may create more problems than it resolves unless carefully  considered.

Thank you ukpn, maybe I am not explaining myself. I am not talking about a device cutting out anything with DNO. I was looking at a Viridian EV pen loss connection centre. New to market. A solution to not using an earth rod. I have never quoted my self as an fully qualified electrician, but know you guys are as I have an huge interest in this area.

When I first saw this I thought it was April 1st, not Jan 1st. I like to pop into the forum occasionally to see what is on offer but recently I have noticed an ever increasing number of 1st timers. Nothing wrong with that, but many of them have little if any electrical knowledge. From the "EICR" testers who dont know a dangerous situation from further investigation, to the DIY self builders who think they know better than long established DNOs, this one is particularly interesting. Having come onto the forum for advice, and against overwhelming evidence that caravans are prohibited from utilisation a PME terminal, the writer insists on "looking at the new devices on the market used for EV chargers called a pen fault" "also newer EV chargers are coming out with built in 18th ed with pen" 


The "18th ed" cannot "allow"  a CNE network to be disconnected by any "gadget". Only the DNO can authorise variations in earthing requirements and this wouldnt happen. The EV rules for PME were set out by the DNO years ago, and this idea isnt in the requirements. 


My advice to this poster is to engage the services of a qualified, experienced electrician.


Regards, UKPN.

looking at the new devices on the market used for EV chargers called a pen fault unit.

As I mentioned earlier - BS 7671 doesn't currently recognise their use for caravans (the requirements for charging electric vehicles are a little different) - and is probably unlikely to while the law of the land (the The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations) prohibit the use of PME earth with caravans. You certainly wouldn't be able to certify the installation as complying with the wiring regs if you did rely on such a device.


  - Andy.

Andy I thank you for your response. I actually now am thinking of looking at the new devices on the market used for EV chargers called a pen fault unit. Ones that measure and detect earth issues which in the event of a loose they isolate the supply to a charging point. I think this would work well as its designed for issues like this. I see that an amendment was issued with regards earthrod in bs7671. Also newer EV chargers are coming out with built in 18th edition with pen.