Installing a 32A socket for a motor home at a domestic property

I have just had an enquiry for installing a 32A commando socket to power a motor home.

(Not for EV according to the customer at least)

Assuming it is for a motor home and the customer has a TNCS or TNS supply that I have to assume is or could be TNCS, do I need to address open pen risks.

If I do need to address open pen issues the most practical solution is probably going to be an open pen detector.

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  • Assuming it is for a motor home and the customer has a TNCS or TNS supply that I have to assume is or could be TNCS, do I need to address open pen risks.

    Ideally, you should consider not connecting to PME. Legislation - ESQCR - prohibits connection of a caravan or boat to a distributor's PME earthing terminal. A motor home is traditionally considered a caravan. If a simultaneous contact assessment is satisfactory, it would be more appropriate to provide a TT solution if this is at all possible.

    OPDDs are only recognized in BS 7671 for protecting EV charging equipment installations. It was proposed, in the Draft for Public Comment for what became BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, to consider the use of OPDDs for mobile and transportable units (Section 717) connected to PME ... this did not make it into BS 7671, so some experts may hold the view that you shouldn't consider using them for caravans and motor homes, and in any case, ESQCR applies.

    BS 7671 requires socket-outlets for domestic and similar use to be shuttered ... if you take the view that you are using a switched-interlocked outlet to cover this requirement off, you should perhaps adopt the switched-disconnector option (that has the isolation symbol clearly marked on the accessory ... one example, I believe, is the Gewiss GW66015 - there are others and this is not a product recommendation).

    Perhaps also nick a couple of important requirements from Section 708 (which we know are similar in Section 722 and therefore a good idea):

    1. Any RCDs in the feed to the outlet should disconnect all live conductors (708.415.1)
    2. The outlet has to have its own OCPD (708.533)

    32 A is a huge load, and perhaps similar consideration should be given to maximum demand etc. as when installing an EV charging point ?

Reply
  • Assuming it is for a motor home and the customer has a TNCS or TNS supply that I have to assume is or could be TNCS, do I need to address open pen risks.

    Ideally, you should consider not connecting to PME. Legislation - ESQCR - prohibits connection of a caravan or boat to a distributor's PME earthing terminal. A motor home is traditionally considered a caravan. If a simultaneous contact assessment is satisfactory, it would be more appropriate to provide a TT solution if this is at all possible.

    OPDDs are only recognized in BS 7671 for protecting EV charging equipment installations. It was proposed, in the Draft for Public Comment for what became BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, to consider the use of OPDDs for mobile and transportable units (Section 717) connected to PME ... this did not make it into BS 7671, so some experts may hold the view that you shouldn't consider using them for caravans and motor homes, and in any case, ESQCR applies.

    BS 7671 requires socket-outlets for domestic and similar use to be shuttered ... if you take the view that you are using a switched-interlocked outlet to cover this requirement off, you should perhaps adopt the switched-disconnector option (that has the isolation symbol clearly marked on the accessory ... one example, I believe, is the Gewiss GW66015 - there are others and this is not a product recommendation).

    Perhaps also nick a couple of important requirements from Section 708 (which we know are similar in Section 722 and therefore a good idea):

    1. Any RCDs in the feed to the outlet should disconnect all live conductors (708.415.1)
    2. The outlet has to have its own OCPD (708.533)

    32 A is a huge load, and perhaps similar consideration should be given to maximum demand etc. as when installing an EV charging point ?

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