The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) replaces the Periodic Inspection Report (PIR)
Information - Source – The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Electrical installations in caravan/camping parks, caravans and motor caravans
Chief Engineer Geoff Cronshaw reminds us of the requirements of BS 7671:2008+A3:2015.
Why?
We all understand the importance of having a regular service for our caravans or motorhomes, however there are quite a lot of electrics in the caravan or motorhome. With the continual movement of the cables, fixtures and fittings, do we know that all of the connections are still tight? If they have come loose through the fine roads we drive on, they can easily begin to arc and overheat. Worst case scenario would be a fire!
A thorough check and inspection is recommended at least every 3 years, with a minimum check during the annual service. After this EICR you are handed a copy of what checks have been conducted, together with observations of what further work may be required to make you caravan or motorhome safe.
Periodic inspection and testing
The purpose of periodic inspection and testing is to provide an engineering view on whether or not the installation is in a satisfactory condition where it can continue to be used safely. Periodic inspection and testing is necessary because all electrical installations deteriorate due to a number of factors such as damage, wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, ageing and environmental influences. IET Guidance Note 3 gives the recommended initial frequencies of inspection of electrical installations for caravans and caravan parks. Table 3.2 for caravans is a routine check every year and a Full inspection every 3 years.
What is it?
The complete check starts at your hook up cable all the way through your system, checking each individual socket. Your consumer unit is internally checked for tightness and correctly fitted, not to mention all of the safety devices that protect you are proven correct. Line checks of varying degrees are carried out on your system. This will leave you with a warm feeling that your system is safe on issue of the report paperwork.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware that this article only gives a brief overview of electrical installations in caravans and motor caravans. For more information refer to Sections 708 and 721 of BS 7671:2008+A3:2015.
How safe is your caravan? Safety tips you need before holidaying after lockdown!
Sergeant Owen Messenger joins local Youtuber George to learn more about caravan road safety and even has a go at reverse bay parking! Give the video a watch and let us know what you think!
Sgt Owen had this message:
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions to foreign travel the UK has seen a huge increase in the market for caravans. The demand for caravans has increased significantly and many are changing hands privately having not been properly checked.
Even prior to the pandemic we saw many caravans and trailers that had been poorly maintained and/or poorly driven and then being involved in completely preventable incidents and collisions on the roads in the South West of the UK. Closing a main arterial route has a huge impact, not only to the people stuck in the resulting traffic jam but also financially to the local economy. This financial cost is estimated at around £1 million per hour that the road is closed.
Caravans need to be checked regularly the same as any other vehicle. We see many caravans having had tyre blowouts caused by poorly maintained tyres or tyres that are passed their use by dates. Yes, a tyre has a use by date! Don’t just check the tyres on the road wheels, check the spare as well. The same concept applies to the brakes and other mechanical items.
Be sure that you have the entitlement on your licence and that your towing vehicle is suitable to tow what you intend to tow.
Weight distribution within the caravan is also very important for the stability of the vehicle so consider this when loading, and make sure gas cylinders etc are properly stowed away.
Nobody wants to have a breakdown on their holiday and nobody wants to be sitting in their car for hours because somebody else has had a break down. Simple checks such as those described above and in the video can save everyone from this potentially. More importantly, the simple checks may also save your, or somebody else’s!
This video gives you a general oversight. Please look on the Camping and Caravanning Club website for more in-depth, specialist videos and information.
Stay safe
Sgt Owen Messenger
D&C/Dorset Alliance Roads Casualty Reduction Team
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