Electrical Test
The electrical safety test is an essential part of annual checks and should carried out annually.
Because a caravan or motorhome will be used to house a family’s most treasured possessions, parents, children, elderly relatives, friends and pets, all new caravans and motorhomes are sold complete with a certificate called the Electrical Installation Certificate.
This is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the habitation electrics, including both the 230-volt and 12-volt wiring systems and equipment, are in peak condition and safe to use. Safe to use means safe from the risk of electric shock, fire and burns. However, the manufacturer recognises that like with all material things, due to age and normal wear and tear, the electrical wiring and associated equipment will deteriorate and become less safe.
Deterioration of the electrical wiring and accessories, including damage and misuse, can result in appliances not performing properly. But in more serious cases can lead to a harmful reduction in the safety of the electrical installation. With this in mind, the manufacturer of the caravan or motorhome is required, as a matter of compliance, to give recommendations for having a regular safety check carried out on the electrical wiring, including all accessories (sockets, switches, lights etc); usually between one and 3-years from new.
This safety check is not compulsory, but is advisory. In fact, it is strongly recommended a safety check is carried out on the electrical wiring installation. Therefore it’s worth taking a look at the recommendation on your certificate, and to consider whether the electrical installation in your caravan or motorhome is due a safety check.