Electrical Fault With Brand New Caravan

Why Is Your Caravan Power System Not Working Quite How You’d Expect?

Dan discusses common installation ISSUES in BRAND NEW Caravans received direct from caravan manufacturers.

Having the correct cable size from battery to inverter is paramount for the purpose of an efficient, safe, and effective off grid power system.  When the electrical cable size fed from the caravan battery or vehicle auxiliary battery to the inverter is the INCORRECT SIZE there is several possible electrical faults and electrical failures likely as a result.

Here is a list of problems caused by the wrong cable size from battery to inverter.

❌Poor and underperformance of batteries – will not charge properly,

❌Poor and underperformance of Inverter – premature load shutdown,  

❌Reduced capacity to power electrical appliances and devises,

❌Higher likeability of power system tripping,  

❌Risk of damaging electrical cabling,

❌Cable melting – RISK OF FIRE!

What Is The Result Of Having Unsized Cable From Battery To Inverter?

Undersized cable from battery to inverter basically reduces the total wattage of the inverter, is not compliant with the manufacture’s specifications, is not electrically compliant when integrated with 240 volt power points, increases the risk of melting and damaging electrical cabling, and in worst case scenarios increases the risk of causing a caravan fire.  

Cost Savings Of A Caravan Inverter

Off grid caravan power systems, with lithium batteries, inverters, and all the required electrical components such as; DCDC chargers, AC charges and solar regulators are designed to allow travelling families and full time caravan travellers to stay off grid for longer.  A well designed and installed caravan power system allows camping at more affordable free camps and off grid wildlife parks, as well as at unpowered caravan parks sites.  So, when installed correctly by a qualified electrician, an off grid caravan power system is an essential expense and a wise investment to reduce camp fees and caravan park costs around Australia. 

These cost savings give the traveller the power to be present, without the worry of enough charge in the batteries.  Plus it delivers the luxury to use 240 volt appliances, like air conditioners and coffee machines, and electrical devises like charging laptops and drones.  All while camping off grid and not plugged into mains power.  A quality caravan power system is well worth the investment. 

Something as simple as incorrect cable size from the battery bank to the inverter can render the system inferior to its prescribed capacity, and subsequently the user pays for a product that will underperform.   

From ocean to outback a reliable and appropriately sized and designed off grid power system gives the traveller the freedom to adventure further and stay longer. 

Outech OFFGrid hold an electrical contractor’s licence.  We are electricians qualified to install 240volt!  That means we are trained to legally and safely install both 12 volt and 240 volt power systems.

We design and install Off the Grid Electrical Power Systems that WORK to make your camping life hassle free. 

Oh, and we know a thing or two about what cable size to use from battery to inverter!

Ask your questions in the 'Comments’ below or contact our technical team directly.