12v off grid system - open to public.

[South Spark]

An intriguing job offer has come up. The customer wants to build an off grid toilet/wash block for a campsite

Solar panels powering leisure batteries to provide lighting (and not much else). We're not using an inverter anywhere in the system so no 240V

The electrical side of things I'm ok with having done a couple of similar albeit smaller jobs in vans and boats, however I was wondering what requirements there might be for certification or notification - as presumably this will have knock on effects for the public liability insurance of the campsite.

 

[Richard Burns]

If it is an entirely 12V system then it does not pose a shock risk to people as it is ELV.
The site insurance might need to know there are a quantity of batteries used in the site and access to the panels, batteries and charge controller should be restricted.
Other than that I would have though it was test it is working correctly and submit the invoice.
Though I might include the calculations showing that the system will not run out of power and leave customers in the dark at 4 am.

 

[amlu]

just make sure you put a correct fuse near battery terminals

 

[UKMeterman]

Hi,
Have a read of http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg139.pdf section 34 onwards, make sure the batteries are vented...