Caravan site test

[Paul117]

Hi all.

Excuse me if this has been covered before but here it goes.

I have been a qualified spark for 5 years and have just gone self employed as an NICEIC domestic installer.

I have been asked to quote for the test of a caravan site testing 70hook up points but no static or mobile caravans. I'm aware this is a special location and have brushed upon the regs such as each point to have its own rod and no PME allowed.

I was just wondering if anybody has any experience in this field, what to charge per point (hook points I only and relavent dist board)? What to look out for? What code it being on a PME would be?

Many thanks

 

[yellowvanman]

Hi all.

I have been asked to quote for the test of a caravan site testing 70hook up points but no static or mobile caravans. I'm aware this is a special location and have brushed upon the regs such as each point to have its own rod and no PME allowed.

I was just wondering if anybody has any experience in this field, what to charge per point (hook points I only and relavent dist board)? What to look out for? What code it being on a PME would be?

Many thanks

Read the special location again - it doesn't say a rod at every point - although good practise.

What makes you think its PME? If it is I would give it a C2 maybe even a C1, depends how I felt!

Should be quite easy to do if the site is empty. Insulation tests, RCD tests and Zs measurements plus your visuals.

 

[richy3333]

As said, what is the extent of the testing you propose or the owners want? If the site is in use then it can be a ball ache with angry campers that can't watch Jeremy Kyle!

It's possibly PME coming in then converted to TT? PME is against ESQCR which is Statute and thus against the law. If the site is TT you'll need to test the rod - Ra etc.

Oh yeah, sods law dictates it'll be raining you have to do your testing...enjoy

 

[Paul117]

Not been there but have a hunch.

That's how I interpreted reg 708.553.1.14.
"Protective conductor of each socket outlet shall be connected to an earth electrode"

Doesn't state weather just at source is ok or needed at every hookup point.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Read the special location again - it doesn't say a rod at every point - although good practise.

What makes you think its PME? If it is I would give it a C2 maybe even a C1, depends how I felt!

Should be quite easy to do if the site is empty. Insulation tests, RCD tests and Zs measurements plus your visuals.

`how you felt` doesn`t come into it....

its a (2)

 

[Paul117]

Thanks

 

[markc123]

As said, what is the extent of the testing you propose or the owners want? If the site is in use then it can be a ball ache with angry campers that can't watch Jeremy Kyle!

It's possibly PME coming in then converted to TT? PME is against ESQCR which is Statute and thus against the law. If the site is TT you'll need to test the rod - Ra etc.

Oh yeah, sods law dictates it'll be raining you have to do your testing...enjoy

Complete pain in the arse - had that exact problem this morning. Caravan park had a stupid loop-in system so caravans were fed in 7's...so when you turn the power off you've got to upset 7 different caravans.

Moving one of the outside d/box's for a verandah...knocked on each door, told them all the power was going off - when it was still off 15mins later several of them were out saying 'im missing my programs' 'i cant fry my breakfast'

So yeah, OP - good luck.

 

[rattlehead85]

You'll probably find the main server board feeding the pitches will be located in a solid structure building where P.M.E conditions are permitted. From here each pitch may well be fed with SWA cable with the sheath armouring terminated & insulated in a plastic enclosure. From here you individual hook ups will employ a T.T set up with rod to each with a maximum of 4 16a commando sockets all protected by individual double pole RCBO's or 1 30mA RCD front line device and double pole 16a MCB's.

 

[Paul117]

So effectively terminate armour of swa and cap as to provide no earth to socket terminals. Earth for socket from a rod?

 

[rattlehead85]

Yep that's the way to go. There is no prohibition regarding the use of PME within a permanent structure or building however, at the pitch positions, it is not permitted. The hook ups usually have no more than 4 outlets per pitch.

 

[Paul117]

Code 2 if points earthed via PME I guess?

 

[markc123]

Yer.

Don't forget to measure each d/box from the floor aswell. Many pitches have outside boxs that are below the minimum height.

 

[rattlehead85]

Yep that would be a suitable code to apply. Refer to section 7 of BGB it will give you the low down. Alternatively if you are NICEIC registered you will have access to the tech manual online through your enrolment log in. This explains your topic in more understandable text.

 

[Paul117]

Many thanks rattlehead.

 

[rattlehead85]

^^^^
By the way mate. I would charge between £35-£50 per pitch. £35 per pitch supply circuit at the main feeder board.