Consumer unit install in a camper van.

[Outlander]

Hi I am converting a Sprinter van. I would like to use RCBOs. I want to run 3 seperat Circuits. 1 and 2 for sockets either side of the van and third to a Truma combi boiler. I will be connecting up a Victron Multiplus 2.

So please correct me if I have this wrong.

The 230v socket will be close to the distributor box and the Multiplus (MP) so will be using just the one box.

From the inlet (EHU) using 2.5 T&E to No1 RCBO line in.
From No1 RCBO line out to AC in on the MP.
From AC1 out of the MP to line in on RCBOs.
From line out on RCBOs to the loads.

RCBOs will be double pole. Would it be best to also connect an isolation switch.

I feel confident enough to do the wiring work once I have the correct information. This van os for myself and family so be assured any work that I carry out I will have checked by a qualified electrician.

 

[brianmoooore]

Flexible cables only. No T&E.

 

[Outlander]

Hi, yes sorry. I will use artic blue.

 

[littlespark]

And with using flex, use bootlace ferrules at the terminations.

 

[Outlander]

OK ferrules for the artic blue. But Am I right in the wiring up of the RBCOs.

 

[brianmoooore]

SP + N RCBOs (often incorrectly described as DP) are always a good idea, but you're unlikely to get much in the way of discrimination, since there should always be a 30mA RCD upstream, protecting the socket you're plugged in to.
DP sockets are a good idea as well as it's not at all unusual to find a site hook up socket with reversed polarity, especially if you venture across the Channel.

 

[Outlander]

So these are the type I should use in a campervan conversion.

When you say I would not get much in the way of discrimination, what if I was not using mains based power but was using 12v into an inverter such as the Victron Multiplus 2. Also have I described the correct way of wiring the distribution box.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Obviously the RCBO protecting the inlet to the MultPlus is independent of the RCBOs on its output, which effectively have a different source of supply (the MultiPlus itself.) So that first RCBO is not really part of the distribution board which splits the MultiPlus output to the three final circuits. Although it might end up in the same housing, it needs to be clearly labelled along with the presence of two supplies and the correct method of isolation.

How does the output of the MultiPlus behave with regard to earthing when in Inverter mode... is it floating (IT) or earth-referenced? In one sense you are stuck with what Victron have decided, but if you are choosing additional protection e.g. RCBOs on the load side you should at least be aware of the protection mode of the inverter output. Multiple RCDs / RCBOs do work on IT systems but not perhaps in the way you are expecting.

You have not stated the rating of the van inlet or the MultiPlus. Presumably 16A as you mention 2.5mm² cable, but if it were 32A and 10kVA then the 2.5mm² would be too small. Personally I prefer H07RN-F tough rubber cable to arctic PVC.

Don't forget to keep the MultiPlus battery leads short and thick, with excellent quality connections. Low resistance is vitally important to the success of any 12V inverter setup.