Electrical

Outline guide as to why an Electrical Installation Condition Report and Test is carried out in line with BS7671 : 2008 Amend 1 (17th Ed) and is always recommended by Morgan Caravan Services.

Guide to Periodic Inspection Report of Electrical Installations in Touring Caravans & Motorhome (Electrical Installation Condition Report and Test)

In the preparation of this guide, the National Caravan Council consulted with the following organisations:

. Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)

. Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

. The Camping and Caravanning Club

. The Caravan Club

. The Electrical Safety Council (ESC)

This Guide relates to the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) of electrical installations in Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Throughout this Guide the term caravan is used to refer to both. In the view of many electrical experts, an EICR is vital to ensure continued electrical safety for all caravan installations. In the UK, when a new caravan is built, the electrical installation is inspected and tested and a certificate is issued to verify that the installation meets the current safety requirements. However, over time, an electrical installation is likely to deteriorate due to damage, wear and tear, corrosion and environmental effects. So, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is needed to ensure that the electrical installation in a caravan

remains safe.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is also required for caravans to comply with BS 7671: 2008 A1:2011(the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations). To ensure continued safety of a caravan’s electrical installation and hook-up cable, it should comply with the requirements of BS 7671. Chapter 62 of BS 7671 details the scope, extent and frequency of the Periodic Inspection.

Frequency of the Inspection:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, see note 1) publication “Guidance Note 3 Inspection and

Testing” recommends the maximum period between inspection and testing for caravans should not exceed 3 years. In practice this period is decided by the engineer inspecting the caravan: he will recommend the date the next based on the use and condition of the electrical installation and enter this in the

report. If the installation is showing signs of deterioration, due to external influences such as damp or areas of non-compliance in electrical installation, the term may be reduced to 1 year. It can also be reduced if the caravan is used frequently or if there is an increase in mileage, but again this will be decided by the engineer. In the majority of cases the period between inspections should be 3 years. Manufacturers will now be issuing electrical installation certificates for new caravans recommending an initial interval of 3 yearsbefore the next inspection (i.e. the first EICR).