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LPG Gas Problems

In the UK, we have two types of (Bottled) gas.

 

Butane is in a blue bottle with a blue regulator, which has either a spanner/nut clip-on or a screw thread if using Camping Gaz.

 

Propane is in the red bottle with a red regulator.

 

Propane has a much lower vapour take-off temperature than Butane, is ideally suited for UK winter use, and is what I recommend. To say that Propane does not freeze is not entirely true; it may have got wet (e.g., rained on), which can cause it to freeze and lead to problems.

 

A common problem is the silver-looking regulator found on newer caravans and motorhomes that has the name or GOK on it. This regulator has had issues over several years. One minute it's working, the next, you either get a little or no gas pressure. This regulator causes blockages and fails completely, requiring a new regulator.

Do not attempt to do any work on your gas system if you are not competent to do so.

 

IF YOU SMELL GAS or SUSPECT A GAS LEAK, TURN OFF AT THE CYLINDER IMMEDIATELY.

 

EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY and CONTACT A QUALIFIED ENGINEER TO MAKE IT SAFE BEFORE USING THE GAS AGAIN.

 

IF YOU HAVE SOOTING OR CAN SEE ANY BLACK STREAKS NEAR A FLUE OR CAN SMELL BURNING OR AN UNPLEASANT ODOUR, TURN OFF IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT A QUALIFIED ENGINEER. THIS MAY BE CAUSING CARBON MONOXIDE AND CAN KILL.

As a GAS Safe engineer, we must inspect all aspects of gas pipework installations and

equipment, even if the customer has only specified one part of the installation.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OR OVERRIDE ANY SAFETY FEATURES THAT COULD ENDANGER

YOU AND OTHER USERS

Electrical Systems

You have two separate electrical systems. MAINS 230v and 12 V battery power. They are both separate and work independently. All spade fuses in your caravan and motorhome are 12-volt, battery-only, and have nothing to do with mains electric power.

Mains Electric Problems

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230V or mains electric problems can be several items.

 

The first thing to check is that you have mains power coming into your caravan or motorhome.

 

A simple check is to look at the main 230V power box, which will have one main trip with a small square button near it labelled "RCD". This is the main breaker, and if you press the square test button, then the trip will drop down if power is present and will not drop if there is no power.

 

Are all in the up position for on and down for off?

 

Next to the RCD are smaller breakers; these are the main breakers for appliances, usually one for sockets and the other for the fridge, heaters, charger, etc. More complicated systems may be installed. Please refer to the handbook.

This picture shows a common Power Delivery Unit by BCA. The top half is the mains electrical switches, with the RCD on the right and the breakers on the left, with the switches visible. The bottom half is the 12volt fuses from the battery only. These are spade fuses from 5amp to 15amp. At the very top, at the back, are some, and this is where the battery charger is fitted. The battery charger will feel warm/hot to the touch if charging, and the vents must be kept clear.

You may find that you have a different-looking power unit than this. Or that the breakers and fuses are in two separate units.
All caravans will have an RCD and breakers somewhere!

12volt Problems

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There are two common battery power levels used in caravans: 85A & 110A.

 

They should be designated as leisure batteries, normally sealed. Motor or vehicle batteries are not the same; they charge differently and should not be used.

 

Your battery should have a voltage between 12.75V and 13.4V to be fully charged.

 

A fully discharged battery has a voltage of 12 volts (Twelve). So, a battery rated at 12.5 volts is considered to have 68% power. A 12-volt battery will still power the appliances, but the lights may seem dim or the water pump slow. Motor movers will drain an insufficiently charged battery very quickly.

 

To check if your battery charger is working, make sure mains power is on, and your battery charger is switched on. If you have a voltage reading indicator, it should show 13.4V or be in the green. If you switch your mains off and the battery indicator drops to 12 volts, then switch on the charger again and observe the voltage indicator rise to 13.4 volts; this is a basic indicator of a working charger unit. Most new caravans will supply a 12V feed to all 12V items even if the battery is flat. Be aware that your charger may overheat or fail if you keep using a battery that is flat or not taking a charge. A lead-acid leisure battery has thicker lead plates that hold the charge; leaving it flat will produce sulphate gas and cause the battery to suffer power loss.

 

IF YOUR BATTERY IS VERY HOT OR HAS A STRONG GAS-LIKE SMELL, DISCONNECT FROM THE CARAVAN AND REMOVE IT, STANDING IT WELL AWAY FROM ANYTHING OR ANYONE AND ALLOWING IT TO COOL. DO NOT USE IT. This battery will need to be replaced. 

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A correct reading for a leisure battery can be done. This will indicate how healthy a battery is. A battery can be fully charged (100%) but still be 30% healthy, which relates to how long the battery can sustain power off-grid.

Water Pump Problems

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There are three types of systems.

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The first uses a micro switch directly at the taps to activate the pump and switch it off when you rotate the tap. A small click will be heard when you rotate a tap, and you can also identify it by looking in a cupboard where the taps are fitted and seeing small cables attached to them. 

The second uses a pressure switch, which can look like a small white plastic device with a small thumbwheel on the top. 

Whale Pressure Switch_edited_edited_edited.jpg

When the tap opens, the pressure drop activates the switch with a click, and the pump runs until the tap is turned off. The pressure switch then waits until it senses pressure; you hear a click, and the pump switches off, usually a few seconds after the tap is closed. If the pump still runs with all the taps closed, the pressure switch needs to be adjusted by turning the small thumb screw on top until the pump stops.

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The other pressure switch is situated on the inlet. It has a flat slot on it to adjust with a locking nut. To adjust, loosen the locking nut and turn the pump with a screwdriver anti-clockwise to stop the pump under pressure.

The third system has a large pump with a built-in pressure switch. Sometimes this type of pump can activate while pumping or just by running for a few seconds after long periods of idleness due to a small loss of water pressure.

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Surge dampers can stop this and also maintain pressure.

PHONE 07747805702

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