In line fuse for motor mover question?

Cornersteady
Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,433 ✭✭✭
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edited June 2017 in Caravans #1

Just got our 4 year old caravan back from its service, all is well.

But: they said that they had removed the in line fuse for the motor mover from within the battery box to outside it. And they said as they had fitted the mover when we bought the van it was done free of charge so OK.

When I asked why, the said new regulations meant it was 'illegal' (may cause a spark and risk of fire) to have an in line fuse inside the battery box so they had moved it.

Has anyone else heard of this? I mean it was done free and the mover works so I'm not really bothered, but it just sounds strange?

 

Comments

  • malc1945
    malc1945 Forum Participant Posts: 74
    edited June 2017 #2

    we had the same advice remove fuse from battery box ours was done foc

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited June 2017 #3

    Our Bailey was wired for a MM when built and the fuse and wiring and switch are all in the nearside "wet" locker and battery is in an under slung battery box in middle of the van

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,433 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2017 #4

    OK thanks for your replies malc & JVB. It just seemed strange they would do it foc

  • HelenandTrevor
    HelenandTrevor Forum Participant Posts: 3,221
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    edited June 2017 #5

    When a battery is being charged eg hooked up to electric hook up it creates a gas which can be ignited if enough is trapped in a confined space ;not very often but it can happen and a blowing fuse would act like a sparkplug in a car engine no cause for concern but hey ho health and safety youknow

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited June 2017 #6

    My car battery lives under my seat, admittedly not in an air tight enclosure but covere none the less & there are a bucket load of fuses in there with it.

  • HelenandTrevor
    HelenandTrevor Forum Participant Posts: 3,221
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    edited June 2017 #7

    It would only usually happen if the battery was being overcharged by a faulty charger on the caravan or if on a car a faulty alternator but the chances of a fuse blowing is minimal ive known it happen about twice in the forty years of being a mechanic 

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
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    edited June 2017 #8

    The fuse should "blow" in the event of an overload however caused, the battery box should be ventillated to prevent a build up of gasses; but a good idea to separate them.

     

  • notite
    notite Forum Participant Posts: 96
    edited June 2017 #9

    The only reference, I can find regarding the inline fuse location is in NCC COP 305 issue dated 2011, this COP stated that the protective device (fuse) must be sited outside of the battery compartment and within 1000mm and the cable between the battery and protective device to have mechanical protection.

    No doubt someone will point me in the direction of the latest update.

     

    Rob

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited June 2017 #10

    I suggest that is why dealers are moving the fuse as it was issued in 2011, any caravans ,that were fitted with MMs after that date should have complied with said NCC COP and just maybewink said dealers did not comply and are now worried about litigation,maybe a fire has occured put down to the fuse in the Batt compartmentundecided

  • dave the rave
    dave the rave Forum Participant Posts: 806
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    edited June 2017 #11

    Powerwheel have only recently changed their supplied kit so that the fuse is outside of the battery locker!The previous kit had the fuse in line which could only really go in the battery locker!unless the pre crimped terminals were removed,the cable turned round and new terminals fitted!(not many fitters would have done that!)

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,433 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2017 #12

    thanks for all the replies everyone. I was sure by their doing it free of charge there had to be some reason.

    Thanks again

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