I've been reading some past threads and I see Chris Mentioned a sun tube to stop condesation.
What I was wondering is, is there any optimum place for it to be? Say fixed high in a van or trailer?
Secondly - What about power? I mean surely you guys lock your vans/trailers so how did you get power to the sun tube? Car invertor? or something else?
If anyone could help that would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Andrew
Full Version: Fitting A Sun Tube and Powering It Up
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I would use a caravan Exteranl 240 volt inlet socket, have a look at the sockets in the link below.
power sockets
power sockets
Even still, I need to take power through the underside of the trailer? Would I just drill through the underside of the trailer and wire the 16a (plug) then take a mains lead from my house?
Sun tubes consume between 55 and 300W depending on the size and length so it would be difficult to run them from an invertor without constant battery changes or the vehicle engine running.
Jackrabbits suggestion is the best one, and these are the type used on Mains hook up for Caravans although remember that if the vehicle is parked outside then you need to ensure that the sockets you use are IP rated at 55 or ideally IP65 and that everything is earthed, correctly fused and a RCD is fitted at the house end of the cable. Also make sure that where any cables pass through the body work, that you fit grommets and the cable is well protected throughout to stop it rubbing against the metalwork.
It is now illegal for unapproved individuals to wire fixed installations in Gardens but this doesn't apply to temporary installations such as extension cables, so if the arrangement is a plug / socket extension lead type then you wont fall foul of the new laws. However, make sure that whoever does the job knows what they are doing and that the installation is safe and waterproof. I recommend the use of either armoured cable or at the minimum Arctic cable for this sort of application.
This sort of extension cable arrangement is what you need to look at
Always fit the socket (Female) connector on the extension cable carrying the mains from the house and the Male (pin) end of the connector to the vehicle. I can't stress this enough. This means that if the system comes adrift or somebody unplugs it with the mains still on, that you wont have three live brass pins to touch!!!.
Mount the Suntube(s), as low down as possible since heat rises
.
Jackrabbits suggestion is the best one, and these are the type used on Mains hook up for Caravans although remember that if the vehicle is parked outside then you need to ensure that the sockets you use are IP rated at 55 or ideally IP65 and that everything is earthed, correctly fused and a RCD is fitted at the house end of the cable. Also make sure that where any cables pass through the body work, that you fit grommets and the cable is well protected throughout to stop it rubbing against the metalwork.
It is now illegal for unapproved individuals to wire fixed installations in Gardens but this doesn't apply to temporary installations such as extension cables, so if the arrangement is a plug / socket extension lead type then you wont fall foul of the new laws. However, make sure that whoever does the job knows what they are doing and that the installation is safe and waterproof. I recommend the use of either armoured cable or at the minimum Arctic cable for this sort of application.
This sort of extension cable arrangement is what you need to look at
Always fit the socket (Female) connector on the extension cable carrying the mains from the house and the Male (pin) end of the connector to the vehicle. I can't stress this enough. This means that if the system comes adrift or somebody unplugs it with the mains still on, that you wont have three live brass pins to touch!!!.
Mount the Suntube(s), as low down as possible since heat rises
.
want a job chris.........under floorboards and in lofts? 
couldnt of put it better myself!
Dont forget lads if you have already got a rcd on your main consumer unit (fuseboard) you wont need another one at the socket outlet you are using to power your outside elecs (extention lead)
One will do providing its covering the socket you using that is?
couldnt of put it better myself!
Dont forget lads if you have already got a rcd on your main consumer unit (fuseboard) you wont need another one at the socket outlet you are using to power your outside elecs (extention lead)
One will do providing its covering the socket you using that is?
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| I recommend the use of either armoured cable or at the minimum Arctic cable for this sort of application. |
No trying to sound funny hear but what's wrong with a good outdoor waterproof 13a 20m 4way reel?
Do I need to go to the expensive of getting 16a or cee-form type stuff.
Surely if I keep the the sockets under say the trailer and an rcd at the other end it would be okay?
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