Electrical

[Taken from the original 'The Alice Project' bus conversion and motorhome website 2002-2003]

With a limited budget for the entire project, it was decided early on that our electrical system would be simply the ‘basics’.  Although we plan to ‘upgrade’ our electrical system down the track sometime, for now we have a simple 240V circuit and a separate (pre-existing) 24V bus lighting circuit.  We plan to investigate some options (including solar power) for future installation.  We have already decided that we will not be purchasing generator (either now or in the future), and argue that if we are ‘bush camping’ or ‘free camping’ then we can do without some of the creature comforts!  Why spoil a quiet little spot somewhere with the drone of a generator? (yeah, even the ‘quiet’ ones do make an impact).

It cannot be stressed enough that all electrical work should be carried out by a licenced electrician.  Such work however, is rather expensive and proved out of reach for ourselves.  I spent a great deal of time immersed in electrical handbooks and studying the relevant Australian Standards (as outlined on the  CMCA website in the A-Z of Motorhoming).  Mel also has a relative who is an electrician, so all questions were referred to him and all the work carried out according to strict instructions.  Ultimately, all wiring and connections were inspected thoroughly and approved by him.

Our 240V electrical system consists of a single circuit.  The circuit contains 9 double GPO (power points) and 1 single GPO.  There is minimal fixed lighting, with only the kitchen having any - two pairs of halogen spots (one pair on either wall).  Also on the circuit, there is an external weatherproof GPO (rated at IP24 or greater) and an external ‘bunker light’ near the front entry.  All power points (GPO’s) were the ‘Double Pole’ type - which switches both the active and the neutral [this is mandatory in motorhomes and caravans, and is an extra precaution in case the caravan park wiring is incorrect….]  Double Pole switches meant that our GPO’s were about 6 times more expensive than normal ones, but there is definitely no way around this.

Our electrical 240V circuit also included a combined Circuit Breaker / Residual Current Device (RCD).  This is essential element and a wise investment in one’s safety.  Our combined Circuit Breaker/RCD is located in an obvious position above the fridge, which is easily accessed and also identified by labelling.  We used 2.5mm twin earth/power cable thoughout and have enclosed the cable in flexible conduit where cable would otherwise be exposed to touching or possible interference.  We are more than happy with out electrical system.  Although fixed lighting is deliberately minimal, we have more than ample lighting in all corners of the bus, through the use of about 5 halogen spot reading lights.  We are not fans of ‘dazzling bright’ lighting and are more than satisfied with the ambient lighting atmosphere we have created.

So for the meanwhile, our bus is mainly configured for ‘plugging in’ to 240V power.  We do have the pre-existing 24V lighting circuit in the bus (3 large 40W fluoro lights) which are operated from a switch on the dashboard.  When our finances allow us, we will investigate further our options for ‘house batteries’ and solar panels and so on.  For now, we have the perfect excuse when ‘bush camping’ for using our good ol’ kero lamps - who says I’m not romantic?

(Keiran Lusk 2003)

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