Caravan Electrical Safety Advice

As caravan park shutdown season approaches, caravan and park owners should make the most of the time to get those all-important electrical safety tests completed and avoid breaking the law.

Owners of both caravans and caravan parks have a legal duty to ensure that all electrical installations and appliances are safe and fit for use. This includes carrying out regular tests and inspections to ensure everything electrical is compliant with the latest regulations – and shutdowns are the best time to get these boxes ticked.

With few people on site, your professional electrical testing can be carried out without any disruption to guests or any loss of revenue and allows time for any remedial work to be carried out. It allows owners to start the new season feeling confident that they have carried out their duty of care and ensured everyone’s safety.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) regulates electrical safety in caravan parks and has strict guidelines for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems and portable appliances.

Fixed electrical systems include electric meters, electrical network wiring and distribution boards. It also includes sockets, cables and heating, lighting and hot water systems. Portable appliances include items like toasters, kettles, microwaves, fridges and ovens.

Under The Electricity at Work Act, it is the owners’ duty to make sure these electrical items and systems are safe for use and do not pose a risk, and regular inspections and testing by a competent person is recommended.

Do not take risks with electrical safety. Caravans and caravan parks can be particularly vulnerable to electrical fires, and they can spread quickly due to the close proximity of caravans. Always get an expert to do your electrical testing. Our UK-wide engineers are fully qualified and experienced and can carry out both fixed wire tests for electrical installations and EET (formally known as PAT) tests for portable appliances to British Standard BS7671

Here is some important caravan electrical testing and safety advice from our phs Compliance engineers:

• Regularly check cables, sockets and plugs for any signs of damage, visible wires or cracks and replace them immediately if any are found.
• Listen for any unusual sounds like buzzing or crackling. Stop use immediately if you hear anything.-Look and feel for signs of overheating or burning. Never use a hot plug or socket.
• Avoid using extension leads and ensure you are using the right cables for each electrical item.
• If your fuses keep blowing, get them checked by a professional. Don’t ignore the issue.
• Test the RCD test button each time you connect power. If it isn’t working, seek advice from a professional.
• Carry out any repairs and remedial work as soon as an issue is identified.
• Get a fixed wire and EET (PAT) test carried out by a professional at least every three years for a caravan, and every year for a caravan park.

phs Compliance is the UK’s leading provider of electrical testing. We have the largest team of specialist statutory electrical testing operators in the industry. Services include statutory electrical testing, including EET/PAT tests and fixed wire testing, inspection services, maintenance and remedial work.

Contact us today for testing or electrical advice for your caravan or caravan park and we’ll be happy to help.

0333 0050456 or info@phscompliance.co.uk