RV electrical work – Victorian exception

by | Sep 2, 2018 | Articles, CME, Legal & Compliance

RV electrical work – Victorian exception

A licence is required in Australia for electrical installations. Victoria claims for RV electrical work – a Victorian exemption. It states that RVs are not electrical installations and thus exempt. It accordingly classifies RVs (legally) as ‘plug-in appliances’. Energy Safe Victoria confirmed the above in writing. Furthermore, it stated that licensing is outside its jurisdiction.

RV electrical work - Victorian exception - RV electrical work

Your RV must meet Australian Standards AS/NZS3000:2018 & AS/NZS3001:2007. In Victoria, however, it need not be inspected. Nor need a Certificate of Electrical Compliance be provided.

In Solar Books opinion, this is not satisfactory. In 2018 a brand new Victorian-made RV was found (by us) to have so many electrical issues (including reversed polarity of its 230 volt socket outlets) it needed total rewiring. Solar Books makes no suggestion, nor implies that others are similar. Nevertheless, insist on a Certificate of Electrical Compliance. Furthermore, you need this anyway if re-registering interstate. This is particularly so in Queensland.

Legally Do it Yourself

You can legally install 0your own solar system, however, as long as no part exceeds the prescribed voltage limits. These are (in 2020) under 35.4 volts ac – and/or 60 volts dc. RV solar arrays are usually a nominal 12, 24 or 48 volts. Battery voltage is typically 12 volts dc up to 1.5 kW, 24 volts up to.2.5 KW and 48 volts there-on.

You can legally install a ‘stand-alone’ inverter that have integral outlet sockets as shown below.
RV electrical work - Victorian exception - RV electrical work

This Powertech inverter accepts a single power cord. It is legal to alternatively plug in a multi-socket power board if required. It may not be connected to any fixed wiring. Pic: Jaycar.

You may plug an appliance directly into a stand-alone inverter’s outlet socket (some have two) or several via a multi-output power board. You must not, however (in many countries) connect the inverter’s output into any fixed wiring.

Electricity is dangerous

Do not attempt any such work unless you truly know how.

For full details of how to do this work yourself, please buy our book Solar Success and/or Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. These books explain all.

Collyn Rivers is a semi-retired automobile research engineer.  He is the author of seven books, five of which are about making RVs and solar work optimally.

Caravan and Motorhome Electrics

The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind.  Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.

Cover of Caravan and Motorhome Books by Collyn Rivers

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5

Solar Success

Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7

Why Caravans Roll Over
and how to prevent it

Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and travel trailer stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1

Solar That Really Works!

Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works!  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

Caravan and Motorhome Electrics

The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind.  Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.

Cover of Caravan and Motorhome Books by Collyn Rivers

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5

Solar Success

Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

Solar That Really Works!

Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works!  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0

Why Caravans Roll Over
and how to prevent it

Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and travel trailer stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1