thinking about electricity again/still....

[pjstock]

I am back to investigating and trying to understand the electrical system of my JC.

I still seem to have two choices for making it work in North America.

A) keep the current 230V system
- stay with 230V shower power supply.
- keep the original 230V to 12V battery charger
- use a Step Up transformer (~65 euros) to convert 115V to 230V.
- then a small step down transformers to convert the AC outlets from 230V to 115v

the only disadvantage of this route seems to be using the Step up transformer (which is heavy and clumsy)
[If I were to use this Step Up transformer solution I was hoping I could install the transformer in the rear storage area of the van - to keep it water protected - and rewire from the Shore Power Inlet to the transformer and then from the transformer to 12v battery charger AND the AC outlets. I expect a professional electrician is more skilled at pulling cable than I am.]

B) convert everything to 115 V
- replace the exterior shower power plug (easy)
- replace the 12V battery charger with a 115v model from Faron DE (~300euros plus shipping 50 euros)
- replace the 230V outlets with 115V versions

the disadvantages of this approach are:
- the wiring to the AC outlets is not/may not be thick enough gauge to support the 2x amperage of the 115v system
- replacing the wiring in this van would be difficult I think. everything is neatly buried away behind cabinet walls.
- the extra expense of equipment ( 350euros versus 65 euros)
- the likely extra cost of labour to rewire

which brings me to my question.
I pulled out the shore power plug to try to see what was happening inside the van wall. to see if there was a junction box where the shore power goes to both the plug for the 12V battery charger AND to the AC outlets
I cannot see anything. it only has a very short piece of cable .

So I tested the continuity from the Shore Power plug (A in my drawing) to both the plug for the 12V battery charger (B) AND to one of the connectors for a AC Outlet.

Both seemed to show connectivity from the shore power plug.
which confirms for me (I think) that the AC Outlets are being powered directly from Shore Power and NOT via the 12V battery charger. (which i was also told here several months ago when I first asked)
that would mean I think I would have to rewire 3x AC outlet circuits.

i was hoping the photos of Vincent's dismantled JC would show what was going on regarding the wiring in the rear left hand wall..
but I don't see anything.

[AndiP]

You will find an RCD 0.03A in the circle.

I prefere System B. The Camper now is running in America so change electrics to american System.
Chance plugs to american system and charger. Perhaps you have to reduce maximum power by keeping european fuse.

[pjstock]

would the RCD be like a splitter? it would redirect the 230V In in two directions - to the AC outlet and to the 12v Battery charger?

well the problem with going Option B is that I would have to access that RCD. Or install a replacement. and that seems a daunting (difficult) task.

and what about wire gauge? does anyone know what gauge that AC outlet is wired with?

Peter