All DC systems must be Extra Low Voltage (ELV is not greater than 120 volts “ripple free”) but if you are using voltage above 48 VDC you must go to other relevant standards for that voltage. For more details go to clause 5.4.1.

Extra Low Voltage is your DC supply, defined as less than 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC. See clause 1.4.27.

Do not get tricked, Low Voltage is not your 12 volt DC supply. For practical purposes, Low Voltage in caravans is 230 volt AC 50Hz. See clause 1.4.27 for the full definition.

40 A/h is the smallest. For more details go to clause 5.4.3.

A battery must have secure mounting with no greater than 25mm movement in any direction when a pulling force of double the weight of the battery is applied. Go to clause 5.4.5.

You must allow easy access for removal and maintenance. Whether mounted internally or externally the requirement still applies. Go to clause 5.4.10.2.

The allowable number is a maximum 4 conductors connecting to a single battery terminal. For more details go to clause 5.4.7.3.

Yes. Protection against overload and short circuit shall be provided by way of circuit breakers or fuses. For more details go to clause 5.4.7.2 for required distances.

Each battery in a bank of batteries must have individual protection, circuit breaker or fuse. Go to clause 5.4.7.1.

Metallic service lines, for example gas, diesel or water lines, require at least 300mm clearance around battery terminals, or have appropriate shields in place, in all directions, vertically and horizontally. For more details and diagrams go to clause 5.4.10.2.

Batteries installed internally or externally must be in a battery compartment, even an open container, that includes a spill tray and ventilation. It can be open to the environment but still including a spill tray. See clause 5.4.12.2(d) for lithium and clauses 5.4.11.2.3 and 5.4.11.2.1 for lead acid, GEL and AGM.

Lead acid, GEL and AGM: yes, these require a spill tray. Go to clauses 5.4.11.2.1 and 5.4.11.3.3. Lithium batteries of the “non encapsulated type” must have a “suitable” enclosure, spill tray is implied. Therefore it is essential you contact the battery manufacturer to confirm design requirements and for a statement of design compliance. Go to clause 5.4.12.2(d).

The requirements apply to all lead-acid batteries, including Gel and AGM. See clause 5.4.11.1.

If you are using a lithium ion battery, beware of using an unsatisfactory IP rating in an open area. Also consider the charging and discharging temperature range of the battery. And consider the effect of water pooling on top of the battery in an open enclosure, there could be current tracking between the positive and negative terminals. Check with the battery manufacturer for specifications and requirements.

Lithium batteries must comply to AS IEC 62619. Always hold a certificate of compliance from the manufacturer. Go to clause 5.4.12.3.1.

It is essential you contact the battery manufacturer to understand design requirements for a compartment. Ensure that their advice includes the areas of IP ratings for water protection, volatility and thermal runaway characteristics.

Choosing the correct IP rating for your application is vital. All lithium batteries must operate within the defined parameters of the IP rating and operating temperature range defined by the battery manufacturer. Always double check these IP ratings and temperature range with the manufacturer. See clause 5.4.12.2.

IP ratings relate to a component’s resistance or protection from water and dust ingress. IPX4 means protected against water splash, limited protection. IPX5 means protected against low pressure jet. IPX6 means protected against high pressure jets. IPX7 means protected against temporary, short term, immersion less than 1 metre. The “X” indicates not tested for dust ingress. If a battery mounting is exposed on the chassis outside the recreational vehicle, check with the battery manufacturer. See clause 5.4.12.2.

Contact the manufacturer of the battery for commissioning requirements and appropriate test process for the brand and model of battery installed. Go to clause 5.4.12.3.5.

This is potentially very dangerous. Charging and discharging characteristics of lithium batteries are not the same as other types. Further consideration is current draw, cable size and location. The standard requires a warning label stating that a battery must only be replaced with one of the same type and specification, and that battery upgrades must only be undertaken by a competent person, that is an appropriately qualified and/or licensed electrician. For details go to Appendix C and clause 5.4.2.

Yes. In Australia all RCDs must operate to cut all live conductors, both active and neutral. For more details go to clause 3.5.4.

Yes. In Australia all circuit breakers must operate to cut all live conductors, both active and neutral. For more details go to clause 3.5.3.2.

Yes. All Low Voltage switches, including power points, that is socket outlets, must disconnect the active and neutral, never the earth. See clause 5.7.2. See also 2.6.4.1.

Before the RV is “energised” the standard calls for all parts of the electrical system to be checked and confirmed safe. The standard specifically calls for inspection, testing and recording in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3001. Go to Section 6 for full details.

Yes. The standard requires that inspection and testing must be performed in accordance with clause 6.3.2, compliance to AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3001.

Verification of the installation should be recorded. Refer to clause 6.2.1. An example is given in Appendix F, compliance to AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3001.

Where inspection cannot be performed after completion, in a wall for example, inspection should take place during construction. See clause 6.3.2.

No. If the appliance is supplied with a flex, it is “type approved” in that configuration. You cannot take a plug top off and convert to fixed wiring, this would invalidate the approval of the appliance.

No. If the appliance is supplied without a flex, it is “type approved” in that configuration. It must remain in that configuration within the installation in order to continue to be an approved appliance. This is particularly important in water heaters.

Every appliance is required to have an isolation method, normally a switch or GPO. Directly wired appliances must have a switch that is marked, identifiable, and conveniently placed for use. This is different from AS/NZS 3000 requirements. The isolation could potentially be in the switchboard. If so it is required that each appliance is on a dedicated and clearly labelled circuit breaker on the switchboard. Go to clause 4.9.1.

It has been found that the insulation of the common TPS/PVC type degrades when in contact with polystyrene and polyurethane. The cable type that is resistant to polystyrene and polyurethane is known as non-migratory type. If cable is in contact with these compounds it must be non-migratory insulation type. Clause 5.6.4.2.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia has an access agreement with Australian Standards distributor Intertek Inform, formerly SAI Global, that provides access to the electrical installation standards AS/NZS 3001 series, as well as an additional 200+ standards relevant to the industry. If you are an accredited business with Caravan Industry Association of Australia, you can access the standard by registering and completing an agreement. To register for this access, complete the online form and we will contact you to arrange access. If you are not an accredited business but are a member of your state association, please complete the same online register and we will contact you with pricing options to gain access. If you are not a member of any caravan industry association, the standard can be purchased individually from the Intertek Inform store or by contacting Intertek Inform direct on 131 242.