AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 Electrical Installations Standard

The AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 Electrical Installations Standard has ushered in a new era of electrical safety.

This update to the standard was necessary as technology has come a long way since the last update in 2008. The primary reason for this update is related to lithium battery fires, although these fires are not directly connected to caravans. Lithium battery fires mainly occur in scooter batteries, grey imports, laptop batteries, and drill batteries, where the batteries become damaged, overheat, and possibly cause fires. The root cause is not related to manufacturers; instead, it is due to damaged cells or charging them while not fully functional.

To address this issue, the AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 Electrical Installations Standard places greater emphasis on using safer battery technologies and installation techniques. Lithium phosphate batteries are one such technology. These batteries do not carry a significant risk of thermal runaway, which is the term used for fires caused by batteries spontaneously combusting. When exposed to flame, lithium phosphate batteries will smoulder but not necessarily ignite. This makes them a much safer choice for use in caravans and RVs.

To ensure that lithium phosphate batteries are safe, it is important to check for IEC 62619 certification. This certification ensures that the cells are safe and can withstand being punctured, ruptured, or crushed without causing a fire. Enerdrive Dometic batteries are lithium phosphate batteries and also carry the IEC62619 certification.

When it comes to installing batteries, it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s guidance. Enerdrive Dometic, for example, provides a guide on how to fit their batteries, what materials the box needs to be made out of, and the ventilation requirements for the batteries.

It is important to note that this guidance is specific to Enerdrive batteries, not all batteries. Other manufacturers may have different guidelines, so it is wise to consult with them before installing any battery.

The AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 Electrical Installations Standard also covers the use of solar panels. One significant change to the standard is the requirement for individual fusing and isolation points prior to the panels being connected in parallel. This is to prevent one faulty panel from taking out the entire string, which could lead to a fire. With individual fusing, any faulty panel will blow the singular fuse, and the rest of the system will continue to operate as it should.

Ultimately, the AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 Electrical Installations Standard is all about ensuring electrical safety. It is incumbent on caravan owners and others using lithium battery systems to stay informed about these new regulations and adhere to them properly. By doing so, we can minimize the risk of fire and enjoy the benefits of modern technology with greater peace of mind.

Watch the videos below to learn more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCGr2UTxHRU

NEW Caravan Electrical Standards NEW Aftermarket Compliant Install

Adam catches up with Remi from Enerdrive Dometic about the new Electrical Standards and our recent after-market compliant install completed in this New Age Caravan.

To comply with these standards, we have installed the batteries in a custom-made, sealed, black aluminium box with a gasket seal on top. On the top of the box we have used nutsert, which means that the fixings must be unscrewed to physically remove the lid to get to the batteries.

The batteries are mounted in the box, and we have included a one-way dust valve at the back of the box for air and gas to escape if necessary. Additionally, we have installed a kill switch on the side of the box, and the box is glanded through the side for bulkhead connectors.

It’s important to note that compliance standards demand easy access to the batteries themselves, as well as external ventilation which Suncoast has achieved through the floor. This installation is designed to be easily serviceable, with an easy point of access for maintenance or repairs if needed.
One of the most crucial aspects of compliance under the new standards is the safe installation of solar panels. Specifically, every panel must be individually fused, and there must be a breaker for a parallel system. That means that when multiple panels are joined up in parallel on the roof, you need to have individual fusing before joining those panels up.

To achieve compliance with this standard, we have installed a fuse block for the four panels, with an individual fuse per panel. Then we’ve joined those panels in parallel, with output going through a circuit isolation breaker, which is everything that the standard requires. The singular point of isolation is critical to meeting compliance standards before joining to the solar controller.

Our team at Suncoast Caravan Service takes compliance with the AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 Electrical installations standards very seriously.

Watch this video so you can see how this retro-fit has been installed with the highest standards of safety and compliance in mind. Our team is here to provide the best service and ensure your peace of mind on the road, please contact us if you need more advice on your current power set up.

Let’s take a walk through what we have done and why – Watch now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPNfuDLlFBk