LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –

PART 3 SECTION 14 REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL INSTALLATIONS OR

LOCATIONS —
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS IN CARAVANS AND MOTOR CARAVANS

1 SCOPE
1.1The particular requirements of this part of NEC apply to electrical installations in
caravans and motor caravans.
They apply to those electrical circuits and equipment intended for the use of the caravan
for habitation purposes.
1.2They do not apply to those electrical circuits and equipment for automotive purposes.
They do not apply to the electrical installations of mobile homes, residential park homes
and transportable units.
NOTES:
1 For mobile homes and residential park homes the general requirement s apply.
2 For transportable units see IEC 60364-7-717 Clause3 For the purposes of this
document, caravans and motor caravans are referred to as “caravans”.
The particular requirements of some parts from the NEC Part 3can also apply to such
installations in caravans, for example NEC Part 3 Section 2.

2 REFERENCES
The Indian Standards given below contain provisions which through reference in this text, constitute
provision of this standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards
are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate
the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards.

IS/IEC/ISO Number Title

IS 732 :2019 Code of practice for electrical wiring installations

IEC 60038 : 2009 IEC standard voltages

IEC 60332-1-2 : Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions
2015 — Part 1-2: Test for vertical flame propagation for a single
insulated wire or cable — Procedure for 1 kW pre-mixed
flame

IEC 60947-2:2019 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Part 2: Circuit-

breakers
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 –3–

12640(Part 1) : 2016 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral

overcurrent protection for household and similar uses
(RCCBs): Part 1 General rules

IS 12640 (Part 2) : Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral

2016 overcurrent protection for household and similar uses
(RCBOs): Part 1 General rules

IS 14927(Part 1 and Cables trunking and ducting systems for electrical

Part 2) :2001 installations

IEC 61084 (all parts) Cables trunking and ducting systems for electrical
installations

IEC 61386-25:2011 Conduit systems for cable management — Part 25: Particular
requirements — Conduit fixing devices

IS 16205 : 2017 Conduit systems for cable management

IS/IEC 60309- Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes:

2 :2002 Part 2 Dimensional interchangeability requirements for pin
and contact-tube accessories

IEC 62423 :2009 Type F and Type B residual current operated circuit-breakers
with and without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses

3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the
following addresses:
a) IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
b) ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1Leisure Accommodation Vehicle—Unit of living accommodation for temporary or
seasonal occupation that may meet the requirements for the constructi on and use of
road vehicles.
3.2Caravan—Trailer leisure accommodation vehicle, used for touring, that meets the
requirements for the construction and use of road vehicles.
3.3Motor Caravan—Self-propelled leisure accommodation vehicle, used for touring,
that meets the requirements for the construction and use of road vehicles.
Note —To entry: A motor caravan is either adapted from a series production vehicle,
or designed and built on an existing chassis, with or without the driving cab, the
accommodation being either fixed or dismountable.
3.4Mobile Home— Transportable leisure accommodation vehicle that includes means
for mobility but does not meet the requirements for the construction and use of road
vehicles.
3.5Residential Park Home—Factory produced relocatable dwelling.
4 PURPOSES, SUPPLIES AND STRUCTURE
For purposes supplies and structure, please refer to relevant items under 4.1 of IS 732.
Additional requirements have been mentioned against each item below.

4.1 Supplies
4.1.1 General
The nominal supply system voltage shall be selected from IEC 60038.
The nominal AC supply voltage of the installation of the caravan shall not exceed 230 V
single-phase, or 400 V three-phase.
The nominal DC supply voltage of the installation of the caravan shall not exceed 48 V.
5 PROTECTION FOR SAFETY
For protection for Safety, please refer to relevant items under4 of IS 732. Additional
requirements have been mentioned against each item below.

5.1 Protection against Electric Shock

5.1.1Add the following:
The protective measures of obstacles and placing out of reach as specified in Annex B
of IS 732 shall not be used.
5.1.2Add the following:
The protective measures of non-conducting locations and earth-free local equipotential
bonding as specified in Annex C of IS 732 shall not be used.
NOTE— This precludes the use of class 0 equipment.
5.1.3 Protective Measure: Automatic Disconnection of Supply
5.1.3.1 Protective equipotential bonding
Metal frame parts or thereto connected construction parts shall be connected through
main protective bonding conductors to the main earthing terminal within the caravan.
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 –5–

5.1.4 Protective Measure: Electrical Separation

The protective measure: electrical separation shall not be used, except for a shaver
socket-outlet.
5.1.5 Protective Measure: Extra-Low Voltage Provided by SELV and PELV
Any part of a caravan installation operating at extra-low voltage shall comply with the
requirements of 4.2.14 of IS 732.
For extra-low voltage DC power sources, a maximum of 48V are allowed. In exceptional
cases, when AC extra-low voltage is required, the voltage (rms) is not allowed to exceed
48 V.
The requirements of this Part are also applicable to extra low-voltage DC installation.
See Annex B for recommendations that can be applied in addition.
5.1.6 Additional Protection
5.1.6.1 Additional protection: residual current protective devices (RCDs)
Addition:
Where protection by automatic disconnection of supply is used, a residual current device
with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA, complying with IEC 60947-
2, IS 12640(Part 1), IS 12640(Part 2)or IEC 62423 breaking all live conductors, shall be
provided. Each supply inlet shall be directly connected to its associated RCD.
NOTE— This implies that there cannot be any taps or junctions in this connection.
Consideration should be given to the characteristics of the load in selection of the type
of RCD.
5.2 Protection Against Overcurrent
5.2.1 Final Circuits
Each final circuit shall be protected by an overcurrent protective device which
disconnects all live conductors of that circuit.
6 SELECTION AND ERECTION OF EQUIPMENT
For selection and erection of electrical equipment, please refer relevant items under 5 of
IS732. Additional requirements have been mentioned against each item below.
6.1 Common Rules
6.1.1 Introduction
6.1.1.1 General
Where there is more than one electrically independent installation, each independent
installation shall be supplied by a separate connecting device and shall be segregated (in
accordance with general rules) such that supplies at different voltages cannot be
interconnected.
NOTE— Independent installations. An installation is an assembly of associated
electrical equipment having co-ordinated characteristics to fulfil specific purposes.
6.1.2 Operational Conditions and External Influences
6.1.2.1 External influences
Consideration shall be given to the foreseeable external influences to which the caravan
will be subjected.
6.1.3 Identification
6.1.3.1 General
Instructions for use shall be provided with the caravan so that the caravan can be used
safely.
The instructions shall comprise:
a) a description of the installation;
b) a description of the function of the RCD(s) and the use of the test button;
c) a description of the function of the main isolating switch (es);
d) the text of the instructions of Annex A.
e) additional instructions necessary for user maintenance.
6.2 Wiring Systems
6.2.1 Types of Wiring Systems
6.2.1.1 The wiring system shall use one or more of the following:
a) insulated single-core cables, with flexible class 5 conductors, in non-metallic conduit
or non-metallic trunking system;
b) insulated single-core cables, with stranded class 2 conductors (minimum of seven
strands), in non-metallic conduit or non-metallic trunking system; and
c) sheathed flexible cables.
All cables shall as a minimum meet the requirements of IEC 60332-1-2.
Non-metallic conduit systems shall comply with the relevant part of IS16205(all parts)
or IEC 61386(relevant parts).
Cable trunking systems and cable ducting systems shall comply with the relevant part
of IEC 61084 (all parts).
6.2.2 Selection and Erection of Wiring Systems in Relation to External Influences
6.2.2.1 Vibration (AH)
6.2.2.1.1 As the wiring will be subjected to vibration, all wiring shall be protected
against mechanical damage either by location or by enhanced mechanical protection.
Wiring passing through metalwork shall be protected by means of suitable bushes or
grommets, securely fixed in position. Precautions shall be taken to avoid mechanical
damage due to sharp edges or abrasive parts.
6.2.2.2 Other mechanical stresses (AJ)
6.2.2.2.1 All cables, unless enclosed in rigid conduit, trunking, or flexible conduit
shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 0.4 m for vertical runs and 0.25 m for
horizontal runs.
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 –7–

6.2.3 Cross-Sectional Areas of Conductors

6.2.3.1 The cross-sectional area of every conductor shall be not less than 1.5 mm 2
copper or copper equivalent.
6.2.4 Electrical Connections
Connections between cables or conductors shall only be made in connecting boxes or by
electrical equipment.
NOTE— Connections also include junctions and taps.
6.2.5 Proximity of Wiring Systems to Other Services
6.2.5.1 Proximity to non-electrical services
6.2.5.1.1
Add the following at the end of 5.2.11.3.1 of IS 732:No electrical equipment including
wiring systems, except:
a) ELV (extra low voltage) equipment for gas supply control; and
b) cables running through a gas compartment without connection shall be installed in
any gas cylinder compartment.
Such electrical installations and components shall be constructed and installed s o that
they are not a potential source of ignition.
Where cables have to run through such a compartment such cables shall be protected
against mechanical damage by installation within a continuous conduit or duct passing
through the compartment at a height of not less than 500 mm above the base of the
cylinders.
Where installed in a position where it is likely to be subject to mechanical damage this
conduit or duct shall be able to withstand an impact equivalent to AG3 without visible
physical damage.

6.3 Isolation, Switching and Control

6.3.1 Isolation and Switching
6.3.1.1 Isolation
6.3.1.1.1 Each independent installation shall be provided with its own main isolating
switch which shall disconnect all live conductors and which shall be suitably placed in
a readily accessible location in the caravan. In an installation consisting of only one
final circuit, the isolating switch may be the overcurrent protection device providing
such a device meets the requirements for isolation.
6.3.1.1.1.1 A notice in durable material shall be permanently fixed in the vicinity of
the main isolating switch inside the caravan, bearing the text shown in Annex A in the
official language(s) of the country in which the caravan is to be sold for the firs t time,
in indelible and easily legible characters.
6.4 Earthing Arrangements and Protective Conductors
6.4.1 Protective Conductors
6.4.1.1 Types of protective conductors
Circuit protective conductors shall be incorporated in a multicore cable or in a conduit
or trunking together with the live conductors.
6.4.2 Protective Bonding Conductors for Connection to the Main Earthing Terminal
The terminations of protective bonding conductors connecting the conductive structure
of the unit shall be accessible and protected against corrosion.
6.5 Other Equipment
6.5.1 General Requirements
6.5.1.1 Inlets
6.5.1.1.1 Any AC electrical inlet on the caravan shall be an appliance inlet complying
with IS/IEC 60309-2.
6.5.1.1.2 The inlet, if any, shall be installed
a) not more than 1.8 m above ground level,
a) in a readily accessible position,
b) have a minimum protection of IP44 with or without a connector engaged, and
c) the inlet shall not protrude significantly beyond the body of the caravan.
6.5.1.2 Accessories
6.5.1.2.1 Every low-voltage socket-outlet, other than a shaver socket-outlet, shall
incorporate an earth contact.
6.5.1.2.2 Every socket-outlet supplied at extra-low voltage shall have its voltage
visibly marked.
6.5.1.2.3 Where an accessory is located in a position in which it is exposed to the
effects of moisture it shall be constructed or enclosed so as to provide a degree o f
protection not less than IPX4.
6.5.1.2.4 Each luminaire in a caravan shall preferably be fixed directly to the structure
or lining of the caravan. Where a pendant luminaire is installed in a caravan, provision
shall be made for securing the luminaire to prevent damage when the caravan is moved.
Accessories for the suspension of pendant luminaires shall be suitable for the mass
suspended and the forces associated with vehicle movement.
6.1.5.2.5 A luminaire intended for dual voltage operation shall comply with the
appropriate standard.

6.1.5.2.6
Table 1 Cross-sectional Areas of Flexible Cords
and Cables for Caravan Connection
(Clause 6.1.5.2.6)
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 –9–

Rated Current Minimum Cross-

A Sectional Area
mm 2
16 2.5
25 4
32 6
63 16
100 35

The appliance inlet installed under 6.5.1.1shall comply with IS/IEC 60309-2,and the
means of connection to the caravan pitch socket-outlet shall comprise the following:
a) a plug complying with IS/IEC 60309-2.
b) a flexible cord or cable.
of 25 m (±2 m) continuous length,
of harmonized code designation IEC 60245 (code 57) or equivalent,
incorporating a protective conductor, with a colour identification according to the
appropriate IEC standard, and
with a cross-sectional area in accordance with Table 1, and
c) a connectorcomplying with IS/IEC 60309-2.
The means of connection to the caravan pitch socket-outlet need not be supplied with
the caravan.
 ANNEX A
(Normative)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

A-1 CONNECTION
a) Before connecting the caravan installation to the electricity supply, check that:
1) the supply available at the caravan pitch supply point is suitable for the caravan
electrical installation and appliances, the voltage, frequency and current rating
are suitable,
2) the cable and means of connection are suitable, and
3) the main isolating switch in the caravan is in the OFF position.
WARNING—Thecaravan supply flexible cable should be fully uncoiled to avoid
damage by overheating.
b) Check the cable, the plug and the connector for damage.
c) Open the cover of the appliance inlet provided at the caravan, if any, and insert the
connector of the flexible cable.
d) Insert the plug of the flexible cable into the electricity outlet provided on the pitch
supply point.
e) Switch on the caravan main isolating switch.
f) Check the operation of residual current devices fitted in the caravan by depressing
the test buttons and reset.
Incase of doubt or, if after carrying out the above procedure the supply does not become
available, or if the supply fails, consult the caravan park operator.
A -2 DISCONNECTION
Switch off at the caravan main isolating switch, unplug the cable, first on the caravan
pitch supply point side and then at the caravan appliance inlet, if any.
A-3 PERIODIC INSPECTION
Preferably not less than once every three years and annually if the caravan is used
frequently, the caravan electrical installation and supply cable should be inspected and
tested by a competent electrician and a report on their condition obtained.
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 – 11 –

ANNEX B
(Informative)

Extra Low-voltage DC Installations

B-1 PURPOSES, SUPPLIES AND STRUCTURE
B-1.1 Supplies
B-1.1.1 Sources of Supply
The supply should be obtained from one or more of the following sources:
a) the electrical installation of the towing vehicle;
b) an auxiliary battery mounted in the caravan;
c) a low-voltage DC supply via a transformer/rectifier unit complying with IS 302-1
and IS/IEC 61558-2-6;
d) a DC generator that is driven by any form of energy; and
e) solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems or similar.
B-2 SELECTION AND ERECTION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
B-2.1 Common Rules
B-2.1.1Identification
B-2.1.1.1 General
The following information should be provided in the instructions for use and should be
in the official language(s) of the country in which the caravan is to be sold:
a) A warning worded as follows: “Any replacement of an auxiliary battery should be of
the same type and specification as that originally specified by the caravan
manufacturer”.
b) Instructions on the maintenance and recharging of an auxiliary battery where it is
fitted. Where a battery charger is provided, instructions on its safe use should be
included.
c) Instructions on selecting and installing an auxiliary battery in a compartment, if the
caravan is intended for the installation of an auxiliary battery.
d) Details of the warning notice specified in B-2.4.1.3.5and its importance for safety.
e) In order to ensure safe operation of the electrical installation, a simplified diagram
of the wiring of the ELV and LV installation, with details of the cable colours and/ or
marking and the nominal values of the overcurrent protective devices should be
provided.
f) Type of appliances that can be used and from what source of supply.
g) Instructions for the correct operation and maintenance of fitted appliances, as
supplied by the appliance manufacturer.
h) A warning worded as follows: “Always disconnect the electrical connector between
the towing vehicle and the caravan before connecting an LV supply to the caravan
and before charging the caravan battery by any other means”.
B-2.1.2 Prevention of Mutual Detrimental Influence
B-2.1.2.1 The ELV installation should be so installed that the protective measures of
the LV installation against direct contact, or in case of indirect contact are not impaired.
It should be ensured that operating currents of the ELV installation do not flow in the
protective conductors of the LV installation.

B-2.2 Wiring Systems

B-2.2.1 Types of Wiring Systems
Cables should be of stranded construction and should comply with IEC 60227 (all
parts),IEC 60245 (all parts) or IS/ISO 6722 (all parts).
B-2.2.2 Current-Carrying Capacities
The cross-sectional areas of the conductors selected for the fixed wiring should be in
accordance with Annex C. Annex C does not apply to sensor and data lines.
B-2.2.3 Voltage Drop in Consumers' Installations
Under normal service conditions, the voltage at the terminals of any fixed current-using
equipment should be greater than the lower limit corresponding to the IEC standard
relevant to the equipment. Where the equipment is not the subject of an IEC standard,
the voltage at the terminals should be such as not to impair the safe functioning of that
equipment. In the absence of precise data, a voltage drop of 0.8 V from the power supply
to the equipment may be allowed.
The charging current I c[A] to determine the voltage drop is established by Formula
(B.1).

c  0.1
Ic  (B.1)
t
Where,
Ic = the charging current, in A;
c = the battery capacity, in Ah; and
t = the period, in h.
B-2.2.4 Proximity of Wiring Systems to Other Services
B-2.2.4.1 Proximity to non-electrical services
B-2.2.4.1.1 Cable runs and LPG installations
Cables including those used for automotive purposes should not be run through a
compartment or housing intended for liquefied petroleum gas storage cylinders. Where
cables have to run through such a compartment or housing, they should be run at a height
of not less than 500 mm above the base of the cylinders, and such cables should be
protected against mechanical damage by installation within a contin uous gas tight
conduit or duct passing through the compartment.
Where installed, this conduit or duct should be able to withstand an impact equivalent
to AG3 without visible physical damage.
ELV cables and electrical equipment are only to be installed within the LPG cylinder
compartment or housing if the installation serves the operation of the gas cylinders ( for
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 – 13 –

example, indication of empty gas cylinders) or is for use within the compartment or
housing. Such electrical installations and components should be constructed and
installed so that they are not a source of ignition and are in accordance with the relevant
standards for any hazardous area classification of the compartment or housing.
B-2.3 Isolation, Switching and Control
B-2.3.1 Devices for Protection against Overcurrent
B-2.3.1.1 General requirements
B-2.3.1.1.1 The overcurrent protective device for the power supply from the towing
vehicle should be installed as near as possible to the auxiliary battery, but in no case
more than 1 000 mm away. The overcurrent protective device for the auxiliary battery
should be fitted at the end of the battery cable and before the fixed installation. The ELV
output of the transformer/rectifier unit and of the DC generator should be provided with
an overcurrent protective device unless this is already incorporated within the unit or
generator. The protective device should be installed as near as possible to the unit or
generator and, in all cases, upstream of the distribution circuits.
B-2.3.1.1.2 Overcurrent protective devices should be either fuse links according to
ISO 8820 (all parts) or suitable miniature circuit-breakers.
B-2.3.1.1.3 Fuses should be physically protected against accidental mechanical
damage.
B-2.3.1.1.4 Overcurrent protective devices should not be fitted in a fuel storage
compartment or fuel storage housing intended for the storage of liquefied petroleum gas
cylinders or in the compartment for housing an auxiliary battery.
B-2.4 Other Equipment
B-2.4.1 General Requirements
B-2.4.1.1 Inlets
The inlet, when the plug is disconnected, should be protected against the ingress of
water, foreign bodies and accidental damage.
B-2.4.1.2 Accessories
The means of connection to the towing vehicle should be supplied with the caravan and
comprise the following:
a) a plug complying with IS 13461 and IS 13460 or ISO 11446(all parts), and
b) a flexible cord or cable with the number of cores with the minimum cross -sectional
area and the allocation according to Table B-1 and a length not exceeding 5 m, and
c) a connectorcomplying with IS 13461 and IS 13460 or ISO 11446(all parts).
Table B-1 Functional Allocation and Cross-sectional Areas
of Cores for Caravan Connectors
(Clause B-2.4.1.2 )
 Contact Numbers Minimum
Cross-
Core ISO 11446 IS 13461
Function sectional
No. Area
mm2
1 Left-hand direction – indicator light 1 1 1.5
2 Rear fog light 2 2 1.5
3 Common return for core nos. 1,2, 4, 3a 3a 2.5
5, 6, 7 and 8
4 Right-hand direction – indicator 4 4 1.5
light
5 Right hand-rear position and 5 5 1.5
marker lights, and rear-registration-
plate illumination device
6 Stop lights 6 6 1.5
7 Left-hand rear position and marker 7 7 1.5
lights, and rear-registration-plate
illumination device
IS 13460
8 Reversing light 8 1 1.5
9 Continuous power supply 9 4 2.5
10 Power supply controlled by ignition 10 6 2.5
switch
11 Return for core No. 10 11a 7a 2.5
12 Coding for coupled trailer 12 2 –
13 Return for core No. 9 13a 3a 2.5
14 No allocation – 5 1.5
a
These return circuits should not be electrically connected in the trailer.

B-2.4.1.3 Auxiliary batteries

B-2.4.1.3.1 Type of battery
An auxiliary battery should be of the rechargeable type.
NOTE Non-rechargeable batteries are not auxiliary batteries. They can be used in
caravans, provided that they are used in circuits separated from other sources of
electrical supply.
B-2.4.1.3.2 Capacity
An auxiliary battery should have a minimum capacity of 60 Ah at a 20 h discharge
period.
It is recommended to use a battery designed to be discharged over long periods at a
relatively low current.
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 – 15 –

B-2.4.1.3.3 Terminals
Auxiliary battery terminals should be clearly and durably marked “+” and “-”.
Connections to auxiliary battery terminals should be securely clamped or bolted t o
ensure continuous contact and should be insulated unless the auxiliary battery is
provided with an insulating device.
B-2.4.1.3.4 Location
An auxiliary battery should be placed in a separate compartment with easy access for
maintenance or removal. The battery should be secured to prevent movement,for
example when the caravan is in motion.
B-2.4.1.3.5 Auxiliary battery compartment
A tray should be installed under an auxiliary battery if the electrolyte of this battery is
liquid. The tray should be sufficient to hold 20 percent of the volume of the electrolyte.
The interior of an auxiliary battery compartment should be ventilated and protected
against the corrosive effects of acid-laden gases, by one of the following methods:
a) installing a sealed auxiliary battery that incorporates an external ventilating kit that
is taken to the exterior of the caravan;
b) installing an auxiliary battery in an enclosed battery compartment that is protected
internally against corrosion and is ventilated to the exterior of the caravan by means
of a suitable tube with a minimum inside diameter of 10 mm at the top of the auxiliary
battery compartment in accordance with the battery manufacturer's instructions or as
supplied by the manufacturer of the auxiliary battery; or
c) ventilating the compartment at low-level and high-level to the exterior of the caravan
and constructing the interior of the compartment, including the sides of the ventilator
openings, of acid-resistant material or providing it with an anti-corrosive finish. If
the compartment opens into the interior of the caravan, the lid should provide an air
seal. The minimum size of ventilation should be not less than 80 mm 2 at low level
and not less than 80 mm 2 at high level.
If an auxiliary battery is not provided, then the position and instructions for the
installation of the battery and compartment, in accordance with a), b) or c) of this
subclause, should be included in the instructions for use and a notice should be fixed in
or near the proposed location stating: “For instructions on auxiliary battery installation,
see the instructions for use”.
When the manufacturer makes no provision for the installation of an auxiliary battery,
the following statement should be made in the instructions for use: “This caravan has
not been designed to accommodate an auxiliary battery. Do not fit one.”
B-2.4.1.3.6 Auxiliary battery cables
Cables from an auxiliary battery should be protected by additional sheathing or taping
up to the overcurrent protective device.
B-2.4.1.3.7 Warning notice
A warning notice should be fixed in a prominent position near the auxiliary battery or
displayed on the lid of the auxiliary battery compartment. This warning should be in the
official language(s) of the country in which the caravan is to be sold and should state:
“Switch off all appliances and lamps before disconnecting the auxiliary battery.”
The auxiliary battery compartment should be additionally marked “Smoking prohibited”
in accordance with IS 12349and in the language(s) of the country in which the caravan
is to be sold.
B-2.4.1.4 Other sources of supply
B-2.4.1.4.1 Generators and transformer/rectifier units
If a supply is obtained from a generator or from a low-voltage supply via a
transformer/rectifier unit, the extra-low voltage at the output terminals of the supply unit
should be maintained between 11 V minimum and 15 V maximum with applied loads
varying from 0.5 A minimum up to the maximum rated load of the supply unit. Over the
same load range, alternating voltage ripple should not exceed 1.2 Vpp .

B-2.4.1.4.2 Regenerative sources

Regenerative energy sources, such as wind energy, solar energy , should be installed
only for charging batteries and such sources should only generate extra -low voltage.
Regenerative energy sources should only be operated with a device which prevents
overcharging of the battery(ies).
B-2.4.1.5 Charging of auxiliary battery and operation of refrigerator
B-2.4.1.5.1 The circuit to charge an auxiliary battery should be separate from a circuit
to operate a refrigerator.
B-2.4.1.5.2 The charging circuit for an auxiliary battery should be energized only
when the engine of the towing vehicle is running.
B-2.4.1.6 Terminal block
If the connection between the connecting cable(s) and the caravan's fixed wiring is by
means of a terminal block, it should have a protective cover. If the terminal block is
positioned externally it should have a cover providing a degree of protection of not less
than IP34 as given in IS/IEC 60529.
B-2.4.1.7 Appliances
B-2.4.1.7.1 General
The caravan manufacturer's technical specification should state whether an ELV
appliance is suitable for use with a supply obtained from a DC generator or a
transformer/rectifier unit.
Appliances suitable for operation on both 12 V AC and 12 V DC are permitted provided
that the AC and the DC systems are segregated and interconnection is prevented.
B-2.4.1.7.2 Selection and connection of appliances
All appliances should be fitted and connected in accordance with the appliance
manufacturer's instructions. Where polarity-sensitive appliances are fitted and
connected, only those that have terminals clearly marked “–” and “+”, or that have two
conductors, indicating polarity by colour or by identification tags or sleeves marked “–”
and “+”should be used.
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 – 17 –

B-2.4.1.8 Socket-outlets
ELV socket-outlets should be two pole non-reversible and should be of a different type
from those provided for any low-voltage installation. The voltage and maximum power
rating of the circuit should be stated on or adjacent to the socket-outlets.
B-2.4.1.9 Battery charger
If a battery charger is connected to a low-voltage AC supply, it should comply with the
relevant clauses of IEC 60335-2-29. The DC output should either be electronically
regulated or the maximum DC output of the charger in A should be limited to 10 percent
of the capacity of the auxiliary battery in Ah at 20 h discharge rate.
B-2.4.1.10 External lights
Lights, such as door lamps, fixed outside on a caravan should be constructed or enclosed
to provide protection against the ingress of water with a degree of protection of not less
than IP34 according toIS/IEC 60529.
 Annex C
(informative)

Current-carrying capacities
C-1 The minimum conductor cross-sectional areas are to be selected from graphs
(seeFig. C-1 and Fig. C-2) or calculated according to Formula (C-1)
C-1.1 Graphs for Obtaining Minimum Cross-Sectional Areas

IEC

Total length of both cables (positive and negative), in m

(route length is half above length)
To obtain the minimum cross-sectional area for a circuit with a design current of 5 A
and a total cable length of 24 m (12 m route length), the cross-sectional area of the
conductors of that circuit should not be less than 4 mm 2.
FIG. C-1 GRAPH FOR OBTAINING MINIMUM CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
FOR CONDUCTORS
FOR FIXED WIRING INSTALLATIONS WITH A VOLTAGE DROP OF 0.8 V
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 – 19 –

IEC

Total length of both cables (positive and negative), in m

(route length is half above length)
FIGURE C-2 GRAPH FOR OBTAINING MINIMUM CROSS-SECTIONAL
AREA FOR CONDUCTORS
FOR BATTERY CABLE INSTALLATIONS WITH A VOLTAGE DROP OF
0.3 V
C-1.2 Calculation of the Minimum Cross-sectional Areas
The cross-sectional areas may be calculated from the following formula:
 LI
A (C.1)
Uv

Where,

A = the cross-sectional area of conductor, in mm 2;

 = the resistivity of copper (0.019 89  mm 2 /m at 50 °C);
L = the total length (feed and return cable) of the conductors, in m;
I = the total current, in A; and
UV = the permissible voltage drop.
(0.3 V for auxiliary battery charging cables, 0.8 V for fixed wiring cables).
With intermediate values, the result of the calculation should be rounded to the next
higher cross-sectional area.
C-2 The graphs in Figures C-1 and C-2 and Formula (C-1) are based on a conductor
operating temperature of 50 °C.
If cables are installed for use under conditions of temperatures higher than 50 °C the
minimum cross-sectional area of the conductors should be increased.
C-3 If the appliance manufacturer requires a voltage drop which is different from
0,.3 V or 0.8 V, this value should be inserted for UV in Formula (C-1).
IEC 60364-7-721:2017© IEC 2017 – 21 –