Reversed polarity tester

 
 
 
 
 
 
2424
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Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 12.05.2015  ·  #1
Going to France for first time in MH.

Is it worthwhile purchasing a reversed polarity tester and if so is there a recommended one to get?

I presume there are no issues carrying a full 12.9kg cylinder of Propane across the Irish sea (switched off at the bottle)?

Thank you!
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 12.05.2015  ·  #2
We have one built in but in the past have always used the one in the link below. Any will work.
Many people will tell you you don't need on but I have always preferred to check.

http://www.towsure.com/mains-polarity-tester-plug

I have made up a short lead (about 40cms) with reversed polarity to add into the hookup if required.

As for gas, no probs, just turn it off while onboard. Keep your reversed polarity lead handy on the boat if you hookup just in case.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 12.05.2015  ·  #3
Quote by 2424

Going to France for first time in MH.

Is it worthwhile purchasing a reversed polarity tester and if so is there a recommended one to get?

I presume there are no issues carrying a full 12.9kg cylinder of Propane across the Irish sea (switched off at the bottle)?

Thank you!


Good question Allan!

I must get one myself. You don't have to go to France to get reverse polarity. We had it in Loughree east at the last meet we had there, one of the craicers van displayed it in their control panel and when we checked it with a tester all the vans were reverse except for ours which was plugged into a differnt line.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 12.05.2015  ·  #4
Quote by mark

We have one built in but in the past have always used the one in the link below. Any will work.
Many people will tell you you don't need on but I have always preferred to check.

http://www.towsure.com/mains-polarity-tester-plug

I have made up a short lead (about 40cms) with reversed polarity to add into the hookup if required.

As for gas, no probs, just turn it off while onboard. Keep your reversed polarity lead handy on the boat if you hookup just in case.



Hi Mark,

This is all very helpful - thank you!
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2015  ·  #5
dont need one

but if you want one there are many cheap testers.
like mark i have a reverse lead made up but have never used it even if van shows reverse polarity
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2015  ·  #6
We sell a mains tester for €10.99 for anyone who is interested. :up:
Click here for more info on it.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2015  ·  #7
Quote by Bob

dont need one

but if you want one there are many cheap testers.
like mark i have a reverse lead made up but have never used it even if van shows reverse polarity


Paul's van in Loughree wouldn't charge when it detected the reverse polarity.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2015  ·  #8
It would appear that it effects different systems in different ways.

We have experienced it in Ireland with the last van. The hairdryer only blew cold Aire and the toaster hardly warmed the bread never mind toasting it. The battery charger clicked loudly while hooked up too.

In my opinion it is better to check and correct the issue.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 13.05.2015  ·  #9
my 240v consumer unit came with a warning light to warn of reverse polarity, this appears to be a home made addition to the consumer unit but it's quite simple . there seems to be an led bulb connected between neutral and earth. maybe someone who knows more about electrics can explain further. looks like something most people could "rig"
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 17.05.2015  ·  #10
like 2424 I have a lead made up and a tester always wondered if it was really necessary as we go to the continent every year and found a few rev pols but last year a couple in the van next to us left there ipad on charging and it wouldn't work when they came back I checked there system and found it rev pol cant be sure that was the cause but it was just new and this was their first aires charge
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 18.05.2015  ·  #11
We were away for the last few days.
I called into a campsite on Thursday evening and hooked up. Our reversed polarity light came one on the control panel. I added my reversed polarity lead and POP. The campsite trip flicked. I tried to reset it but had no luck, it just kept tripping.

I used a different socket and all was normal (no reversed polarity lead required)

I mentioned it to the warden next morning and he called over to have a look. Using my polarity tester we discovered that Live and Earth were mixed up. He very quickly isolated the hookup point and labeled it as dangerous.
So although the control panel simply said reversed polarity it was more serious than normal. Earth should only ever be earth. I am sure some electrical damage would have been caused inside the van of I had ignored it like some people say to do.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 18.05.2015  ·  #12
thers a warning for us all there from Mark's experience. don't play around with electrics or gas for that matter.
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Re: Reversed polarity tester

 ·  Posted: 18.05.2015  ·  #13
cheapest place for the plug/socket to make a lead is screwfix
a lot cheaper than accessory shops

piece of cable, put ends on, and good to go

as above post,,,,,if you are not competent at electrical work get a spark to make one for you
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