Lithium batteries, solar, inverters and DC-DC chargers are popular caravan and camper upgrades. Before planning one, it helps to know which standard is relevant and why the answer for your van depends on the job.
This is a general overview, not compliance or legal advice. Requirements depend on the vehicle or installation, the equipment selected and the work proposed. Refer to current manufacturer instructions and the relevant authority’s requirements before proceeding.
What AS/NZS 3001.2 is
AS/NZS 3001.2 is the Australian and New Zealand standard covering electrical installations in caravans and similar vehicles and relocatable units. It is published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
Whether and how it applies to a given job depends on the work. A new installation, an alteration to an existing installation and a like-for-like replacement are not necessarily treated the same way, and the existing installation matters too. Do not assume that one change means the whole van must be upgraded, or that it means nothing else needs attention. Check what applies to your work before buying parts.
Planning a lithium, solar, inverter or charging upgrade
Lithium battery upgrades, inverters, solar and changes to charging should be planned with the battery and equipment manufacturer’s installation instructions and the applicable requirements. Battery location, cable sizing, circuit protection and charger settings depend on the products selected and the van.
Before buying, it can help to have the existing 12V installation looked at, so the proposed work is clear and any issues with the current wiring are known up front.
240V work and what Wired Right does
Any 240V mains wiring, power points or inverter-output connections are handled through a licensed electrician.
Wired Right does the 12V side: caravan 12V fault finding and caravan, camper and trailer wiring installs, including battery, solar and charging work. We will confirm the proposed installation scope before work is authorised.