IP ratings

[john4703]

I need to fit a switch on the tow bar of my caravan. It is outside in the rain all year and gets towed at 60 mph or maybe slightly faster. Would a switch rated IP65 be good enough to survive this treatment? I know it is ok for a jet of low pressure water but what does that mean?

If anyone needs o know it is to switch the supply to a relay that supplies power to a motor mover, the usual arrangement is to have an isolator on the offside of the caravan but I have no access to that side as my driveway is too narrow. I used a weatherproof light switch designed for 230v (a fairly big grey box) on my existing caravan but on my new one I want something a lot smaller and neater. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Why are you asking about IP65 switches?

Google better 'water-proof' ones. IP68.

 

[john4703]

Why are you asking about IP65 switches?
Google better 'water-proof' ones. IP68.

Thanks, that helps a lot, I was Googling waterproof switches but your suggestion gets results.

 

[ericmark]

Normally a motor mover has an isolator able to handle around 60 amp and at 12 volt the CAT key isolator likely ideal for you, But not sure if you need the isolator to be water proof in real terms a knife switch with no water proofing would do the job.

The problem with a motor mover is the radio link uses power and if not disconnected will discharge battery, which likely you also can't get to either, so I would use a welding plug and socket, so as well as being able to disconnect also you can charge battery from that point.

Isolators try Durite or Gordon Equipment they make most the cheaper range, or if really want water proof Sterling who make boat parts, they also do things like DC to DC inverters and other stuff handy with caravans. Another firm is Ring.

230 volt switches to take 60 amp are expensive, better looking at 12 and 24 volt stuff.

 

[john4703]

Thanks ericmark,
I've got my old caravan wired up using a relay inside so the external switch carries very little current. I'll move the relay to my new caravan but the ugly switch needs replaced. I plug in the electric hook up cable and fix it round the back of the caravan then move it into my driveway and then plug in the cable to the 16A socket. The motor mover powers off after a set time, 20 minutes or so which is why I need an accessible way to turn it on and off from the front. As I move it in there is a 3 metre stretch where I can't get to either side as it is between two walls with maybe 80mm clearance on each side. It does make it harder to steal which is good.
I followed EFLimpudance's advice and found a toggle switch rated at IP68 which should be fine.
My next job in the caravan will be to fit a few more 230v sockets with USB charge sockets so we can keep our tech going. That will be easy as I've already worked out the cable routes.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Your mover may be different to mine, but if I press the remote's off button, the receiver goes into very low current sleep mode. I have my caravan in my drive, plenty of space around it and on permanent hook-up. I just disconnect the leisure battery, leaving the 12v from the PSU on. Every month or two, I reconnect the battery and leave it on for 24 hours to top it up. Batteries are ruined left on charge 24/7, the last forever with my regime.

Could you not do something similar? Maybe a battery isolator switch accessible inside the caravan under the seat where the battery compartment is?

 

[gman76]

60 mph or maybe slightly faster.

That is maybe above the prescribed limit.

I'll get my coat.

 

[john4703]

That is maybe above the prescribed limit.
I'll get my coat.

I was thinking of driving at the legal 60 mph but with a head wind the rain might hit at over 60 mph

 

[JohnW2]

I was thinking of driving at the legal 60 mph but with a head wind the rain might hit at over 60 mph

Don't say that too loudly, since if the PTB hear it they might change the 60 mph limit such that it relates to 'air speed' (although, I suppose you might like that if there were a tail wind!!)

Kind Regards, John