Electrical installation in motorhomes
Whether you are converting a van into your dream camper or upgrading an existing motorhome, a well-planned electrical installation is essential. Here at UK Leisure Parts, we supply a wide range of high-quality components designed specifically for 12V and 240V camper electrical systems, and we are here to help you understand the basics before getting started.
A proper electrical system allows you to:
- Power lights, water pumps, and appliances
- Charge phones, laptops, and devices
- Run fridges, heaters, and fans
- Stay connected and comfortable off-grid
But unlike a house, a motorhome uses a combination of power sources — typically from a leisure battery, a mains hook-up, and often even solar power. The integration of these systems must be done safely and correctly to meet legal standards and avoid risk of damage or injury.
Start with a wiring plan – before buying anything, draw up a simple wiring diagram that includes:
- All appliances and sockets (lights, fridge, USB ports, etc.)
- Power sources (leisure battery, mains hook-up, solar, etc.)
- Switches, fuse boxes, isolators, and relays
- Cable routes through the vehicle
This will help you determine what size cables you will need, where to put components, and how to divide your system up.
Choose your power sources – Most day-to-day systems like lights, USB sockets, fans, and water pumps run on 12V DC. These are powered by a leisure battery, which can be charged in three main ways:split charge relay, solar panels or a 240V charger (only when plugged into mains).
When parked at campsites with power points, a mains hook-up system gives access to power for appliances like kettles, laptops, and electric heaters. This system must include residual current device protection, a fuse box, and a hook-up cable. All mains’ installations should comply with wiring regulations, and it’s strongly recommended to have an electrician handle this part.
Pick essential components – here at UK Leisure Parts, we stock everything you need for a safe and reliable installation, including:
- Switches and sockets
- Fuses and distribution boards
- Battery chargers and monitors
- Inverters (to convert 12V to 240V)
- Solar panel kits
- Cable, conduit, and terminals
- Wireless charging stations
- LED lighting options
Installation tips
- Use the right cable sizes – undersized cables can overheat and cause failures
- Label everything clearly – make future maintenance easier
- Ventilate batteries – especially lead-acid types which emit gas while charging
- Isolate power when working – use battery isolator switches
- Test all circuits before final panel fitting
- Document your system – keep a diagram and fuse ratings for future reference
A safe and reliable electrical system transforms your motorhome into a fully functional mobile home. Whether you are installing a basic setup for weekend trips or a fully off-grid system for extended travel, UK Leisure Parts has the products, knowledge, and support to help you do it right. Visit our website to browse our full range of electrical components or get in touch with our team today.
