Posted By chris Woodward We are currently looking into fitting our fleet of service vans with 240v plug sockets to allow our engineers to run power tools when working on isolated site. I am struggling to find if there is any guidance or regulations that cover things like this. or if they are just to be treated as a normal electrical socket that just happens to be in a van. any help or input on this would be very very welcome

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith See section 721 of BS7671:2008 which applies to electrical installations in caravans and motor caravans.

Posted By Glyn Atkinson IP 65 for any outside socket? What type of power generation / convertor is set out for use within / externally to the van?

Posted By Matt Hilton I run a similar set up in my 4x4, a 240v inverter running off a dual batteries which is ideal for my hobbies. (its not used in a work function!) I have also looked for any guidance on this especially relating to the earthing of the unit, there doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rules. I spent a lot of time researching USA RV(Recreation Vehicles or motor-homes) forums where the use of inverters is commonplace. Some users connect the earth from the appliance and inverter to the vehicle earth but that would, in a fault condition make the whole chassis live. Others have a portable earth spike which can be hammered into the ground to provide a direct path to earth. I decided to go for the earth spike route! Other things to consider, the 12v supply to an inverter will carry a lot of current, it needs to be as short as possible and suitably rated and fused. Also make sure if you go this route the setup includes a low battery voltage shut down otherwise you run the risk of not being able to start the vehicle later, ask me how I know this !!!! Matt

Posted By George Wedgwood The safest way is to utilise 110v centre tapped to earth via an isolating transformer. Have a look at the very good guidance on 'Electrical safety on construction sites' from HSE Books.