All depends. If this is a mobile library or training facility with perhaps a suite of PCs onboard then fine. On the other hand, if this is intended to connect to a "domestic" power washer (e.g.) snaking away on an extended cable then you've got a problem! (and will no doubt get the odd call-out for a flat battery!).
I think the IEE Regs have specific provision for moble installations - hopefully one of our electrical gurus will respond.

Am I reading this correctly? Is this a one-socket requirement to allow a laptop to be recharged whilst on the move? If so, why not ask if the laptop supplier has a charger suitable for direct connection to the 12V socket in the passenger compartment (I've got one for my mobile 'phone after all) of the vehicle?
Failing that, you can buy a plug-in inverter for about £20.
You can also buy a multi-way extension for the 12V socket for £3.
With a wee bit of thought you could run everything into the vehicle boot - safely away from the prying eyes of miscreants.

OK got you now. Sorry I can't help.

Paul,

Thanks for the advice to date.

To clarify, the vehicles are to be fitted with a 230 volt distribution board and sockets. The board will be fed from a mains supply (via en extension cable) or from a generator. Just as we find in caravans and mobile homes.

Then, there will also be back-up batteries (12 volt) connected to an inverter to provide 230 volts for minor electrical equipments when a mains connection is not available and the user does not want to run a generator.

Firstly I need to ensure that the fleet manager knows what regulations and BS / EN standards will apply to the mains / generator connection and circuit and then secondly for the inverter connections.

I would be grateful for any advice offered.

Thanks again,
Edwin

Edwin,

The LV install in the vehicles will need to comply with BS7671, including the requirements in the special locations sections, 708, 711, 717 721 & 740 which would provide additional guidance, the earthing arrangements would need to be cross referenced with BS7430, you should also refer to BS7909.

The supplies to the vehicles would need to comply with BS7671, 7430 & 7909, and the origin of these supplies would also need to comply with BS7671 7430 & ESQCR.

The inverter installation at the ELV side would need to comply with EAWR. The LV side would need to comply with BS7671 etc. as above.

It may pay also to refer to such documents and guidance for small scale embedded generation, which would give advice on supply change over.

Obviously the whole set up must comply with all statutory legislation, EAWR, PUWER, MHSWR etc.

HSE also publish guidance on the use of small generators for supplying such installations.

Any temporary supplies at LV from generators or the public distribution network supplied via a consumer’s installation must be checked for suitability each and every time a connection is made.

The installation in the vehicle should be tested in accordance with published guidance. It would also be worthwhile reviewing the suggestions in the IET COP for “PAT”.

Finally HSE do have some other published guidance on these matters.

I would also echo what Steve Sedgwick has said in post #9. This install must be adequately designed constructed inspected & tested to comply with statutory legislation.

Whilst BS’s are not legislation, they are VERY often referred to in guidance for compliance. The last issue of BS7671 in 2008 triggered an update to statutory legislation in ESQCR which “legitimises” the BS for compliance with Statute Law.

This is not something a normal “auto spark” could do, nor is it something a normal “domestic spark” or “industrial/commercial spark” could take on as it is quite a specialised area, there are people around who can do this but you need to ensure that they are competent in this work.

The initial design may need to be undertaken as Steve says by a competent electrical engineer. It may be worth investigating getting a specialist vehicle conversion company to look at this, as long as they are competent in LV installations, not just ELV stuff there is no HV involved so you are clear there ! ;-)

HTH.