As caravan and holiday home owners, you’ll know the need for adequate heating during the cooler months.
Whether your property uses gas, electricity, or a combination of both, it is your responsibility to ensure that regular safety inspections occur and that general maintenance is carried out.
Read our caravan and holiday home heating safety guide below for information on caravan gas and electricity regulations, dangers, and precautions.
The importance of caravan gas safety checks
Carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation can be devastating, and all holiday home owners should be aware of the dangers and preventative measures.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal, and wood don’t burn fully. Accidental exposure to carbon monoxide can be caused by poor ventilation and incorrectly installed or poorly maintained appliances.
If you are unsure whether your appliances are unsafe or have any concerns about carbon monoxide at your property, you should immediately consult a gas-safe registered engineer. You can find more details at National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association and Gas Safe Register.
Caravan gas regulations
Holiday home owners
Most caravan and holiday parks will insist that all privately owned static caravans, lodges, cabins and chalets have annual caravan gas safety checks.
These checks usually take a few hours, and you can arrange them with a local gas service specialist. Your caravan park could recommend someone and perhaps arrange it for you if you live far away.
The cost for an annual caravan safety check is usually in the region of £100. Once it has been carried out, you’ll receive a certificate confirming that your property has passed. Your site operator may request a copy of your certificate for their own records.
Related: Static caravan gas safety check cost
Landlords and owners that let their properties
If you let your caravan or holiday home, you must ensure that any gas appliances are properly maintained.
It is mandatory by law that a gas safety inspection must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. A copy of the safety certificate must be made available to your tenants before they move in or within 28 days of the inspection date.
You may also find that your contract with the park operator specifies that you must have a valid gas safety certificate to comply with their caravan gas safety regulations.
Caravan electricity safety regulations
How you use your caravan or holiday home determines the electrical safety measures that you are legally obliged to follow.
Holiday home owners
If you do not let your property and you and your family only use it, there aren’t any legal regulations around electrical inspections. However, you may wish to consider periodic checks and a full safety inspection every one or two years.
Landlords and owners that let their properties
If you let your caravan, you are legally obliged to carry out an annual Portable Appliance Test.
This is a test of all electrical appliances, which a certified electrician carries out to ensure they are safe to use.
You may also ask the electrician to inspect the general electrics (fuse boxes, wiring, switches, sockets and lighting fittings) within your property simultaneously for your peace of mind.
Related: The ultimate guide to static caravan decking
Electrical dangers, causes and precautions
Most electrical incidents that occur could have been avoided had basic precautionary measures been followed. Here are some best practice electrical safety precautions:
1. Carrying out maintenance
Turn the electricity off at the mains before attempting any maintenance, and always ask an expert to undertake anything that you are not qualified to do.
2. Using electric heaters
Whilst most electric heaters have their own safety devices to prevent overheating and fires, you should always practice caution when using them.
Ensure they are not covered, and always follow the manufacturer’s advice about leaving them on for long periods or whilst your home is unattended.
3. Lamps and downlighters
Lamps, wall lights and downlighters can be hazardous if they overheat. Periodically check them to ensure they are in good working order, free from scorching and discolouration, and adequately ventilated.
4. Plugs, extension leads and adapters
Do not overload extension leads and plugs and ensure that any adapters you use are of good quality and manufactured to BS standards. Check plug sockets for signs of overheating, and ask an electrician for advice if you are unsure.
5. Storage near electric outlets
Keep the area around your electric outlets clear of combustible material and allow access in case you need to turn off the power quickly.
6. Using electric appliances outdoors
To use electrical equipment safely outside, always use a Residual Current Device which will break the electric circuit if it is tripped, helping to prevent serious electric shocks and injuries.
Related: The best static caravan manufacturers and models
Prevention and safety
Consider installing the following safety devices so that you and your guests are fully prepared and able to react to incidents:
- Fire extinguishers—depending on the size of your property, you should consider placing one or more fire extinguishers at conveniently placed locations
- Smoke alarms—regularly tested smoke alarm is a proven lifesaver, and it should be the number one item on your home safety list
- Fire blankets—keep a fire blanket in the kitchen (or close to it) to deal with any fires caused by cooking
- Insurance—whilst insurance can’t prevent an incident from occurring, it can help to quickly replace your lost items and restore your holiday home so you can enjoy it once more
Specialist static caravan insurance with Ripe Caravans
Now you’re clued up on caravan gas safety regulations, you may want to consider specialist insurance to protect your holiday home against the worst-case scenarios.
At Ripe Caravans, we arrange cover that protects your static caravan up to the value of £175,000. Theft, loss, and damage are covered as standard—even fire, storm, and flood damage.
You’ll also receive £2m Public Liability, which covers the cost of claims and legal expenses if visitors to your caravan are injured, or their property is damaged.
Click here to learn more about how we can help, or get an instant online quote today.
