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Build stories, how-tos and things we’ve learned in our Cumbria workshop.
33 articles
GuidesLithium leisure battery fuse sizing: how we protect every cableHow we size a lithium leisure battery fuse to the cable under BS 7671 Table 4D1A, check it against Victron's manuals, and…Published · Updated · 15 min read
GuidesLithium not charging while driving? Split charge relays, sizing your DC-DC and the Orion XS ‘no amps’ fixLithium not charging while driving? Why a split charge relay and smart alternator stop it, how to size a Victron Orion DC-DC…Published · Updated · 22 min read
GuidesDC-DC charger not charging: checks before you call it faultyDC-DC charger not charging? Work through these Victron Orion checks first: the app's reason, remote link, engine detection, lock-out, cables, battery and…Published · Updated · 19 min read
GuidesDVLA motorhome conversion: what changed on 19 October 2026DVLA motorhome conversion guidance changed on 19 October 2026. Pop-top roofs now count, refused owners can ask for a review, and safety…Published · Updated · 10 min read
GuidesOff grid solar system UK guide: how to power an off grid cabinOff grid solar system UK guide: how panels, a lithium battery, a Victron MultiPlus-II and monitoring power a cabin, sized to your…Published · Updated · 11 min read
GuidesBS 7671 Amendment 4 is live: what changes for campervan, motorhome and off-grid cabin electricsBS 7671:2018+A4:2026 takes effect on 15 October 2026. Every change that affects campervans, motorhomes and off-grid cabins, from Chapter 57 batteries to…Published · Updated · 29 min readGuidesOrion XS reverse charging: charge a flat starter battery from your leisure batteryOrion XS reverse charging, new in firmware v1.15, tops up a flat starter battery from your leisure battery. Models, VictronConnect steps, limits…Published · Updated · 5 min read
GuidesInduction Cooking in a Campervan: Inverter, Battery and Victron SetupIn short Induction cooking in a campervan works, off-grid and full time, if the electrical system is designed around it. The hob's…Published · Updated · 8 min read
Customer storiesOff-Grid Cabin Electrical Systems for Luxury RetreatsReliable Off-Grid Electrical Systems for Remote Cabins Unplugged is a leading off-grid cabin retreat provider, known for delivering thoughtfully designed, low-impact cabins…Published · Updated · 5 min read
GuidesHow to Correctly Earth and Bond Your Campervan’s Electrical SystemCampervan earthing and bonding sit at the heart of a safe installation, and safety should be at the forefront of everything we…Published · Updated · 10 min read
GuidesDC Isolator for Solar Panels: Do You Need One?Do you need a DC isolator for solar panels in a campervan? Few topics spark more conflicting opinions. The question is whether…Published · Updated · 8 min read
GuidesCampervan Cable Termination: Crimping Lugs, Ferrules and Ring TerminalsWhen it comes to terminating cables, there are several methods available, each with its own benefits and considerations. When installing the electrical…Published · Updated · 9 min read
Customer stories10kVA Victron Off-Grid Electrical System for an Overlanding TruckConrad contacted Tom and Charlie at Tiny Build Electrics after purchasing various Victron components for his dream Overlanding vehicle that Conrad and…Published · Updated · 6 min read
GuidesHow to Choose the Right DC Fuse for a Lithium Campervan SystemLiFePO4 fuse selection is one of the most important safety decisions in a mobile, marine or off-grid electrical system. Fuses provide critical…Published · Updated · 8 min read
Customer storiesCampervan Electrical System Upgrade with VictronJulie contacted Tiny Build Electrics after receiving a recommendation from one of their previous clients. Julie had recently purchased a Mercedes Sprinter…Published · Updated · 4 min read
Customer storiesFrom Consultation to Installation: A Bespoke Campervan Electrical SystemCharlotte approached Tiny Build Electrics looking for a campervan electrical system design and installation she could trust, after finding the electrical side…Published · Updated · 6 min read
GuidesWinterising campervan electrics: lithium storage, cold charging and hook-upWinterising campervan electrics in short Winterising campervan electrics comes down to two choices: keep a lithium battery charged and protected all winter,…Published · Updated · 20 min read
Customer storiesThinking About Full-Time Vanlife? Campervan electrics for full-time living Charlie & Tasha from weboughtavan give us their top tips on fitting a campervan electrics for full-time living as well as…Published · Updated · 7 min read
GuidesCampervan Electrical Basics ExplainedCampervan electrical basics start with electricity itself, the energy that powers your van's electrical system. It's the energy behind our cold beers…Published · Updated · 9 min read
GuidesCommon Campervan Electrical Mistakes to AvoidMost campervan electrical mistakes start with rushed planning. The system powers your appliances, charges your devices and makes the van comfortable to…Published · Updated · 11 min read
GuidesMiniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) in Campervan ElectricsA campervan MCB, or miniature circuit breaker, protects a circuit against overcurrents and short circuits. These compact devices are particularly vital for…Published · Updated · 8 min read
GuidesCampervan LED Lighting: 12V Design and Installation GuideDesigning effective campervan LED lighting is essential for both comfort and safety. A well-planned lighting system improves usability, reduces energy consumption, and…Published · Updated · 7 min read
GuidesBattery Monitoring for Campervans: Victron SmartShunt, BMV and BMS ExplainedA campervan battery monitoring system provides far more insight than simply reading voltage. Accurate monitoring of state of charge, current flow and…Published · Updated · 10 min read
GuidesCampervan DC-DC Charger Guide: Battery to Battery Chargers ExplainedA battery to battery charger, also known as a DC to DC charger, sits between your engine battery and leisure battery system.…Published · Updated · 11 min read
Guides12V and 230V Campervan Electrical Systems ExplainedA campervan has 12V and 230V electrics. On the 12V side there are usually two separate systems, because they serve two different…Published · Updated · 8 min read
GuidesWhich RCD Do You Need for a Campervan? Type A vs Type AC ExplainedChoosing the right Type A RCD for a campervan matters more than ever. Recent updates to the BS7671 wiring regulations mean that…Published · Updated · 5 min read
GuidesSolar Charge Controller for Campervans: MPPT vs PWM ExplainedIf you're planning a campervan road trip, a solar charge controller is one of the essential components to consider. Solar panels can…Published · Updated · 8 min read
GuidesCampervan inverter guide: what size you need and how we fit oneA campervan inverter turns 12V into 230V. How to size one, why pure sine wave, and how we fit and test a…Published · Updated · 11 min read
GuidesHow to Plan Your Campervan Electrical SystemIn short Plan a campervan electrical system in order. Work out what you will run, then size the battery, the charging from…Published · Updated · 21 min read
GuidesSeries vs Parallel: Wiring Solar Panels and Batteries ExplainedOne question people often ask us is about series and parallel wiring, for both solar panels and batteries. Batteries in parallel? Solar…Published · Updated · 12 min read
GuidesCampervan Leisure Batteries Explained: Lithium, AGM, Gel and FloodedChoosing the right campervan leisure batteries is one of the most important decisions in any off-grid electrical system. With lithium, AGM, gel…Published · Updated · 12 min read
GuidesCampervan Electrical Testing Guide: Basic 12V DC Safety ChecksCarrying out basic campervan electrical testing is one of the most important stages of any van conversion. A few simple 12V DC…Published · Updated · 11 min read
GuidesSolar panels for a campervan: how to size and fit themIn short: solar panels for a campervan Most solar panels for a campervan add up to 400 to 500W, so we size…Published · Updated · 14 min readNeed a hand?
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