When building a 240V AC distribution system, only a licensed electrician was legally allowed to handle the work here in Australia. However, this is no longer always the case. Our Plug and Play AC wiring system allows DIY enthusiasts to legally wire their adventure vehicles as well, without the risk of facing heavy non-compliance penalties.
And it's not just about cutting costs. These softwired components make it far easier to re-route, replace or upgrade the power distribution system in your caravan, campervan or motorhome β no rewiring marathons, no screw terminals, no guesswork.
What Is a Plug and Play AC Wiring System?
With traditional hardwiring, the drawback is not just that only a licensed electrician can compliantly work on it. Even if you were allowed to handle it, the process involves quite a lot β cutting wiring cables, stripping the wire ends, and securing these ends into the screw terminals of other components (such as GPO sockets) within the circuit. This process is tedious, time-consuming, and, in many cases, more expensive than softwiring.
Also known as modular wiring, softwiring involves using plug-and-play electrical components that can easily be interconnected. It is very common in office fit-outs and commercial workstations because it can be quickly assembled or dismantled without tools.
These same benefits have made softwiring increasingly popular in the RV industry. In fact, most of our current AC wiring collection consists of plug and play options.
Like traditional hardwiring systems, our Plug and Play AC wiring components are 100% compliant with Australian and New Zealand electrical regulations, including AS/NZS 3190, AS/NZS 3760, AS/NZS 3112, AS/NZS 61535, and AS/NZS 3000. This means you can confidently use them when building your caravan, campervan, RV, or motorhome without worrying about safety or compliance issues.
Is Plug and Play Caravan Wiring the Same as the CMS J-Series?
No, our plug and play AC components are not the same as the CMS J-Series. While both are softwiring systems manufactured by CMS Electracom, they use different connection couplers, meaning they cannot be directly interchanged.
The male connector on a J-Series softwiring component has two security clips that lock securely into its matching socket. Then, the female coupler features two corresponding security holes that the male clips lock into.
CMS manufactures the J-Series modular components exclusively for Jayco campervans and caravans. Therefore, they are ideal for upgrading or replacing the existing J-Series wiring in your adventure vehicle. However, they are not as widely available as the C-Series softwiring system, which CMS supplies to other manufacturers.
Our components are based on the CMS C-Series, allowing them to be effectively interchanged with compatible components from other manufacturers. Compared to J-Series options, they are physically smaller, making them easier to feed through tight wall cavities and cabinetry.
The male connector of a C-Series softwiring component has a single security clip that locks into a matching socket. Then, the female coupler features one corresponding security hole that the male clip locks into when connected.
Because the C-Series softwiring systems are supplied to a wider range of manufacturers, they are more readily available on the market. As a result, they are often the better option when building a van from scratch.
It's also worth mentioning that this softwiring range is not limited to general circuit wiring. We also offer Plug and Play inverter cables to make the installation of your power distribution system even easier.
How to Set Up Plug and Play 240V Wiring in a Caravan or Campervan
As mentioned earlier, hardwiring your 240V distribution system can be quite a hassle. It requires you to cut your wiring cables and strip the ends. Then, insert the bare wire into the terminal holes of your components (such as sockets and safety switches) and tighten the captive screws.
Meanwhile, a softwired AC system comes with pre-cut cables and components integrated with CMS C-Series couplers. All you need to do is interconnect the components in the correct order.
For instance, to softwire a new socket circuit from scratch, you simply need to:
- Grab your Plug and Play lead cable and plug the male connector end into the female coupler of the Plug and Play External Power Socket Inlet.
- Take the other (female) end of your lead cable and connect the male connector of the Plug and Play RCD. Then, hook up the male end of your second lead cable to the female coupler of the RCD.
- Next, grab the other (female) end of your second cable and connect it to the male connector of your first Plug and Play power point.
- After that, connect the female coupler of your first power point to the male connector of a third lead cable. Then, connect the female end of the cable to the male connector of a second power point.
- If you want more AC outlets throughout your camper, continue interconnecting them with a lead cable until the end. The last power point in the circuit will only have the male coupler connected. You can leave the female coupler as it is for future use or complete the circuit with a 10A Plug and Play External Socket Outlet.
Important Notes Before You Start Wiring
- The installation steps above are based on an AC distribution circuit that starts with our standard shore power external socket inlet (with a female C-Series coupler). Therefore, the circuit starts with a female outlet and ends with a male inlet, leaving one female outlet unoccupied.
- If you opted for our advanced Plug and Play Shore Power Inlet, its integrated terminal loom features a male C-Series connector. In this case, the circuit configuration is reversed β starting with a male outlet connection and ending with a female inlet. A male outlet will remain unoccupied.
- If you only require a single GPO socket in your adventure vehicle, your wiring setup effectively ends at Step 3.
- You can use a Plug and Play Splitter Adapter at the outlet connector of your power point or at the junction between two cables to create multiple circuit paths.
- Don't forget to connect the earth lead of your socket to the grounding point of your camper for optimal safety.
- Our 240V lead cables are available in various lengths, ranging from as short as 150mm to as long as 5 metres. Therefore, there is no need to use an excessively long cable if it is unnecessary. However, you should also avoid undersizing the cable length, as this may force the cable to bend sharply.
Do I Need to Rewire My Entire J-Series Circuit If I Can't Find Replacement Parts?
No, you don't need to rewire the entire J-Series wiring system in your caravan, campervan, or motorhome simply because replacement parts are unavailable. It is also extremely risky to improvise by cutting our lead cables and replacing the C-Series connectors with J-Series connectors.
Instead, use our Plug and Play to J Series Adapter or J Series to Plug and Play Adapter to integrate your existing wiring with the available components.
Is DIY 240V Caravan Wiring Legal and Safe in Australia?
One of the main advantages of building your van or motorhome with softwired AC components is reduced cost β not only for purchasing materials, but also for hiring a technician to complete the work for you.
Although the system is designed for simple DIY installation, soft-wiring your camper still requires compliance with all applicable electrical wiring regulations. That is one of the reasons we included an RCD (Residual Current Device) in our sample illustration above.
Once the wiring is complete, you must have a licensed electrician carry out the final inspection. If the installation complies with the required national standards, the electrician will approve the system and issue a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW).
This inspection and certification are crucial because they confirm that the AC distribution system in your adventure vehicle is electrically safe. Without approval, you not only risk the safety of the occupants and your property, but you may also face legal consequences, including fines ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 or more.
In addition, campsites and caravan parks may refuse to allow you to connect to their power outlets without official approval. Insurers may also decline to cover your camper or honour a claim in the event of an incident.
Is a Plug and Play AC Wiring System Worth It?
Absolutely. This softwiring approach has been extremely useful for DIYers who want to build and maintain their own caravan, campervan, RV, or motorhome. Here are six reasons why it's worth it:
- 100% Legal: The system has been designed in accordance with joint Australian and New Zealand electrical standards. This allows you to use it with confidence, knowing your installation complies with the required regulations.
- 100% Safe: The components are factory-built with safety as a top priority, following all necessary protocols, including correct sizing of core wires, breaker switches, and other essential components.
- Straightforward Installation: The system is simple and convenient to install. You only need to interconnect the supplied components in the correct sequence by connecting the male end to the female coupler, while following the proper wiring standards.
- Simple Management: Because the system is easy to install, it is also quick and effortless to dismantle. You simply press the security clip on the male connector to release it from the locking hole on the female coupler. This makes it easy to reorganise your circuit layout or upgrade and replace components while travelling or camping.
- Secure Connection: The couplers provide a strong and secure connection, even under the intense vibrations of rough Australian outback terrain. The cable will only disconnect when the security clip on the male connector is intentionally pressed.
- Cost-Effective: You can complete up to 90% of the installation yourself. You only need to hire a licensed electrician for the final inspection and sign-off on the mandatory Certificate of Compliance. This can save you a significant amount of money compared to paying an electrician for every hour spent routing wiring and mounting sockets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plug and Play Caravan Wiring
Is plug and play caravan wiring legal in Australia?
Yes. The components comply with Australian and New Zealand electrical regulations, including AS/NZS 3190, AS/NZS 3760, AS/NZS 3112, AS/NZS 61535, and AS/NZS 3000. You can complete the DIY assembly yourself, but a licensed electrician must carry out the final inspection and issue a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW).
Can I mix C-Series and J-Series softwiring components?
Not directly β the two systems use different couplers and cannot be interchanged. Rather than cutting cables and swapping connectors (which is extremely risky), use a Plug and Play to J-Series or J-Series to Plug and Play adapter to bridge the two systems.
What happens if my 240V caravan wiring isn't certified?
Without approval, you risk the safety of occupants and property, and may face fines ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Campsites and caravan parks may refuse to let you connect to their power, and insurers may decline to cover your camper or honour a claim.
What cable lengths are available for softwired 240V circuits?
The 240V lead cables come in various lengths, from as short as 150mm up to 5 metres, so you can match the cable to the run without excessive slack or sharp bends.
Ready to simplify your build? Browse our full range of Plug and Play AC wiring components and wire your caravan, campervan or motorhome the easy, compliant way.
