Lesson 1Using test instruments: digital multimeter techniques (voltage, current, continuity), clamp meter use, voltage drop testing, battery load testers, hydrometer and battery-specific diagnosticsThis lesson teaches the practical application of digital multimeters, clamp meters, and battery testers for RV electrical systems. Students will conduct voltage, current, continuity, and voltage drop tests, along with hydrometer readings and specialised battery diagnostics to ensure system reliability in Botswana's varying conditions.
Safe multimeter setup and rangesMeasuring DC and AC voltageCurrent and clamp meter techniquesVoltage drop testing on circuitsLoad testers, hydrometers, and BMS dataLesson 2AC system basics: 120V shore power, inverter operation, transfer switches, GFCI/AFCI protection and testingThis lesson introduces 120V AC power distribution in RVs, covering shore power connections, inverter functions, and transfer switches. It includes GFCI and AFCI safety devices, testing procedures, and identifying wiring issues that could lead to electrical shocks, adapted for Botswana's power setups.
Shore power inlets and cordsTransfer switch operation checksInverter modes and pass-throughGFCI and AFCI function and testingNeutral, ground, and bonding rulesLesson 3Electrical repair procedures and parts: terminal cleaning, crimping/lug selection, heat-shrink, busbar replacement, fuse and breaker replacement, wiring repair best practicesThis lesson covers hands-on methods for repairing RV electrical systems, such as cleaning terminals, choosing and crimping lugs, applying heat-shrink tubing, and replacing busbars, fuses, and breakers. It emphasises best practices for splicing and routing wires to ensure durability in Botswana's dusty environments.
Cleaning and restoring terminalsSelecting lugs and crimping toolsHeat-shrink and strain relief useReplacing busbars, fuses, and breakersSplicing and routing replacement wiringLesson 4Safety procedures for working on RV electrical systems: lockout/tagout for shore power, working with live 12V and 120V circuits, PPE and fire risk mitigationThis lesson details safety protocols for handling RV electrical systems, including lockout/tagout for shore power, confirming no voltage, and safe practices around live circuits. It reviews personal protective equipment, arc flash risks, fire prevention, and proper tool usage for technicians in Botswana.
Lockout/tagout for shore powerVerifying circuits are de-energizedSafe work around live 12V and 120VRequired PPE and insulated toolsFire risk, extinguishers, and egressLesson 5Charging systems: converter/charger operation, shore power interaction, alternator charging, solar charge controllers, absorption vs. bulk/float stagesThis lesson explores RV battery charging systems, including converter/chargers, alternator isolators, and solar controllers. It compares charging stages like bulk, absorption, and float, and explains interactions with shore power and generators, relevant for Botswana's sunny and off-grid travel.
Converter/charger operation checksAlternator charging and isolatorsSolar charge controller setupBulk, absorption, and float behaviourDiagnosing under- and over-chargingLesson 612V distribution: fuse/breaker types, busbars, grounding, chassis bonding, common wiring colours and gauge selectionThis lesson explains the 12V DC distribution setup in RVs, covering fuses, breakers, busbars, grounding, and chassis bonding. It includes standard wire colours and selecting appropriate gauge sizes based on load, distance, and voltage drop for reliable performance in Botswana.
Fuse and breaker styles and ratingsBusbars and distribution blocksGrounding and chassis bonding pointsRV wire colour conventionsWire gauge and voltage drop limitsLesson 7House battery health and parasitic draw testing: state-of-charge measurement, resting voltage interpretation, amp-hour testing, battery isolation switches and monitoringThis lesson teaches how to assess house battery condition using voltage, specific gravity, and load tests. It covers diagnosing parasitic drains, acceptable idle currents, isolation switches, and monitoring devices to avoid deep discharges and extend battery life in Botswana's hot climate.
Open-circuit and resting voltage checksUsing amp-hour and load testsLocating and measuring parasitic drawsUsing battery disconnect and isolationBattery monitors and shunt installationLesson 8Common causes of flickering lights: voltage drop, poor connections, undersized wiring, weak battery, converter issues — diagnostic approachThis lesson focuses on troubleshooting flickering lights in RVs by examining voltage drops, faulty connections, inadequate wiring, battery weakness, and converter problems. It provides a systematic diagnostic method to determine if issues stem from DC or AC sources, common in Botswana's rough roads.
Differentiating AC and DC lightingChecking for low system voltageInspecting connectors and terminationsEvaluating converter output stabilityCorrecting undersized or damaged wiringLesson 912V DC fundamentals: battery types (flooded, AGM, lithium), capacity (Ah), CCA, BMS basics, safe handling and storage limitsThis lesson covers basic 12V DC principles for RVs, including flooded, AGM, and lithium batteries, capacity in amp-hours, cold cranking amps, and battery management systems. It stresses safe handling, storage guidelines, and matching batteries to RV needs in Botswana's conditions.
Flooded, AGM, and lithium comparisonUnderstanding Ah, CCA, and ratingsSeries and parallel battery wiringBasic BMS roles and protectionsSafe handling, charging, and storageLesson 10Documentation and electrical schematics: reading RV wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, marking repairs and maintaining service recordsThis lesson teaches reading RV wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, and recording repairs. It emphasises updating schematics post-modifications and keeping detailed service records to aid future troubleshooting and warranty claims for RVs in Botswana.
Symbols and legend interpretationFollowing power and ground pathsTracing multi-branch lighting circuitsMarking modifications on schematicsCreating and storing service records