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 practical use of digital multimeters, clamp meters, and battery testers. Students will practise measuring voltage, current, continuity, and voltage drop, plus using hydrometers and battery diagnostics to check system health.
Safe multimeter setup and rangesMeasuring DC and AC voltageCurrent and clamp meter techniquesVoltage drop testing on circuitsLoad testers, hydrometers, and BMS dataLesson 2Documentation and electrical schematics: reading RV wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, marking repairs and maintaining service recordsCovers how to read RV wiring diagrams, trace and label circuits, and document repairs. Emphasises updating schematics after changes and keeping accurate service records to support future diagnostics and warranty work.
Symbols and legend interpretationFollowing power and ground pathsTracing multi-branch lighting circuitsMarking modifications on schematicsCreating and storing service recordsLesson 312V DC fundamentals: battery types (flooded, AGM, lithium), capacity (Ah), CCA, BMS basics, safe handling and storage limitsProvides 12V DC basics for RVs, including flooded, AGM, and lithium battery types, capacity ratings, CCA, and basic BMS functions. Emphasises safe handling, storage limits, and matching batteries to RV loads and charging systems.
Flooded, AGM, and lithium comparisonUnderstanding Ah, CCA, and ratingsSeries and parallel battery wiringBasic BMS roles and protectionsSafe handling, charging, and storageLesson 4Common causes of flickering lights: voltage drop, poor connections, undersized wiring, weak battery, converter issues — diagnostic approachFocuses on diagnosing flickering RV lights by checking voltage drop, loose or corroded connections, undersized wiring, weak batteries, and converter faults. Teaches step-by-step testing to isolate if issues are DC or AC related.
Differentiating AC and DC lightingChecking for low system voltageInspecting connectors and terminationsEvaluating converter output stabilityCorrecting undersized or damaged wiringLesson 5House battery health and parasitic draw testing: state-of-charge measurement, resting voltage interpretation, amp-hour testing, battery isolation switches and monitoringExplains evaluating house battery health using voltage, specific gravity, and load tests. Covers parasitic draw diagnosis, acceptable standby currents, isolation switches, and monitoring tools to prevent chronic discharge and early failure.
Open-circuit and resting voltage checksUsing amp-hour and load testsLocating and measuring parasitic drawsUsing battery disconnect and isolationBattery monitors and shunt installationLesson 612V distribution: fuse/breaker types, busbars, grounding, chassis bonding, common wiring colours and gauge selectionExplains 12V distribution setup, including fuse and breaker types, busbars, and grounding methods. Covers chassis bonding, common RV wire colour codes, and selecting proper wire gauge based on load, length, and voltage drop.
Fuse and breaker styles and ratingsBusbars and distribution blocksGrounding and chassis bonding pointsRV wire colour conventionsWire gauge and voltage drop limitsLesson 7Charging systems: converter/charger operation, shore power interaction, alternator charging, solar charge controllers, absorption vs. bulk/float stagesExplores RV charging systems, including converter/chargers, alternator charging via isolators, and solar controllers. Compares bulk, absorption, and float stages, and shows how shore power and generators work with batteries.
Converter/charger operation checksAlternator charging and isolatorsSolar charge controller setupBulk, absorption, and float behaviourDiagnosing under- and over-chargingLesson 8Safety procedures for working on RV electrical systems: lockout/tagout for shore power, working with live 12V and 120V circuits, PPE and fire risk mitigationDetails electrical safety practices for RV work, including lockout/tagout for shore power, confirming no energy, and safe methods around live 12V and 120V circuits. Reviews PPE, arc and fire risks, and safe tool and lead use.
Lockout/tagout for shore powerVerifying circuits are de-energizedSafe work around live 12V and 120VRequired PPE and insulated toolsFire risk, extinguishers, and egressLesson 9Electrical repair procedures and parts: terminal cleaning, crimping/lug selection, heat-shrink, busbar replacement, fuse and breaker replacement, wiring repair best practicesCovers hands-on electrical repair methods, including cleaning terminals, choosing and crimping lugs, and applying heat-shrink. Reviews replacing busbars, fuses, and breakers, plus best practices for splicing and routing new wiring.
Cleaning and restoring terminalsSelecting lugs and crimping toolsHeat-shrink and strain relief useReplacing busbars, fuses, and breakersSplicing and routing replacement wiringLesson 10AC system basics: 120V shore power, inverter operation, transfer switches, GFCI/AFCI protection and testingIntroduces 120V AC power distribution in RVs, including shore power connections, transfer switches, and inverter functions. Covers GFCI and AFCI safety devices, testing methods, and spotting wiring faults that could cause shocks.
Shore power inlets and cordsTransfer switch operation checksInverter modes and pass-throughGFCI and AFCI function and testingNeutral, ground, and bonding rules
