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 application of digital multimeters, clamp meters, and battery testers adapted for RV use in Namibia. Students practise measuring voltage, current, continuity, voltage drops, hydrometer readings, and battery diagnostics to ensure system reliability in dusty and variable climates.
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 testingIntroduces 120V AC distribution in RVs, covering shore power inlets, transfer switches, and inverter functions suitable for Namibian campsites. Includes GFCI and AFCI protection, testing methods, and identifying wiring faults that pose shock risks in humid environments.
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 practicesHands-on lesson on electrical repairs, including terminal cleaning, lug crimping, heat-shrink application, busbar, fuse, and breaker replacement. Emphasises best practices for splicing and routing wiring to withstand Namibia's hot and arid conditions.
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 mitigationDetails safety protocols for RV electrical work, such as lockout/tagout for shore power, verifying de-energised circuits, and safe handling of live 12V and 120V systems. Covers PPE, arc/fire risks, and tool use in Namibia's variable weather.
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 stagesExplores RV charging systems including converter/chargers, alternator isolators, and solar controllers ideal for Namibia's sunny regions. Compares charging stages and interactions with shore power and generators to maintain battery health.
Converter/charger operation checksAlternator charging and isolatorsSolar charge controller setupBulk, absorption, and float behaviorDiagnosing under- and over-chargingLesson 612V distribution: fuse/breaker types, busbars, grounding, chassis bonding, common wiring colors and gauge selectionExplains 12V distribution in RVs, covering fuses, breakers, busbars, grounding, and chassis bonding. Includes wire colour codes and gauge selection based on load, length, and voltage drop for reliable performance in Namibian terrains.
Fuse and breaker styles and ratingsBusbars and distribution blocksGrounding and chassis bonding pointsRV wire color 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 monitoringTeaches evaluation of house battery health via voltage, specific gravity, and load tests. Covers parasitic draw diagnosis, isolation switches, and monitoring to avoid discharge issues common in Namibia's long off-grid trips.
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 approachDiagnoses flickering RV lights by examining voltage drops, connections, wiring size, batteries, and converters. Provides step-by-step testing to determine if issues stem from DC or AC sources in typical Namibian usage.
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 limitsCovers 12V DC basics for RVs, including battery types, capacity, CCA, and BMS functions. Stresses safe handling, storage, and matching to RV loads and charging in Namibia's extreme temperatures.
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 recordsInstructs on reading RV wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, and documenting repairs. Highlights updating schematics post-modification and keeping records for future diagnostics and warranty in Namibian service contexts.
Symbols and legend interpretationFollowing power and ground pathsTracing multi-branch lighting circuitsMarking modifications on schematicsCreating and storing service records