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 hands-on application of digital multimeters, clamp meters, and battery testers. Students in Zambia will practise measuring voltage, current, continuity, and voltage drops, along with hydrometer tests and battery diagnostics to ensure system reliability in local 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 testingIntroduces 120V AC power distribution in RVs, covering shore power connections, transfer switches, and inverter functions. It includes GFCI and AFCI safety devices, testing procedures, and spotting wiring issues that could lead to shocks, adapted for Zambian electrical standards.
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 cleaning terminals, choosing and crimping lugs, applying heat-shrink tubing. It covers replacing busbars, fuses, breakers, and best methods for splicing and routing wires, ensuring durability in Zambia's varied climates.
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 mitigationOutlines safety protocols for RV electrical work, such as lockout/tagout for shore power, confirming no energy, and safe handling of live circuits. It reviews personal protective equipment, arc and fire hazards, and tool safety, vital for Zambian technicians.
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 setups, including converter/chargers, alternator charging via isolators, and solar controllers. Compares charging stages like bulk, absorption, and float, and how shore power and generators work with batteries, relevant for Zambia's sunny regions.
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 selectionExplains 12V power distribution in RVs, covering fuse and breaker varieties, busbars, and grounding methods. Includes chassis bonding, standard wire colours, and selecting wire sizes based on load, length, and voltage drop for safe Zambian installations.
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 monitoringTeaches assessing house battery condition using voltage, specific gravity, and load tests. Covers finding parasitic drains, acceptable idle currents, isolation switches, and monitoring devices to avoid deep discharge and early failure in Zambian heat.
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 lights in RVs by examining voltage drops, loose connections, inadequate wiring, weak batteries, and converter problems. Provides step-by-step tests to determine if issues stem from DC or AC sources, practical for Zambian 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 limitsCovers 12V DC basics for RVs, including flooded, AGM, and lithium batteries, capacity in amp-hours, cold cranking amps, and battery management systems. Stresses safe handling, storage, and matching to RV needs in Zambia's environment.
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 recordsTeaches reading RV wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, and recording repairs. Emphasises updating diagrams after changes and keeping detailed records for future diagnostics and warranties, essential for Zambian service professionals.
Symbols and legend interpretationFollowing power and ground pathsTracing multi-branch lighting circuitsMarking modifications on schematicsCreating and storing service records
