Trailer Rack Frequently Asked Questions

 

1) Are alternative connections allowed?

 

If you already have a flying plug from the trailer it can be mated with the club supply socket but the positional constraints must be observed (plug horizontal) and the connector pair must NOT be on the ground. See Trailer Rack Electric System Document.

 

2) How will power usage be charged?

 

Each supply will be designated to a glider trailer and owner/syndicate at a rack position. The supply is not allocated to a specific rack location. The person shown in the club records, as the syndicate treasurer or sole owner of that glider trailer at that rack position will be charged at 12 monthly intervals. Make sure, therefore, that the user/glider registration chart on the North wall of the main office is always kept up to date.

 

3) Why is the voltage low?

 

DO NOT think of this system as a domestic supply. EVERY Amp. taken from the supply reduces the voltage to EVERY user. Users at the remotest part of the rack (south rack position 1 and 98 and Ottley rack 99 and 130) will see the largest reductions. The concept of the supply is to safely provide energy to trailers to maintain their internal condition slightly warmer and/or dryer than the outside environment.

 

Some rules/suggestions to help with above: -

 

a) Do not use the rack supply for non-essential/unnecessary use like charging batteries, radios, etc.

 

b) Use most efficient, lowest powered dehumidifiers that have on/off humidity sensing control (i.e. not continuous).

 

c) Realise that some equipment will NOT work at reduced mains input voltage.

 

d) Minimise use of the general 13 Amp. sockets during periods of maximum demand.

 

4} Should I earth my trailer to the mains input supply?

 

Yes, it is good practice, particularly if you are not connected to a ball hitch and you are running underfloor/trace heating to warm the trailer. Trailers are often manufactured using joint mastic, which means that parts of a trailer can be electrically isolated from each other. If you are running wire heating elements on a metal trailer floor make an earth connection to the floor or ensure there is earth continuity around the trailer. This action should give Residual Current (RCD) protection to your installation from the distribution system local box.

 

5)  Can the single 2 Amp supply be split to enable the power to be shared by two trailers?

 

Yes, but the split connection must be limited to the original 2 Amps and comply with the positional constraints of the connector pairs (plugs horizontal) and the connector pairs must NOT be on the ground. See 1) above. A proprietary Y splitter could be used, cable tied horizontally to the underside of the cable distribution tray.

 

 

 

 

6) How can I get a connection?

 

If you have just bought a glider, moved on site or you have decided you want power to your trailer, then contact the office and register that you are interested in a power connection. There is normally a waiting list.

 

Vic Blaxill                                                       June 2015 Updated October 2019