How to fit a touring caravan alarm system

There are still many caravans being stolen because they don’t have alarms fitted as standard. So we thought it would be a good idea to show you how to fit one of the best over the counter alarms – the Protector from Keen Electronics.

The reason we rate it so highly is that in addition to having a number of excellent features it comes with a wiring diagram and fitting instructions which we believe even the most non-electrical person can follow. However, you will need some extra 12V cable, Scotchloks or equivalent – a 12V fuse holder and 2amp fuse –all available from any High Street motorist store.

Plus don’t forget that fitting an alarm to your caravan will earn you an annual 5% caravan insurance discount.

The advantages of the alarm are: After a short warm up period when first activated, the alarm will sound if an intruder enters the caravan; if a thief attempts to wind up the rear nearside steady; if he plugs caravan into the tow vehicle; if he unplugs the caravan from the tow vehicle; if he presses the foot brake in the tow vehicle; or if the leisure battery is disconnected.

Warning: Before commencing work disconnect the 230V mains and the caravan battery.

As you can see, the wiring diagram shows clearly where each wire connects to the 12 way terminal block on the flying lead which in turn simply plugs into the control box.

Start by deciding where the control box will be fitted. Under a seat near where the 12V cables enter the caravan from the battery compartment is ideal. Drill a hole down through the floor for the siren and screw it in position. To prevent creepy-crawlies from getting into the caravan, fit vent covers over the hole – obtainable from caravan dealers.

Fit the PIR where it can see both the caravan door and down the length of the caravan. The PIR cable has four wires but you only need three so cut the fourth – yellow in our case – off, and connect the remaining three – red, blue, and black – as per the wiring diagram. Route the cable to the 12 way terminal block securing it every few inches with dabs of Super Glue. Cut it to length and connect the wires to terminals 1, 4 and 5 as per the wiring diagram.

If you intend to use the awning light option, you should now trace the return wire from its on/off switch and cut it. Connect a length of wire to the return wire from the switch and run it to terminal 8. Then connect a length of wire to the remaining return to the chassis and run it to terminal 9.

Under the caravan, clean the end of the nearside steady screw with White Spirit and then use the adhesive pad and cable tie to attach the magnet to it. Next screw the bracket with the senor on it to the floor of the caravan about 2mm from the magnet. Connect the speaker cable supplied in the kit to the sensor and run it down the floor, using cable clips to support it, to a point under the front seat where you drill a 6mm dia hole. Feed the cable up into the caravan and connect the two leads to terminals 7 and 12. Polarity wasn’t important.

Trace the live and return leads from the battery to the consumer unit in the caravan. Cut the live lead so you can insert a blade fuse holder and a 2 amp fuse in it. Then connect the live to terminal 6. The return – negative – lead also needs cutting and rejoining, this time to terminal 3.

Under the caravan trace the brake pedal lead in the 7N or 13 pin wiring. It is usually has a red sheath. Take a spur off it up into the caravan and connect it to terminal 2. Finally, connect the siren leads to terminals 10 and 11 to complete the wiring.

Having plugged the flying lead into the control box, screw it to the floor, and reconnect the battery. The installation is now ready to test. Switch the control box on and once the system has activated you can test all the functions.

The Protector costs £177 including VAT from Keen Electronics Ltd., 202 Aylesbury Road, Bierton, Aylesbury, Bucks., HP22 5DT. Tel: 01296 423203. Fax: 01296 339104. Website: http://www.keenelectronics.co.uk/