Hello,
I just bought a car and need to install a 230V internal socket for the heater. Thought of doing it myself (I am graduated in electronic engineering) but I need to know whether it allowed since it involved 230V connection. Furthermore, want to know whether I am allowed mess with 12V electrical systems without any issues from insurance company, like installing an aftermarket stereo myself.
Couldn't find any info on this online so any legal advice on this is appreciated
Thanks
Car electrical DIY
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Re: Car electrical DIY
Not legal advice, but in general.... Any issues with the insurance company (or the manufacturer warranty) arise if it is your doing that has caused the damage. E.g. if you install a heater and a stereo, and an unrelated problem (the engine blows a gasket, a side panel rusts through,...) occurs, assuming it's not normal wear and the insurance/warranty covers it, then it's not on you. Similarly, obviously, even if you have all the qualifications in the world, and it's your installation that causes a fire burning the car down, it definitely is on you.Mendozaflash66 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 26, 2020 2:54 pmHello,
I just bought a car and need to install a 230V internal socket for the heater. Thought of doing it myself (I am graduated in electronic engineering) but I need to know whether it allowed since it involved 230V connection. Furthermore, want to know whether I am allowed mess with 12V electrical systems without any issues from insurance company, like installing an aftermarket stereo myself.
Couldn't find any info on this online so any legal advice on this is appreciated
Thanks
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- Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2015 9:51 pm
Re: Car electrical DIY
I did it myself (both)... but my car did not catch fire (yet)Mendozaflash66 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 26, 2020 2:54 pmHello,
I just bought a car and need to install a 230V internal socket for the heater. Thought of doing it myself (I am graduated in electronic engineering) but I need to know whether it allowed since it involved 230V connection. Furthermore, want to know whether I am allowed mess with 12V electrical systems without any issues from insurance company, like installing an aftermarket stereo myself.
Couldn't find any info on this online so any legal advice on this is appreciated
Thanks
I guess when it is a second hand car, there is no problem, in case of trouble, blame it on the previous owner(s)..
When you got the papers for doing it, there should be no problem anyway, you will make sure you will not make a mistake now do you?... so any damage afterwards is by definition not because of your DIY...therefore no problem with insurances...
As a rule, I never let any other person than myself touch my car for repairs or mods anyway, they will for sure F*ck it up (experienced it multiple times).. I only trust myself if it comes to my car / safety. Basically this is true for everything else regarding installation work or building work too.
The problem in Finland is that the real "ammattimies" (professional) is very hard to find and most times already a retired person...
Regarding the 230V socket inside the car, I would advice you to buy the complete cable and socket set from calix or defa that includes the engine heater element as well, the use of this will save your engine wear / oil consumption / exhaust system / the environment as well, especially when it gets real cold...like last few days..
You even do not need papers (license) for this because your "installation" is not permanently connected to the mains, it has a normal 230V plug on a cable...it is considered consumer equipment. (defacto an extension cord).
If you have enough money to spare, go for a fuel based system from webasto, it will work in the forest as well (no electricity). This is slightly more complicated to install...
Re: Car electrical DIY
Is there a solution? Afraid it will break more
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