IEC 60364-7-721:2017

Overview

IEC 60364-7-721:2017 - "Low‑voltage electrical installations - Part 7‑721: Requirements for special installations or locations - Electrical installations in caravans and motor caravans" specifies particular safety and installation requirements for low‑voltage electrical systems intended for habitation in caravans and motor caravans. It supplements the general IEC 60364 Parts 1–6 and focuses on circuits and equipment for living accommodation (not automotive systems). This edition introduces notable technical changes affecting cable routing in gas compartments and isolation requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Requirements apply to electrical installations for habitation in caravans and motor caravans; general IEC 60364 rules remain applicable unless specifically supplemented or replaced.
• Protection for safety: Measures for protection against electric shock (automatic disconnection, electrical separation, extra‑low voltage systems and additional protection).
• Overcurrent protection: Rules for protection against overloads and short circuits in caravan wiring.
• Selection and erection of equipment: Requirements for wiring systems, conductor sizing, electrical connections, routing and mechanical protection appropriate to caravan environments.
• Isolation, switching and control: New requirement that each independent installation must have its own main isolating switch that disconnects all live conductors and is in a readily accessible location (clause 721.536.2.1.1).
• Special cable routing: A minimum height of not less than 500 mm above the base of gas cylinders is required for cables passing through gas cylinder compartments; where cables pass through such compartments they must be mechanically protected (continuous conduit or duct) (clause 721.528.3.1).
• Annexes and supporting material: Includes instructions for electricity supply (Annex A), extra low‑voltage DC installations (Annex B), current‑carrying capacities and voltage‑drop guidance (Annex C), and country‑specific notes (Annex D). Tables and graphs for conductor sizing and connector core allocations are provided.

Applications and practical value

• Ensures the safe design and installation of low‑voltage electrical systems in caravans and motor caravans used for habitation.
• Guides wiring layouts, selection of protective devices (RCCBs/RCBOs), earthing arrangements, and mechanical protection in confined mobile environments.
• Helps manufacturers, installation contractors, RV electricians, caravan designers, compliance officers and certification bodies meet international safety expectations and regulatory compliance.

Who should use this standard

• Caravan and motor caravan manufacturers and system integrators
• Electrical installers and service technicians for recreational vehicles (RVs)
• Safety engineers, inspectors and conformity assessment bodies
• Designers of onboard power systems, battery/DC installations and shore‑power interfaces

Related standards

Relevant normative references include IEC 60038, IEC 60309‑2, IEC 60332‑1‑2, IEC 60947‑2, IEC 61008‑1, IEC 61009‑1, IEC 61084, IEC 61386 and IEC 62423. IEC 60364 general parts (1–6) apply in conjunction with this Part 7‑721.