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Electrical Installation Using CMS Components

Article by Peter Smith - Updated March 2024 - Caravans Plus
Read Time: 3 mins

CMS Electracom manufactures a range of DIY power points and cables that can be soft wired together.

CMS products allow the DIY builder to fit many of the 240V cables and power points into the walls of the Motorhome or Caravan during construction, and therefore limit the onsite time of a qualified electrician to the final inspection and testing.

J-Series vs C-Series

CMS is available in 2 different systems - J-series which is used by Jayco and C-series which is available to other manufacturers (including Enerdrive)

The two series use a different style connection so components can not be interchanged between the two systems (unless using an adaptor).

If replacing parts in an existing system you will need to stick to the same series but if you are starting from scratch you could choose to use either J or C series.

CMS J-Series vs C-Series
CMS J-Series vs C-Series

How to Identify J-Series and C-Series

Each CMS component will have either J3 or C3 codes stamped on them. If you are unable to find this you can also identify visually.

The J-series have a larger plug/socket than the C-series as shown in the image below. The interconnecting cables are also an easy way to differentiate between the series. J-Series cables are beige while C-series are white.

CMS Plug Comparison
CMS Plug Comparison
CMS Socket Comparison
CMS Socket Comparison

How it works

A standard set-up would include the CMS power inlet that accepts 240V power into your RV via a 15amp extension lead.

A CMS circuit breaker has a loom that connects to the power inlet then off to the first power point.

A second cable then also connects to the rear of the first power point and heads off to the next power point. This continues around the RV.

You can also place a double adapter into the rear of a power point (extra recess space required) or at the junction of two cables. From here you can branch a new line off the original. This is ideal if you need a low and high power point on one wall, or you wish to start a new line on the other side of the RV.

The last power point in a line uses the inlet only and the outlet stays available for future use. You can also end the circuit with an external outlet for use outside under your awning.

All power points include double pole switches to comply with Recreational Vehicle requirements.

Lights and light switches are now almost always installed as 12V and can be installed safely by most DIY builders so are not included in the CMS range.

All CMS components we sell comply to Australian and NZ standards for installation in Recreational vehicles. AS/NZ 3112, AS/NZ 61535.1 Int):2001 AS/NZ 3000:2000, 250V 50HZ 20amp. A maximum of 10 double or 12 single points can be included in a single circuit.

As mentioned above a 15amp circuit breaker or 15amp RCD must be included in each electrical circuit. These components are now used by a number of Australia RV manufacturers due to their ease of use.

In designing your cable requirements and installation be mindful that each cable has sealed ends that measures 25mm x 16mm. So if it cannot be installed before sheeting it must be able to be fitted through frame members. All cables have a female and male end to prevent errors in connecting the cables.

All fittings have a security clip so once connected they require manual manipulation to separate. Each power point requires a recess depth of 32mm. Mounting blocks are available where the power point cannot be recessed as described. The cables have an outer sheath and when placed within walls should allow extra length for removal of the power point in case replacement is required.

These products are very good quality. For the full range of both J and C Series please see below:


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14 Comments

  • comment-avatar

    Karl

    Yes made it easy to understand

  • comment-avatar

    Stephen

    I'm just wondering If I install this into my van how do I then do lighting. Currently I have a 76 model Millard and want to re wore but I am unsure how with a system like this.

  • comment-avatar

    Danial

    You would use these for 240 volt power and then run your lights of another rcd which would need too be fitted by an electrician or if you are running batteries the lights could be run of the 12volts that you could fit yourself...

  • comment-avatar

    Ian

    This is a brilliant system added another power point easily and no cutting and termination of wires reduce risk of broken or damaged joints

  • comment-avatar

    Steven

    How would I connect a second optional input (inverter) into the circuit? It would need to be switched wouldn't it? I want to avoid running an extension lead from the inverter to inlet mount on the outside of camper. Cheers Steve.

  • comment-avatar

    Danial

    Why would you need an inverter for 240volt?

  • comment-avatar

    Emma Krieg

    I am wondering this too. Our solar system is 12v so we want to run our powerpoints off the battery via our inverter when off grid but how do we connect it? Do we need another circuit breaker to protect the inverter and battery?

  • comment-avatar

    Mark

    I am just wondering where the remote earth wire should be connected. I am guessing it connects to the alloy frame, or chassis, but just want to be sure. The CMS system is nice and seems straight forward, but didn't come with any instructions.

  • comment-avatar

    John

    I have a jayco caravan with cms components for the 240v. I recently purchased a inverter with a a/c transfer safety switch. This enable the unit to be hard wired into the caravans 240v circuit prior to the vans master breaker. The inverter Enerdrive ePOWER Pure Sine Wave Inverter 2000W / 12 volt with Remote, RCD & AC Transfer Switch, has a different plug to the cms plug J3.2 Tag Instead of cutting the wires, do you sell the plugs by themselves which can be connected to the inverter leads to avoid cutting. My nephew is a qualified electrician and advises it can easily be done by unplugging the incoming power diverting it through the inverter in/out ports on the side of the inverter and connecting back onto the opposing incoming cms lead before the caravan breaker switch. So again do you sell cms plugs which are not already hard wired? Kind Regards John

  • comment-avatar

    Bill

    My CMS DIY system uses the C series connectors with a different plug. Do you have these?

  • comment-avatar

    Glenn

    Just wondered if there was an answer to how you connect an inverter into your CMS system without having the cut the wires to hard wire into inverter, then cut cms connector to use as output from inverter. I will not always be getting my 240v power from grid power will be using an inverter to convert 12v to 240 volt.

  • comment-avatar

    Michele

    I'm dying to hear the answer to this as well. I will be using CMS to charge my batteries WHEN shore power is available, but I want to use CMS to do the minimal 240v plugs in the van which will run off the inverter as shore power is not always available. So how would I do this

  • comment-avatar

    Derek

    Just received my kit , disappointed there are no fixing screws or wiring diagram included . Does anyone know what screws are needed for rcd and power points ?

  • comment-avatar

    Paul

    Hello, This sounds like just the ticket for my Campomatic camper, which has no cavity walls or any other space to conceal the wiring. I assume I would need to house the CMS cabling somehow to protect it. Can I use conduit, and what type would be suitable, remembering to allow for the CMS plugs and sockets?

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