Power
Before installing a Sensa Control System, there are some tasks that need to be completed to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Power Voltages
Supplying power within a modern campervan is no longer a simple 12V fusebox. Leisure batteries are typically now 12V, 24V or 48V with AGM or Lithium options available. In addition many items need a steady regulated supply. Your fusebox can vary but 2 or 3 volts depending on its state of charge or if it is currently being charged. Here are some of the typical power supplies used in a modern campervan.
| Supply | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5V USBC Regulated | Stable 5V supply from a USB power hub | Sensa Core, Bluetooth Proxy, Van Level 6, presence sensors |
| 12V UnRegulated | Direct from the 12V fusebox, voltage can vary | Sensa Relays, USB Hubs, Fridge, Heating, Industrial Routers |
| 12V Regulated | From a Converter with 12V output, output is stable | MaxxFans, some LED strips, laptops |
| 24V UnRegulated | Direct from the 24V fusebox, voltage can vary | Sensa Relays, USB Hubs, , Industrial Routers |
| 24V Regulated | From a Converter with 24V output, output is stable | LEDStrip controllers |
| 48V UnRegulated | Direct from the 48V fusebox, voltage can vary | Industrial Routers |
| 48V Regulated | From a Converter with 48V output, output is stable | MaxxFans, some LED strips, laptops |
| Power Over Ethernet | PoE Capable switch providing power over ethernet cable | Lots of devices and sensors |
Regulated Power
Many devices require stable/regulated power. Sometimes even if not stipulated, a stable power voltage will prolong the life of electrical equipment. We prefer to use the Victron Energy line of DC to DC converters which not only can convert but also provide a stable supply. There are many cheaper options available, but these typically lack any form of surge protection and other safety features. These converters can be used to modify the exact output voltage, this can be useful for laptops that may require 19V or 21V for power.
We do offer many of the common power converters in our Sensa Shop, but they are freely available from many vendors.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Devices that require an ethernet connected sometimes support Power Over Ethernet (PoE). This can be useful because it means no separate power cable is required, power can be supplied with the data over the same shared ethernet cable. Even lower cost switches at £40 can support PoE. More expensive switches which are manageable also offer the ability to turn each ports power on/off. Effectively a switch can therefore be a relay, so devices such as cameras can be switched on and off from Sensa.
Power Distribution
The power supplies you need depend on your Core and on the devices you fit. Use this table to make sure each one has the supply it needs:
| Sensa device | Power it needs |
|---|---|
| Sensa Core (Nomad Base and Nomad Pro) | 5V over USB-C. Use a regulated 5V supply rated at 5A, such as a 5V DC to DC converter. An unregulated or undersized supply makes the Core restart under load |
| Waveshare relays (ESP32-S3-ETH-8DI-8RO and -C) | 7 to 36V DC. They do not need regulated power, so they can run straight from a 12V or 24V fusebox |
| Shelly Pro 4PM | Mains, 110 to 240V AC, on a DIN rail |
| Bluetooth Proxy | 5V over USB-C |
| Van Level 6 | 5V over USB-C |
| Van Level Pro 6 and Pro 10 | Power over Ethernet. There is no separate power connection, so you need a switch with PoE |
Other devices may need other supplies. This is not a complete list.