Sargent Electrical

Sargent Electrical Services manufactures power management systems, control panels, battery chargers, and complete electrical solutions for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. Founded in 1991 by brothers Ian and Neil Sargent in Beverley, East Yorkshire, they've grown from a small operation making wiring harnesses into a 50,000 square foot facility employing over 135 people. They're not just suppliers to the leisure vehicle industry but actual manufacturers who design and build systems right here in the UK. Their product range spans from compact units like the EC155 (155W) for smaller campervan conversions through to the EC328 (300W) for larger builds and professional installations. You'll find their systems fitted as original equipment in many caravans from manufacturers like Swift Group, Auto-Trail, and others across Europe. Beyond leisure vehicles, they also create bespoke electrical systems for commercial buildings, airports, hospitals, and agricultural sectors.

The company's core products are their power management systems, which combine 230V mains distribution, 12V DC distribution, battery charging, and control panels into integrated units. The EC155 system suits DIY van conversions and smaller projects with its 155W charger and basic EC50 or EC51 control panel. Step up to the EC328 and you get a 300W three-stage intelligent charger, built-in solar regulator handling up to 100W panels, and a digital LCD control panel showing real-time battery charging status. Their modular PMS (Power Management System) range offers even more flexibility for complex installations. All systems include RCD and MCB protection for mains circuits, multiple 12V output fuses, and intelligent battery protection that prevents over-discharge of both leisure and vehicle batteries. The control panels monitor battery voltage, manage water pumps, control lighting circuits, and display fresh and waste water tank levels when sensors are connected.

One limitation worth knowing upfront is that older Sargent systems like the EC155, EC325, and EC328 weren't designed for lithium batteries. They work with standard lead-acid and AGM batteries but use fixed-voltage charging profiles at 13.8V, which won't properly charge lithium to full capacity. Many converters now fit separate lithium-compatible chargers alongside Sargent units, using the Sargent for distribution and the dedicated charger for battery management. Sargent's technical support team at their Beverley facility has built a strong reputation for helping both trade customers and DIY builders, with phone support available and a comprehensive online knowledge base. They also offer fixed-price repair services for out-of-warranty units, though they won't repair water-damaged or modified items. Replacement parts are available directly from their website or through approved retailers, and they maintain stock of components for systems going back many years, including discontinued models. For self-builders and converters, Sargent provides complete DIY harness kits with pre-terminated connectors that simply plug into their power supply units, making installation straightforward without specialist crimping tools or electrical qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is Sargent Electrical and where are they based?
Sargent Electrical Services is a UK manufacturer of power management systems, control panels, and battery chargers for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. Founded in 1991 by brothers Ian and Neil Sargent, the company operates from a 50,000 square foot facility in Beverley, East Yorkshire, employing over 135 people. They design and manufacture complete electrical systems in the UK, supplying both major caravan manufacturers and the retail market for DIY conversions.
Which Sargent power system should I choose for my campervan conversion?
The EC155 system with 155W charger suits smaller campervans and basic conversions with moderate power needs up to 100Ah battery capacity. The EC328 system offers 300W three-stage charging and a built-in solar regulator, making it suitable for medium to large conversions with higher power demands. The EC328 includes an LCD digital control panel showing real-time charging status, while the EC155 uses simpler LED indicator panels. Both systems include complete DIY harness kits for self-installation.
Are Sargent power systems compatible with lithium batteries?
The EC155, EC325, and EC328 systems were designed for lead-acid and AGM batteries and use fixed-voltage charging profiles at 13.8V float voltage. These older systems will not properly charge lithium batteries to full capacity as they lack lithium-specific charging profiles. Sargent's technical support confirms these units are not suitable for lithium battery charging. Many users install separate lithium-compatible chargers such as Victron units alongside their Sargent system, using the Sargent for power distribution while the dedicated charger handles battery management.
Can I get spare parts and repairs for older Sargent systems?
Sargent maintains stock of replacement parts for systems going back many years, including discontinued models. Components such as control panels, power supply units, fuses, and harnesses are available through their online shop at sargentltd.co.uk or approved retailers. For out-of-warranty repairs, Sargent offers fixed-price repair services with a lead time of three to five weeks. They do not repair water-damaged or modified units. Their technical support team can be contacted on 01482 678981 for help identifying the correct parts.
How do I identify which Sargent system is fitted in my caravan or motorhome?
Sargent systems are identified by the model number on the power supply unit and control panel. Common systems include EC155, EC328, EC400, EC500, EC600, and EC700 series. The control panel will display the model number, typically as EC50, EC51, EC328, or EC480. Check inside your electrical cupboard or under the habitation door for the main power supply unit which will have a label showing the model. The Sargent website provides technical documentation and user manuals for each system to confirm compatibility of spare parts.
Does the Sargent EC155 or EC328 charge both batteries simultaneously?
The EC155 and EC328 systems charge one battery at a time, not simultaneously. The battery selected on the control panel receives the charge and supplies power to the habitation area. When the control panel is switched off, the system defaults to charging the leisure battery. The EC328 includes a built-in solar regulator that can charge both leisure and vehicle batteries simultaneously when solar power is available, but the mains charger function operates on one battery at a time based on the panel selection.
What technical support does Sargent provide?
Sargent operates a technical support helpdesk from their Beverley facility, available Monday to Thursday from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm. Their technical team can be reached on 01482 678981 or via email at support@sargentltd.co.uk. They maintain an online knowledge base with product documentation, user manuals, installation instructions, and frequently asked questions. The company has a strong reputation for providing practical troubleshooting advice over the phone, often resolving issues without requiring unit returns.
Can I add solar panels to an existing Sargent EC155 or EC328 system?
The EC328 system includes a built-in 10A solar regulator that accepts up to 100W of solar panels connected directly to the power supply unit. The EC155 system does not have a built-in solar regulator. For the EC155 or when adding more than 100W solar to an EC328, install a separate MPPT solar controller wired directly to the battery. This arrangement works independently of the Sargent system and provides better charging efficiency. Many users now fit separate controllers even with EC328 systems to gain the benefits of MPPT technology over the EC328's basic PWM regulator.
What warranty does Sargent provide on their products?
Sargent provides a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery on products sold to business customers and end users. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. To claim warranty service, customers must notify Sargent in writing within a reasonable time of discovering the defect, allow Sargent to examine the product, and return the product at Sargent's cost. Sargent will repair, replace, or refund the defective product at their discretion. The warranty excludes damage from misuse, modification, water damage, or improper installation.
Do Sargent systems work with Euro 6 engines and smart alternators?
Older Sargent split-charge relay systems do not work effectively with Euro 6 vehicles that have smart alternators, as these alternators reduce output voltage when not under load. For Euro 6 base vehicles, Sargent now offers DC-DC battery chargers including the DX320 model with 20A output. These DC-DC chargers work with smart alternators and can be used alongside existing Sargent power management systems. The DC-DC charger connects to the vehicle battery and leisure battery independently of the Sargent PSU, providing proper charging while driving regardless of alternator type.

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