going from 14 ga to 12 ga

[jeanontheroad]

We must be power pigs. Standard wiring in the RV isn't adequate. Need heavier wiring. Also soldering as well as capping connections to keep the caps from shaking off and the wire ends from shaking loose.

Electric on one side went out. Connection in box overheated. Scorched, nasty. If we had a plastic box instead of a metal one, we'd have been on fire.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Jean, how old is your rv?

While this COULD have been caused by inadequate wiring, there is another possibility. Vibration can cause connections to loosen. Loose connections still pass current, but the resistance goes WAY up. Resistance = Heat.

14 gauge copper wire meets code for 15 amp circuits, 12 gauge meets code for 20 amp circuits.

If you plugged something that drew more than 15 amps into that box, and your 15 amp circuit breaker didn't pop, you've got a defective circuit breaker that needs to be replaced.

Final tip: after you tighten the screws on the wires on each outlet and switch, take a few wraps of GOOD electrical tape (like 3m 777) around the outlet/switch over the screws. It will help keep them from vibrating loose.

Good luck with your project!

Regards
John

ps: this might be a good time to upgrade some of your outlets to GFCI, if your rig doesn't have them.

 

[Patrick46]

Llllllllllll.....that's not good.


the overheating doesn't necessarily mean that you folks are power hogs. It could just be from a loose or poor connector. Those can overheat very easily too.


Be safe dear.

 

[ccbreder]

Soldering is not recommended for automotive or marine connections. But I bet this starts an argument.

 

[Patrick46]

I've never hear that before.

I'm not gonna start an argument...but I've been building hot-rods and choppers for MANY years, and I've ALWAYS soldered everything!
I've had those crimp fittings fail long before my soldered ones ever did! (mabe that's why they do this at the factory.)

 

[jeanontheroad]

Thanks guys. I showed the responses to DH and he appreciates the input. You are right about starting an argument, cc. DH started arguing with me, like I have a clue. No soldering on marine uses makes sense. Electrolysis. But he says the interior 120 volt in RV 's follow standard house codes.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Technically, there IS no code for rvs.

The National Electric Code applies only to buildings. It mandates solid wire only.
It's enforced by building inspectors everywhere.

The American Boat and Yacht Council publishes the Marine Code. It mandates stranded wire only, because of the vibration. It' enforced by the Coast Guard.

In the absence of any rv code, the manufacturers follow the Nec, more or less, cause it's CHEAPER. It's not really enforced by anybody.

Regards
John

 

[highdesertranger]

I can't for the life of me figure out why they allow solid wire in an rv. when using the wire nuts you must make sure you get a good connection on all the wires then shoot a little silicone into the wire nut this not only makes the connection waterproof but keeps the nut from backing off. highdesertranger

 

[Bdog1]

I know aircraft are crimp with no solder, to prevent cracking. It may be a temperature issue, not sure.

 

[PastTense]

So Jean have you made a list of your electrical devices listing how much each uses? I would think it would be easier to set up a separate circuit(s) for high usage devices than to rewire the whole RV.

 

[ccbreder]

When something is soldered it is called wetted. Where the wetted part of a wire ends the copper is tempered by the heat. The copper is prone to break at that point with vibration.

 

[jeanontheroad]

We (meaning DH with me as as extra pair of hands) put in a separate circuit for an electric water heater and went to a heavier gauge for the whole curb side. We might have put another area where we plug the electric heater in, but it's in the slide area and is not practical. DH is soldering and wire nutting all connections. DH is determined not to risk catching on fire.

---

Gee, cc, I hope that doesn't happen. This wiring was installed by lunatics to begin with. If DH has to chase down another major problem, he might soak the rv with gasoline and burn it, himself. I'm no help with electrical. I'll tackle carpentry or mechanical or plumbing where the worst that can happen is that I have to pay the repairman extra to fix my mess. But I won't touch the wiring. That stuff can kill you.