Power Pedestal Connections
We read an online RV newsletter that comes out each Saturday. Electricity is often a topic of discussion. Today there was a survey to try to tell what percent of readers have experienced some sort of ...
Forum Discussion
Color code determines gauge?
No. Color tells you what each wire is supposed to do. In a very general and basic wiring system you would have either black or red as your hot lead – meaning the wire that carries the actual voltage from the source. The white or neutral wire is a return path to create a full circuit for the current to travel. The bare copper or green wire would be the ground which is basically for safety. To be clear – this is the most basic explanation – it gets much more complicated.
Gauge is the size of the wire. The larger the wire the more current it can carry. Current is basically what we mean when we talk about amps. If you plug into a basic 15 amp household outlet it should be serviced by 14 gauge wire. A 20 amp circuit would need 12 gauge wire. A 30 amp circuit would need 10 gauge wire. A 50 amp circuit needs 8 gauge wire. Again – this is the most basic of terms. Whatever the gauge of the wire they should still use the same color coding to show which wire is there for what purpose.
Basic Wire Gauge and Amp Rating
Comparison of Wire Gauge Size
As the distance from the source increases there is a loss of power. What this means is as you increase distance you must increase the size of the wire for it to be capable of carrying the necessary current. Again – very basic.
Wire Gauge Size Distance Amps
So the problems that can be encountered can be many. Using the incorrect color wire could mean what is called reverse polarity – in other words you have the hot wire from the source connected to the neutral leg of the outlet – putting power where there should not be any power. This can result in power being found not only on the neutral wire but on the ground wire (if they bothered to include ground). Using the incorrect gauge can mean the wire is not large enough to carry the required power – the wire not only might heat up to the point of melting – but it will not supply your appliances with enough power for them to operate properly. If you must run long distances with your wire – as we often see in RV parks – the size of the wire must be increased as distance increases or power will be lost.
Most of the wire used today – generally – is copper. Copper is expensive. Wire is expensive. Some people do not know or do not care so they may not use the proper wire for a given situation. Improper wiring can and will cause problems. Some of these problems can result in burning up your valuable equipment – or possibly your RV – and could also result in serious injury or death.
I am trying to provide useful information to those who may actually be interested. I am sorry some people find it necessary to criticize. Perhaps offering more useful information would be have a more positive result. My very first post in this thread indicated there can be problems with electrical circuits no matter where you go. This is about Mexico but not JUST about Mexico.
