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SkiSmuggs's avatar
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Jul 31, 2014

Adding 12V Receptacles

I would like to add some 12v receptacles and first thought I would have to run wire (still not a bad idea and I will come back to that), but it was suggested that I could tap into a nearby 12v light fixture. I am all LED now so I am not concerned about overload. So I can use the BR reading lamp to add a receptacle near the bed for my CPAP, and I can use a light over the sofa to add one there. I would also like one at the LR entertainment center for a 300w inverter to power TV and DVD player, but there are no lights there and am not sure if I should use the Jensen power wire or not. Any suggestions for that or about the plan in general.
My issue with running good 12v wire is I am not sure how to run that through my fiver and I am not sure how to connect to the battery. Direct battery connection of several wires doesn't seem like a good idea and it seems the existing wire runs to the converter at the back of the trailer. And would I need to run both a hot and ground wire?
Feel free to chip in on whatever topic you feel comfortable with.
Thanks
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    ScottG wrote:
    For low power demand items (like cell phone chargers) just adding an outlet to exiting wiring is fine. But for an inverter of 300 watts your going to want to run new wire (at least 10 awg) preferably to the batteries or at least to the larger cables that run between the converter and battery.

    You are probably right. I could even direct wire to an inverter like a Samlex for an entertainment center but just need to figure how to get it there and how to connect to the battery without putting it right on the post with the other wires, but maybe I shouldn't worry about that as there is room on the post for additional wires.
    If I knew what I were doing, I could probably set up something that could switch between the converter and inverter automatically like higher end units do. I would imagine that may involve switching out the WFCO charger unit for something more capable.
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    Desert Captain wrote:
    I am in the same boat (RV?), as you. I need to add a DC outlet near our bed as I will be picking up my new Cpap from the VA this afternoon. I will then plug my 250 watt inverter into the DC outlet and the Cpap into that.
    :C

    Captain, almost all CPAPs will run off 12V. It is less complicated and uses less battery as you eliminate the 30% inverter loss. I ordered my 12v cable from CPAP.com and it works great right into the 12v receptacle. My only problem is that I have to run a 12V extension cord from the BR TV cubbie. If you get one of those, get a NOCO as they have heavier wire. The first extension I got was a POS that my inverter (before I got the CPAP 12V cable) wouldn't run on for more than a few seconds.
    I will have to look for the DC fuse panel, but I believe it is under the stove at the rear of the trailer and it would be a dog to run it that far. Seems like a small fuse/distribution panel directly off the battery might be a way to go, but just guessing.
  • dahkota's avatar
    dahkota
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    I have a jack wired from my radio wire. I can only put about an 80W load on it before the inverter protests.

    I also have a jack wired at the 12V panel. I have run up to 300W on this one with no problems.

    I have tried three different inverters on both jacks - the results are always the same. I have tried running the radio wired jack with no other 12V draws in the RV - the inverter still protests (loudly) over about 80W, even when plugged in to shore power. My conclusion is the wire to the radio is too small for a larger load. Yours may be different.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 31, 2014
    For low power demand items (like cell phone chargers) just adding an outlet to exiting wiring is fine. But for an inverter of 300 watts your going to want to run new wire (at least 10 awg) preferably to the batteries or at least to the larger cables that run between the converter and battery.
  • Desert_Captain's avatar
    Desert_Captain
    Explorer III
    Jul 31, 2014
    I am in the same boat (RV?), as you. I need to add a DC outlet near our bed as I will be picking up my new Cpap from the VA this afternoon. I will then plug my 250 watt inverter into the DC outlet and the Cpap into that.

    When I added a DC outlet on our old TT I just ran the wire to the back side of the fuse panel. There are usually a number of unused slots. If the run is 10' or less, measure both ways, then #14 duplex multi stranded wire works very well. If you do tie into a light fixture you will want to put in an line fuse (either way a 10 amp should be about right), between the light fixture and the new outlet.

    :C
  • Hornnumb2's avatar
    Hornnumb2
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2014
    I would check your panel and see if you have some open slots. Running wire is going to be a different story unless you go out the bottom and back in, just make sure its sealed up good.

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