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RavensFan24's avatar
RavensFan24
Explorer
Jun 16, 2015

12v Wiring Confirmation

I have a 2015 Keystone Premier. I'm getting ready to purchase and install a Fantastic Fan. I checked the RV today to see if it was already pre-wired in the vent port. While it wasn't pre-wired, I did find some wires that were reachable from the port. One went to the LED light and was red and white. The other one I couldn't see what is was connected to, but it was black and white and seemed like the wire may have been a touch thicker than the red and white wire.

Based on my extremely limited electrical knowledge, I'm assuming the red and white wire is for 12v and the black and white wire is prob the 120v for the AC unit which is right near there.

Can anyone confirm or deny that this is accurate? I checked the manual and there was no real info. I know you can tie the fan into the wiring with the lights, so I'm pretty sure the red and white cable will work for my purposes, but wanted to get some confirmation if possible before I start splicing wires.
  • RavensFan24's avatar
    RavensFan24
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2015
    Also, a thought I just had was regarding the light switch. If I just tapped into a wire in the ceiling, won't my fan be at the mercy of the light switch being on or off? There isn't a switch anywhere near the vent port. I'm guessing the next best option would be to go into the fuse box, which is about 5 ft away from the vent on the ceiling and about 7ft down under a pantry.
  • BruceMc's avatar
    BruceMc
    Explorer III
    Jun 16, 2015
    It all depends...
    To find out if the red/white is 12v, pull a 12v light fixture to see if the pair has the same colors.

    If so, TURN OFF ALL POWER, then snag the intended wire pair, then strip them enough to access the copper.
    Turn on power - check with your voltmeter at a range for 120V AC just to ensure it is not carrying 120V. If not, then put your meter on 12V DC & check. If you have current, you are good.

    Next, toggle your switch - does the power go off on that line? No? You have a good wire. Yes? then it is switched.

    Have fun!
  • RavensFan24's avatar
    RavensFan24
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2015
    I did confirm that the red and white wires go to a 12v LED puck light in the ceiling. I'll have to grab a meter to do the proper testing. This should do the trick, right? MultiMeter on Amazon

    I'm almost positive that the wire would be switch based since the light is switch based and there is no other way to operate it. Assuming it is switch based, is my only other option to go straight to the fuse box?

    Here is a pic to give you an idea of how it's laid out: Screenshot of Area
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jun 16, 2015
    RavensFan24 wrote:
    I did confirm that the red and white wires go to a 12v LED puck light in the ceiling. I'll have to grab a meter to do the proper testing. This should do the trick, right? MultiMeter on Amazon

    I'm almost positive that the wire would be switch based since the light is switch based and there is no other way to operate it. Assuming it is switch based, is my only other option to go straight to the fuse box?

    Here is a pic to give you an idea of how it's laid out: Screenshot of Area


    That multimeter will work just fine for you.
  • neschultz's avatar
    neschultz
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2015
    I believe any AC wire should also include a ground wire and the 3 wires should be covered like your house wiring at home. So maybe your black and white wires feed another 12 volt item. Also - Is it possible to feed another single wire back to the light switch? There will be a constant 12 volt wire there.
  • RavensFan24's avatar
    RavensFan24
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2015
    Any tips for hooking straight into the fuse box? I'm betting that's going to be my best option if the 12v line is switch based.

    It seems I'll need to fish the wire through the ceiling into the pantry and then drill a hole in the top and bottom of pantry to get to fuse box to tap in.

    On the Keystone forum one of the users suggested that the black and white wire I found may also be 12v, which I'm hoping is the case, so I can access a line thats not switch based.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 16, 2015
    The only guarantee you will get is with a volt meter. Don't be surprised I'd the thicket one turns out to be 120VAC.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    If the puck light has the switch close by and you can access the wires for it, it may be easier to pull a wire to the light's switch rather than make a home run to the distribution center.

    Your distribution panel probably has a vacant fuse slot. I would use that and fuse the fan's power wire. You'll also need a ground or (-) phase wire connected to a ground terminal. There should be either a (-) terminal on the back of the distribution space or a group of wires connected together. You could also capture (-) phase at the lamp fixture.
  • Chandalen's avatar
    Chandalen
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2015
    ALL my 12v DC wiring in my camper is thicker white and black.
    ALL my 120 wiring is the standard household wire that you would get at Home Depot.

    There are voltage sensors that will detect 120v by holding it near, and they are super cheap.

    A Multimeter is your friend.

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