New power outlet question

Why not install new breaker? Many rigs have full size breakers which can be changed out to twin breakers that have two circuits in the same space.

Not sure about other outlets, but a toaster oven and WH on at the same time would almost certainly trip the breaker. Simple solution is to set the WH on gas operation when you are using the toaster oven.

I installed a 150w inverter with a transfer switch on one circuit that has outlets for both TVs and also includes the outlets by the bedstands, which is nice for charging cell phones overnight. Problem is that it also includes the outlet for the fridge...so I just set the fridge on gas mode when I'm running the inverter so the element is not powered, works fine.

I usually run my WH on gas because of teh faster recovery time vs electric. After we've all showered, I shut it down for the day then power it back up in the evening for dishes.

I would expect/guess that the WH would have a dedicated circuit. Putting a toaster oven on that same circuit will likely result in an overload.

I'm guessing your water heater element draws about 1500 watts. That's 12.5 amps at 120 volts. What size breaker is it on? If it is a 20 amp breaker you have somewhere in the 4 additional amp range before you start tripping the breaker.(80% constant load will start to trip a breaker) What is the wattage of your toaster oven? I doubt your water heater and toaster oven will play well together.

When we want to use an electric skillet, electric griddle, or any of our electric space heaters, I run a separate electric cord from the shore power post into the camper. I have found that one electric space heater will work just fine through the camper's power system. But when plugging in a second, the breakers pop. Same happens when we use the electric griddle.

Simplest solution, was to run a separate extension cord. For us, this was not a major issue, as I've always run a separate 50 foot cord from the campground power source to the picnic table so we can fix all our meals outside.

For a while, I just put the cord through the window above the kitchen sink. Later, I realized I could shove it in the same hole the camper's main power cord comes out of, and then pull it inside the camper anywhere I wanted.

So, in cooler weather, the cord is inside for the electric heaters, then back outside to fix meals on the picnic table, as we do not normally fix meals inside the camper, unless there's snow on the ground (that cold).

You might consider just running another extension cord, you know, one of those orange ones you'd use in your garage. It's a bit easier than attempting to run new wiring or adding new plugs, that may still cause a larger AMP draw than your camper is able to handle (especially if yours is a 30 amp only camper.)

Does the kitchen counter have no outlet in proximity? Seems odd.

W/H is generally on a dedicated 20 amp circuit as they draw 12 amps. If the toaster is rated 6 amps or less you might get away with it.

I recommend a load shed device to cut power to the W/H when using the toaster oven.

http://www.bestconverter.com/Automatic-Load-Shed

Pulling a new circuit would be best if you have access. Or unplug the W/H and just use propane.

Not a good idea due to tripping the breaker if both are on at the same time, depending on wattage of each but I don't think it would be allowable under the NEC anyway (see article 551). You *could* install a SPDT switch to be able to alternate between the WH and toaster oven. Might be a good solution if you seldom use the WH on electric. Could do it with a demand controller too but adds $$.

Best thing would be to install a dedicated circuit. Wiring can be run through the ceiling cavity, inside interior wall cavities and inside cabinetry with some patience. May need to install a tandem breaker in the panel. What wattage is the toaster oven? Maybe if you install a dedicated circuit the receptacle could be located so that it could be shared with other appliances?

plasticmaster wrote:
I'd like to install a new power outlet to use primarily for my toaster oven. The only circuit that I can tie in to is the circuit that the water heater plugs in to. Are other outlets typically tied into this circuit and would it be safe for me to tie into this circuit for another outlet? Would I be constantly tripping the breaker if toaster oven and water heater on electric were both on at same time?

It would work well if you always turn off the electric side of your water heater when using the toaster oven, but not a good idea otherwise.

johnwalkerpa1 wrote:

plasticmaster wrote:
I'd like to install a new power outlet to use primarily for my toaster oven. The only circuit that I can tie in to is the circuit that the water heater plugs in to. Are other outlets typically tied into this circuit and would it be safe for me to tie into this circuit for another outlet? Would I be constantly tripping the breaker if toaster oven and water heater on electric were both on at same time?

It would work well if you always turn off the electric side of your water heater when using the toaster oven, but not a good idea otherwise.

X2!

My trailer has one of the much maligned WFCO load centers. I added a dedicated circuit for my relocation of the television set and satellite receiver. I pulled one of the breakers out, took it to Lowe's and bought an exact match there to install. That outlet now has it's own breaker. My load center had several empty slots for breakers.