I plan to install a hard-wired PSW inverter and run one extension cord to my entertainment center and another to a cabinet in the bedroom. I want it to look like a regular outlet by plugging the extension into the back of the outlet inside the cabinets and having a single or dual outlet plate on the outside of the cabinet. I don't just want a hole with an extension cord hanging out. This should be similar to what you use to bring a 20a cord from the electric pedestal into your RV to use for a heater, but without any weather proofing. I've tried googling, but not sure what words to search with.

Why not just pull some romex and connect direct? Need a J-box near the inverter.If you have existing outlets near by you could run power to the distribution panel and connect with a small transfer switch.Otherwise the added outlet needs a box to cover the rear and you can add a plug pigtail to connect with the extension.

I am trying to avoid a bulky j-box in the cabinets. I am thinking something like the outlet multipliers (turns a dual outlet into 6), but mounts to a surface instead of plugging into an existing outlet.

I'll be doing this same mod to our own rig this spring, installing a duplex receptacle on each side of the bed and a third next to the galley. To that end I have 3 self contained duplex receptacles in my workshop waiting for the weather to warm. I bought them at our local RV dealer here in Ontario but they're manufactured by a US company called dg-usa. Go to www.dg-usa.com and on Page 2 of "110 Electrical Products" you'll find Product #WDR15WT. These are the exact same type of duplex receptacles already installed throughout your rig.

You can make it almost invisible if you feed your main panel. The wiring is already in the walls.

SoundGuy wrote:Go to www.dg-usa.com and on Page 2 of "110 Electrical Products" you'll find Product #WDR15WT. These are the exact same type of duplex receptacles already installed throughout your rig.Not exactly what I wanted, but close. Instead of extension cords, I could put a male plug on the end of Romex for the inverter end and just connect the wire to these in the cabinet. Thanks!http://dg-usa.com/product-catalog/#!/15-Amp-Decor-Receptacle-With-Cover-White/p/4676589/category=1174675I see they also come in brown or ivory giving DW some involvement in the process.

110v Outlets from Extension Cord | Good Sam Community

SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
stevenal wrote:
SkiSmuggs wrote:

Sounds interesting. Do you have a link or picture of said inlet? I don't believe that I've seen one.
Something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5239-Receptacle-Commercial-Grounding/dp/B00004YUKT

SkiSmugs,

That's the right idea, but you need one that will mount to an electrical box. Try Power Inlet.

This looks like it should do the job. Thanks!
Wow, this is a rare item and almost exclusive to Office Depot.
landyacht318
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
I have one 120vAC outlet I wired with a 12awg powertool cord replacement. I plug it into my powerstrip, or to my inverter, but mines not a factory RV.

I have used this product on a portable power pack project, but at 100 Lbs, portable is subjective
stevenal
Nomad II
Feb 08, 2016
jake2250 wrote:
Reading thru the RVIA Standards, It does not address "temporary" accessories!
IE: portable Inverters! Reading the user manual for the Inverter itself it states if an extension is used it must be of sufficient size to adequately handle the voltage/amperage. So in theory, I have wired it into the 12v supply (following user manual direction) and using an approved extension cord. Don't see the big worry here!! Its all fused and breakerd. Even an RVIA inspection wouldn't detect any code violation! No Harm No Foul!!

It is true that portable extension cords are allowed for temporary use. Sounds like you have a more permanent installation. Plus your listed and approved extension cord is no longer approved after you've removed one end or otherwise altered it.
stevenal
Nomad II
Feb 08, 2016
SkiSmuggs wrote:

Sounds interesting. Do you have a link or picture of said inlet? I don't believe that I've seen one.
Something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5239-Receptacle-Commercial-Grounding/dp/B00004YUKT

SkiSmugs,

That's the right idea, but you need one that will mount to an electrical box. Try Power Inlet.
jake2250
Explorer
Feb 04, 2016
Reading thru the RVIA Standards, It does not address "temporary" accessories!
IE: portable Inverters! Reading the user manual for the Inverter itself it states if an extension is used it must be of sufficient size to adequately handle the voltage/amperage. So in theory, I have wired it into the 12v supply (following user manual direction) and using an approved extension cord. Don't see the big worry here!! Its all fused and breakerd. Even an RVIA inspection wouldn't detect any code violation! No Harm No Foul!!
LarryJM
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2016
Bobbo wrote:
If I am reading right, this is nothing but a multi outlet extension cord. Kind of like this commercial one, but with a box and duplex at the end:

If so, nothing to worry about. Unplug it and, electrically, it doesn't exist.

Exactly, no code issues for electrical "extensions" that have a plug on the end. It's just a more secure and permanent "extension cord"

I used the wiremold surface mount electrical boxes when I installed my second 30A service and redid my bedroom entertainment connections.

Larry
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
stevenal wrote:
Why violate code when you don't need to. Using cord in place of romex is not allowed. Putting a cord end on romex is likewise not allowed. Suggest: Run a short extension cord from inverter to an installed inlet (mounts like a receptacle, but male). Romex from inlet to receptacle. Clean, safe, and code compliant.

Sounds interesting. Do you have a link or picture of said inlet? I don't believe that I've seen one.
Something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-5239-Receptacle-Commercial-Grounding/dp/B00004YUKT
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
westend wrote:
wa8yxm wrote:
I do agree with "Why not run Romex"
But.. No reason other than the code you can't cut the end off a proper extension cord and wire on an outlet.. I suggest the outlet be a differnet color, RED or Orange, to indicate INVERTER power instead of the standard color, that is all.

The most elegant way of doing what the OP frames is to use a small transfer switch, wire directly to load center, and use the same receptacles as original. As to cost, the $60 transfer switch is probably going to be less than the installation of wire, receptacles, and boxes needed in the other manner.

Good idea, but the inverter is at the batteries in the front compartment and the load center is at the rear of the fiver under the oven.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2016
If I am reading right, this is nothing but a multi outlet extension cord. Kind of like this commercial one, but with a box and duplex at the end:

If so, nothing to worry about. Unplug it and, electrically, it doesn't exist.
jake2250
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
Thanks for the link,, Makes for good reading! Well this works for me now, Guess I will remove when time comes to sell.

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