Need to add a 110v electrical outlet

[IBcarguy]

We have a new TT and I want to add a 110v outlet in the bunk bed area for the grandkids to plug in their Ipad chargers, TV, games, electric blanket, etc. The bunk area is against the back side of the pantry wall that also has the electrical panels, so I think it should be feasible to run wires a few feet. I've never done this kind of work but I'm generally pretty handy so I'm not afraid to tackle this with a little coaching. Are there outlet boxes that can be attached to thin paneling? I don't think there would be access from inside the pantry paneling to try to secure it to a stud without ripping out everything for access. Also, should I add another breaker and isolate this circuit or should I just add it to an existing breaker circuit? If I add a breaker what size? 15A? 20A? Thanks for any advice.

[RJsfishin]

No, you don't need a new circuit.....unless you planning an electric heater on it.
If an existing plug is closer, pull it, attach a chunk of 14 ga solid wire romex into the unused holes....or screws, and run to the new plug.

[Houston_Remodel]

Yes a dedicated circuit is a good idea. Still buy and read the book though, Wiring Simplified.

[doughere]

IBcarguy wrote:
Thanks to those that have offered some POSITIVE input...it's appreciated. I think there are some good suggestions for the outlet itself but should I create a dedicated circuit with it's own breaker or tie into an existing circuit?

It is probably easiest to add a 15Amp breaker if you have space in the box. If no space, you will need to disconnect an existing circuit, use it to feed this outlet, and then connect that circuit to this outlet.

Doug

[IBcarguy]

Thanks to those that have offered some POSITIVE input...it's appreciated. I think there are some good suggestions for the outlet itself but should I create a dedicated circuit with it's own breaker or tie into an existing circuit?

[Hornnumb2]

DutchmenSport wrote:
This is the type of receptical box you want to put in the wall. The wall of your camper is thin paneling of some sort. If you have access to the back of the wall (like in your cabinet), then this box will work very good.

Cut your hole in the paneling to fit the box. Insert the box, then turn the wing tips so they catch the inside of the paneling. Then tighten down. Run your wire, attach the plug, put on a face plate and your done.

The are designed to NOT be attached to a stud, but for paneling and dry wall between the studs.

Click here.

The only thing I have ran into with this boxes and rvs, the paneling is so thin that the tabs will not pull snug enough. What I do is just glue a scrap of wood that you can insert before the box on top and bottom to make it thicker. Problem solved. There are low profile boxes if you are just adding a receptacle that are held in by 4 screws, but the usb combo plugs won't work in those boxes they are too bulky.

[doughere]

Your questions indicate you need help. This is a simple job, so you could probably find plenty of friends / neighbors to help.

Below is a link to a plug that is commonly used in RV's. It will fit in a shallow wall, and does not use a box (lots of people will moan they're junk, but they will do fine).

http://tweetys.com/white-receptacle.aspx

Regards,
Doug

[Wet_Coast]

An ez-box would be too deep. I would look at the surface mount boxes like this.. Link
I have used them in the past.

[beemerphile1]

IBcarguy wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
The box you would use is called an "old work" box. Beyond that, if you have to ask, you should hire a pro rather than risk your family and rig.

Thanks for the advice but I think this should be a fairly basic project, especially with all the resources available nowadays for the DIY person. Like I said, with a little coaching and reading, I can do this. If I'm unsure of something, I read about it or ask questions, that's how I learn to do things for myself.

Your questions indicate that you know nothing about wiring. I'm not being mean, just advising caution. In my line of work I've come across far too many wiring jobs that were done illegally and unsafely to not recommend caution. People can die when things are done wrong.

It would be much better for you to seek professional help on this project and then you will know in the future. A smart man knows when to hire a pro. I know how to do a lot of things but I also know to hire a pro for something I don't comprehend.

[RJsfishin]

Need stranded wire ??
Why won't plain ole solid wire house romex work like it has for 50 years. I ain't seen very many broken solid romex wires here lately.
Do ya just love to make a very simple job more complicated ?

[CA_Traveler]

And some stores carry boxes that are not as deep as the one linked above.

[CA_Traveler]

OK A common RV plug has one piece of wire running through it and you push the wire into a V which cuts the insulation. They tend to not be reliable but have a plastic cover for the exposed connection. And you may not be able to add more wire. See what you have.

You can replace plugs and if there is not enough wall depth the stores have extensions that extent about 1/2" out from the wall.

Pull your plug, post a picture and use a probe to make sure you can run the wire to the desired location.

[IBcarguy]

beemerphile1 wrote:
The box you would use is called an "old work" box. Beyond that, if you have to ask, you should hire a pro rather than risk your family and rig.

Thanks for the advice but I think this should be a fairly basic project, especially with all the resources available nowadays for the DIY person. Like I said, with a little coaching and reading, I can do this. If I'm unsure of something, I read about it or ask questions....that's how I learn to do things for myself.

[Houston_Remodel]

I suggest you buy the latest edition of Wiring Simplified

It will make a handy resource. WHile it is for homes and RVs are a little different, the basics are still the same and much of the advice is transferrable.

[RedRollingRoadb]

I would be very concerned that the old work boxes would be too deep to fit in the walls.

And since the OP said he wants to run an electric blanket a USB port isn't going to help.

[CA_Traveler]

Use a house hold analyzer to verify that the existing plug is wired correctly, remove all power, pull the existing plug and see what you have. RV walls are often thin with no room for a box. You may also have to change out the existing plug in order to add the new wire. Use the analyzer to verify that both plugs are wired correctly.

If you don't have an analyzer buy one that has a GFCI test button, about $10 and you should have one in the RV to check a new pedestal.

While certainly not a rocket science project it's important for correct mechanical and electrical safety to wire it correctly. Consider getting some help.