How to stay warm

hohenwald48 wrote:

gmw photos wrote:
True that. I didn't like the cheap outlets that came from the factory in my trailer. I replaced with leviton outlets and used the "screwed in place" terminal for the wire end.

By "cheap outlets" are you referring to the self contained outlets that most RV manufacturers use? Ones like these -

http://www.hubbell-wirecon.com/literature/InstallationGuide.pdf

I was just wondering if you have had some problem with these fully rated, UL listed and NEC approved electrical devices? I guess I'm wondering why you feel a need to replace them with outlets that require the installation of additional electrical boxes.

While they are UL/NEC "accepted" the means that they employ to make electrical contact with the wire is pretty darn shaky at best..

Known as a "vampire tap" the device "pierces" ans "pushes" aside some of the insulation and makes an ever so slight contact with said wire.

The contact points are extremely small AND there is no real firm "mechanical" means to ensure the contact STAYS constant during temperature changes which causes expansion and contraction of the metals.

What all this means is as you put a heavier load onto the outlet that very small electrical contact creates a higher than normal resistance. Resistance is the enemy here and with a higher resistance you get HEAT.. When you get heat the springiness of the material FADES making even more resistance..

Over time with repeated high current loads it will ultimately end with some outlet failure..

Even though those outlets HAVE passed UL/NEC, they ARE only rated for 15A.. I personally after looking at a few of those outlets would never consider loading them above 10A and that is being rather generous.. Those outlets were never envisioned with the idea of a 1500 watt (12.5A) heater plugged in for not only hrs but DAYS/weeks/months of continuous operation..

The RV (and some mobile home) manufacturers use these outlets not for "quality" but for SPEED of building.. RVs are not really well known for "top quality" builds or materials..

Some better RV manufacturers DO use BETTER quality home style outlets so your mileage may vary..

Somewhere around my leftover junk piles I do have one of these outlets from my first TT that I had to replace due to part of the BACK plastic breaking.. I should dig it out and take some real nice Macro photos to bring this point home..