How to stay warm

hohenwald48 wrote:
Regarding outlets used in RVs. All this theoretical posturing regarding square inches, nicked wires and everything else is kind of interesting. However, can anybody cite any real world instances of problems, fires or failed outlets as a result?

The issue, at least to me, is not necessarily which is better but more "are the outlets installed by manufacturers adequate".

Obviously, more contact is better than less contact. In much the same way that it would be more efficient and safer to wire 15A circuits with #4 wire as opposed to #12 or #14. However, testing and engineering have determined that #14 is sufficient so installing larger wire is unnecessary.

I'm just wondering if anybody can show that the outlets installed by manufacturers are inadequate for the task?

Of course business's are in the business to make money. However, I doubt they are in the business of burning down their products and injuring their customers.

GDE might be along to reinforce what he took the time to explain but there have been cases of failure with these types of receptacles and there are posts about them on this Forum.

I'd say that everything is "adequate" until it isn't. The problem referenced above has to do with running high draw appliances and the vampire style receptacles. I believe it is an issue as these types of devices are not constructed with the high draw, continuous use in mind. Many on this Forum have had issues and replaced their original receptacles or even installed dedicated power circuit beyond what was original.

When I rebuilt my trailer, I chose to put all devices in shallow single gang boxes and use conventional screw terminal receptacles. It is all similar to the original wiring. Somewhere between 1971 and the present, it was discovered that money could be saved by not installing devices in that manner. There is no other logical conclusion to be made.

I'd suggest to anyone that is using an electrical heater to dedicate the receptacle to that use and change the original "vampire" connected receptacle to a conventional receptacle with a box. For the price, it will be cheap peace of mind.