Outlets March 14, 2024, 07:40:46 pm OK. Got the outlet project done. I installed three 120v outlets in the back room. I went with DaveK's preference and installed outlets that include USB-A/B and USB-C plugs. Now I can can use that shiny new inverter in the back room too.I installed one behind the TV (had removed the OEM shelves) so now I can quit screwing around with the little inverter. Installed the other two in place of the OEM rear speakers which were mounted under the back cabinet. Good to go!jor 4 Likes
Re: Outlets Reply #1 – March 14, 2024, 11:02:04 pm Great job!I need to do the same for my TV in my TK, wire up a 120v outlet, getting rid of the extension cord of shame that runs from the door above the fridge to the TV, just need to find a source to tap into.
Re: Outlets Reply #2 – March 14, 2024, 11:08:29 pm Hi Jor; do those outlets provide power for the USB ports from the 110vac provided by an inverter? The ones I pointed out as using a Decora plate aren't associated with 110vac at all, and are native 12 dc. They run off the coach batteries. For others here, no inverter needed. RonB
Re: Outlets Reply #3 – March 15, 2024, 10:52:10 am Quotedo those outlets provide power for the USB ports from the 110vac provided by an inverterYes, they do. They are wired to the a/c distribution panel so they are energized by shore, gen or inverter. The last photo shows what they look like inside. I had to take them apart to get rid of the kid protection feature.I started out just wanting to install a 120v outlet behind the TV so I could eliminate my little inverter which was used only for the TV. Then after reading DaveK's post, I decided to get an outlet that included the USB ports. Then I figured: why not just keep going and add a couple more! Anyhow, I'm now fat with device plug-ins and have 120 in the back room. Good to go!jor
Re: Outlets Reply #4 – March 15, 2024, 11:08:17 am Quotegetting rid of the extension cord of shame Good one, Dave! Do you have an outlet anywhere near there? On my MB, I think I could have daisy chained one more outlet by punching a hole in the exterior shower compartment wall and running it behind the TV. There is plenty of room between the exterior wall and the fiberglass shower. jor
Re: Outlets Reply #5 – March 15, 2024, 02:19:21 pm Quote from: jor - March 15, 2024, 11:08:17 amDo you have an outlet anywhere near there?Nope, not in a TK.Have four existing 120V outlets, two circled in green on the wrong side, and one on the back wall in this photo, also on the driver’s side. Only outlet on the correct side is in front of the refrigerator, by the door, the red line is the current route for the extension cord of shame.I suppose the easiest tap would be the fifth outlet used by the refrigerator itself.
Re: Outlets Reply #6 – March 15, 2024, 02:56:26 pm QuoteOnly outlet on the correct side is in front of the refrigerator, by the doorThat looks doable. And a short run too. jor
Re: Outlets Reply #7 – March 15, 2024, 09:23:37 pm Dave, could you add a breaker to the load center and run a wire through the furnace and small cupboards then up the inside of the wall by the thermostat and terminate behind the Tv?Jon
Re: Outlets Reply #8 – March 16, 2024, 02:31:32 am Perhaps, but that would be more than I want to take on while on the road this summer, maybe next winter/spring
Re: Outlets Reply #9 – March 16, 2024, 10:38:21 am Quotemore than I want to take on while on the road this summer,I really admire you and the other group members that have done projects on the road. Our longest trip has been only three months. At that time we were thinking about full time but after three months I figured I was the type that required a home base. I just couldn't fathom doing coach projects on the road other than routine maintenance. I didn't even like going to Speedco for oil changes. More power to you guys!!!jor 1 Likes
Re: Outlets Reply #10 – March 16, 2024, 12:46:01 pm "I just couldn't fathom doing coach projects on the road..."Heck, Andy Baird does it all the time, you can park in an Lowe's or Home Depot parking lot... and even stay overnight! 2 Likes
Re: Outlets Reply #11 – March 16, 2024, 12:57:39 pm I haven't done it lately, but yes--one of the best ways to do a small-to-medium-sized project is in the parking lot of a Lowe's or Home Depot store. Need a tool you don't have, or a set of hinges, or an outlet? Just walk inside. No need to interrupt what you're doing for a half-hour trip to the store just because you forgot some essential. I've done it many times. 1 Likes
Re: Outlets Reply #12 – March 16, 2024, 01:31:00 pm Hi Dave; it is easy to tap into the gfci circuit inside your power distribution box. Early on I added an outlet (brown) next to the cabinet under the closet. Just above the space heater outlet vent. It is easy to access by pulling out the drawer(s) and opening the inlet vent door. I'll post a pic when I'm back with my laptop. You can daisy chain off of that outlet to add one on the closet side panel. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Outlets Reply #13 – March 16, 2024, 01:46:47 pm Quote from: Dave Katleman - March 15, 2024, 02:19:21 pmNope, not in a TK.Have four existing 120V outlets, two circled in green on the wrong side, and one on the back wall in this photo, also on the driverâs side. Only outlet on the correct side is in front of the refrigerator, by the door, the red line is the current route for the extension cord of shame.I suppose the easiest tap would be the fifth outlet used by the refrigerator itself.Hi Dave,I installed a 120VAC outlet in the media center of our TK some time ago. Behind the converter I found 3 or 4 Romex cables wire nuted together. This is the junction for many of the 120VAC outlet runs. One of these cables is routed to the outlet circuit breaker in the converter. I used this wire nut junction for the 120VAC source. I used the routing of the new cable as Jon described:1) Secured to the top back furnace wall.2) At that point drilled a hole thru the small cabinet wall.3) Secured the cable to the top of the back wall and then on the top of the right side.4) Drilled a hole in the front right corner of the closet floor.5) Installed wire raceway along the front side & top of the right closet wall.6) Drilled a hole thru the top raceway, closet wall, & the short TV mount wall about 12" from the front of the inside of the closet wall.7) I mounted a low profile electrical box and routed the new line thru the back of the box (I used a switched outlet to turn off and on a small outlet strip that I have every thing plugged into). I hope this helps.Kendall 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Outlets Reply #14 – March 16, 2024, 03:08:31 pm QuoteNo need to interrupt what you're doing for a half-hour trip to the store just because you forgot some essential.Working in the HD lot. Now that's a great idea. I think my record from some project years ago was 3 or maybe 4 trips to Home Depot in one day! Poor planning. Also "Measure once, cut three times, get another board."jor 1 Likes
Re: Outlets Reply #15 – March 17, 2024, 12:59:26 am Working on the road is pretty much my only choice, I live in a condo with no place to park or work on site.Every project I’ve done is at a campground, with an ocean view or nestled in a forest, buying components ahead of time. While I’m pretty good at remembering what I need for the project occasionally I get blocked forgetting something or thinking of a better way that needs another piece. So Andy doing the project at the hardware store parking lot is genius!The ideas for TK routing for a TV outlet are great, thanks. I’m shy about tackling electrical stuff, especially 120v out on the road. Carpentery rarely takes down electrical. 1 Likes