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-   -   16 or 18 gauge wire to outlet (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=488235)

  • Jul 14, 2010, 08:09 AM
    KingsX
    16 or 18 gauge wire to outlet
    Hi guys! I have a small little camper. And I am going to mount a LCD TV (20 inch) on the side of the cabinet, and I wanted to run electrical to it, and terminate it at a plug. If I put a sticker or a label on the outlet that states, no more than 10 amps, or 1200 watts, can I do something like this? The reason I would like to run small gauge wire is because for my use, its only for the TV and a media player, which together don't use anywhere near 10 amps. But if I sold it, I'd like a warning for future owners to not plug in things that use more power. Also, the small wire is to make running it easy and unobtrusive, as my camper is really small, and I'd rather not run 14 gauge. If I have to, I will, but I'm trying to save space. Thanks!
  • Jul 14, 2010, 08:32 AM
    Stratmando

    You can't do it, and can't say which code right now.
    Not sure if Marine cable is OK?
    It is like stranded Romex. Easy to Fish and work with.
    I would wait for another reply.
    TK, Missouri, anyone?
  • Jul 14, 2010, 08:52 AM
    tkrussell
    The National Electric Code does not cover rolling stock, mobile homes, etc. so I am of no help.

    I know nothing of campers. My idea of camping is a hotel.

    If a 15 amp 125 volt standard receptacle is used, aand anyone can use a 15 amp device, then there is the potential of overloading the wiring, no matter if there is a warning sticker or not.

    If the smaller wiring is necessary, and the applaince will not exceed 10 amps, then I would sugget protecting this wiring and receptacle with a 10 amp fuse.
  • Jul 14, 2010, 09:01 AM
    KingsX
    Can you get a type of inline 10 amp fuse? This is a really small camper, and basically it has a 15 amp entrance, which goes to a junction box. From there it feeds a single outlet on the counter, and a fluorescent light above the counter. There's no breaker panel, nor is there room for one. But I do want to make this safe, for future owners. I ran 14 gauge stranded extension cord wire to a fan on the other side, which worked okay, but is so big and bulky.
  • Jul 14, 2010, 09:09 AM
    tkrussell
    Sure, in line fuseholders are available, just be sure it is rated to handle the voltage.

    Many times you can find harware stores that carry in line fuseholders, but they are only rated 32 volts. If the circuit is 120 volts, then the fuse and fuseholder needs to be rated at least 120 volts.
  • Jul 14, 2010, 09:16 AM
    KingsX
    I think I know what you mean. I regular tube type, glass with filament fuse that is rated 120 volts and up to the amps I need to protect to. I've seen those types that are 120 volt and 6 amps, which would still be enough for my little TV and media player.

    So, do I just put it inline with the hot?
  • Jul 14, 2010, 09:19 AM
    tkrussell
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by KingsX View Post
    So, do I just put it inline with the hot?

    Yep.

    If possible, locate it at the receptacle, perhaps behind it in the box, I assume that 120 volt wiring is done in outlet boxes in campers.
  • Jul 14, 2010, 09:37 AM
    KingsX
    Yes they are. I'll put in a box, just like normal in a house. That's great news, I'll make sure everything is 120 volts, and away I go. Thanks again guys for all your help!
  • Jul 14, 2010, 09:47 AM
    KingsX
    For example, I found this one which is rated for 250v and 5 amps. So if I put a 5 amp fuse in there, I can essentially use 600 watts of power on that line. Its also 18 gauge already, so that'll be easy to implement. And I'll double check my amp usage with my TV and such, but I highly doubt I'll even come close to 600 watts. And they're cheap to boot! I hope the embedded image works...

    http://www.mode-elec.com/main/getpic...&type=img_full
  • Jul 14, 2010, 10:43 AM
    tkrussell
    Your image arrived fine.

    Fuseholder is fine, also.
  • Jul 14, 2010, 04:31 PM
    hkstroud

    TK
    Wouldn't Article 551 of 2008 code be applicable here?
  • Jul 17, 2010, 04:06 AM
    tkrussell
    Hk is correct, campers fall under Article 551.

    King, throw out my advice. You need to wire this receptacle just as you would in a home, using #14 cable, with a proper outlet box.

    I need to stick to what I know. What do I know about campers.

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