Super Simple AC System; with a twist...

[burlesot]

Hello,

I would like to create a super simple AC system for the rare time when I am at a spot where shore power is available. I also will use the power inlet when I am at home and need to trickle charge the battery without having to lug it into the garage.

Here is my question. I want to use a system similar to the image below:



However, instead of terminating in the three outlet end of the extension cord, I would like to have three 120 volt 'outlet' boxes. One in the battery compartment for the trickle charger, one in the cooler area for future use, and one in the cabin for powering 120 volt stuff.

Here is one way I was thinking about doing this: I could simply lop off the end of three orange power cords, plug them in to the extension cords on one end and wire the 'outlets' using the clipped end of the cable.

Is there a better way? Could you lop off the 'three plug' extension cord and somehow create three sets of wires to go to each of the power boxes?

Thank you in advance for my novice question.

Sincerely,
Todd

[Fyddler]

I plan on doing something similar with the 3 prong plug being a 15 amp GFCI cord, but instead of cutting off the cord I am wiring a plug into the wire that goes to my outlets. The idea is I can then plug this into the extension cord when I have shore power, or plug it into an inverter if I need 110v on battery. I personally don't see anything wrong with what you want to do, but I'm no electrician.

[Fyddler]

And you don't run a separate wire to each outlet, you chain them. Outlets have two sets of connectors on them. One is used for incoming power, one is used to run wire to the next outlet.

[burlesot]

Fyddlr,
Thank you.
That makes sense. I was forgetting that you basically 'daisy chain' the outlets to one another from the main source. So, it looks like I would only lop off the end of one extension cord, then use regular 'household' wiring to daisy chain to the three outlets. Sounds pretty simple!

Thank you so much.


I welcome any, and all, input. I'm a novice in this department. Heck, many others too!.
Todd

[Bogo]

I'd use three power strips.

Take one of them, and cut the plug off and connect the cord to the power inlet.

For the others, mount the power strips where they are wanted, and run the cords to the inlet power strip and plug them in. Note, you may need to find power strips with long cords. That was easier in the past than it is now. Regulations changed. If you want to lengthen the cord on a power strip, get a 12 Gauge extension cord.

BTW, the big metal Tripp Lite Isobar power strips are relatively easy to hack if you are willing to crimp wires. The kicker is they cost allot, but they are also top quality. I live on a ridge line with overhead power lines. Over the years I've had many things zapped by lightening while "protected" by lesser surge protector power strips, but I've never had anything damaged that was protected by a Tripp Lite Isobar power strip. I used to have them only on my computers, now I protect everything with them. Even my furnace and air conditioner.

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-ISOBAR ... B0000513US
The end plates come off via screws, and you can then attach the wires for the other power strips to the end plug in. Attach them to the one farthest from the power switch.

8 outlet with 25' cord. 12' cords are also available.
http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-ISOBAR ... d_sim_pc_7

I guess they are now only 12 Amps. I have a few older ones that are rated for 15 Amps. That could be an issue, but I'll mention that I've burnt up a plug in on a lesser surge strip when I ran an air conditioner off of it. The Tripp Lite I have in it's place has been handling the load for years with no issue. OK, the air conditioner is rated for 8.5 Amps draw and the Isobar it is plugged into is a 12 Amp one.