Wiring my house 4 a camper outlet - pictures please

[MooseFamily]

Ok, I just installed a trickle charger into my camper for my battery with a 120 out let and switch...
It works great, looks very cool, and I only got electrocuted twice...

120 volts! YEAH!
That was an eye opener!

So that I survive my next attempt!
Does anyone know how to wire the outside of my house with a camper outlet thru my house's fuse box?
It would be for that huge round plug that looks like the one on my clothes dryer...That's a 220 outlet...right?


I could really use some step by step pictures.

-Jerry

[mikeschn]

I don't do electrical, so I'm no help. I do play with 12v wires from time to time, but the last time I played with 120V I zapped myself a couple times, and I said that was enough of that.

Mike...

[BPFox]

A couple of points. You can only get electrocuted once. You don't get a second chance. Now taking on a little electric shock once in a while just reminds you that you are still alive.

Just curious, why would you want or need a 220 volt plug for your trailer if you only have a trickle charger and one outlet?

If you are talking about a standard 30amp plug like you would find at the campground, then it's not the same as your cloths dryer. They look similar, but the plug RVs use is 30amp 120volts. That said, it doesn't sound like you need that and would be better served with a standard 20amp 120 volt outlet that you most likely already have available. Sounds to me like what you are in need of is an extension cord.

[Wos]

working with 220 isn't for beginners, the building codes on it are usually very strict. because it is an outside plug you will need a GFCI either at the plug (never seen a 220 GFCI) or more likely at the breaker box. 220V will need 2 of them. You should be able to find a weather proof box to mount it in at a hardware store.
You will have to consult local building code to determine were you can mount the plug (how high off the ground etc.)
All this stuff, especally the wire is fairly expensive. It may be worth it to contact a contractor for an estimate.
Are you sure you want 220V, I've never seen a trailer that runs it. A 30 amp 110V plug looks similiar although it only has 3 pins instead of the 220V has 4.

[Dale M.]

How about converting everything to 15 amp 120V AC plugs and sockets...

I'm not aware of any reason you need 220 AC volts in tear drop or even a 30 amp 120 volt circuit.....

How about a long extension cord with GFI plug (or adapter) on male end of cord....

But then for outside GFI outlet, you need either a GFI breaker in your breaker panel, or a weather proof GFI outlet. You will need to run a wire, Probably 12 ga. 2 wire W/ground from breaker in panel ( either standard breaker or GFI breaker) to location where you want outlet, outlet will need to be weather proof and it will either be standard outlet or GFI outlet (depends on breaker type- You need 1 GFI device in circuit)....

Now for the part you didn't want to hear, to be perfectly legal, you probably need a permit to do electrical work, and once work is done you need a "inspection".... Most will say its no big deal, just do it. BUT if you "just do it" and later it causes a fire or electrocution your insurance may ignore your claim and cancel your policy.....

Dale

[MooseFamily]

See, I am totally ignorant here...

"A 30 amp 110V plug looks similiar although it only has 3 pins" is what I ment...

So, how do I do this...?
Without courting Death...

[Dale M.]

Call a electrician, or look up subject of "house wiring" on internet....

Dale

[toypusher]

See, I am totally ignorant here...

"A 30 amp 110V plug looks similiar although it only has 3 pins" is what I ment...

So, how do I do this...?
Without courting Death...

110VAC wiring is pretty easy and straight forward. BUT if you do NOT know what your are doing, it is DANGEROUS and you should call an electrician!!

[starleen2]

not an electrician either but maybe trying an adapter would be a wise choice. There are boxes out there that are similar to a 30 amp 110v Rv hookup for residential use. I have a 30 amp plug for the campsites, but adapt down for use in the back yard(regular 20 amp plug) adapter bought at walmart. I just plug into an outside plug.



Here is a site that may help a bit. it is from Roys RV
http://www.timberman.com/ELECTRIC/electric.htm

If you have the least bit of doubt about your wiring skills, consult a qualified electrician - you life is worth it

[Mark Freedom]

See, I am totally ignorant here...

"A 30 amp 110V plug looks similiar although it only has 3 pins" is what I ment...

So, how do I do this...?
Without courting Death...

My vote goes with the others who say get an electrician to do it.
I was an Industrial electrician for roughly 22 years, and what you want to do is a piece of cake, but not if you don't know how to make cake.
Then you have the added consideration of failing an inspection if you go to sell your house.
I bet an electrician would come out and throw you a plug in for less than a $100.
It would be worth the peace of mind to ya.

[Miriam C.]

not an electrician either but maybe trying an adapter would be a wise choice. There are boxes out there that are similar to a 30 amp 110v Rv hookup for residential use. I have a 30 amp plug for the campsites, but adapt down for use in the back yard(regular 20 amp plug) adapter bought at walmart. I just plug into an outside plug.



Here is a site that may help a bit. it is from Roys RV
http://www.timberman.com/ELECTRIC/electric.htm

If you have the least bit of doubt about your wiring skills, consult a qualified electrician - you life is worth it

There ya go! I am thinking you want a 30 amp breaker too and that is why you are asking. My best advice for messing with that is to call an electrician. If the words plug in a 30 amp breaker and run 10/3 romex don't make sense to you---you need a great book or an electrician. If you use a 30 amp breaker and the wire in a normal receptacle probably fry some wire.

The big box stores have wonderful books on how to wire your house. At a minimum I would get one.

[MooseFamily]

I have contacted an electrician...

You guys are GREAT!
Thanks...