Romex splice kits- yes or no

[Sevo]

I was looking around HD electrical department and saw they had romex splice kits. I thought they may be useful as it eliminates exposed wires and junction boxes. Has anyone used these in your trailers? What are your thoughts

Here is a link to one

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electrical ... 48760.html

[Shadow Catcher]

Romex was used only a couple of places in our trailer. The AC outlet up front (20A) and the 30A shore power inlet and there are no interruptions and wire is well supported, I did not do much of the wiring, all other wire is stranded. In all cases you should be using stranded wire!

[48Rob]

I wouldn't want a mechanical splice of any kind buried in a wall, ceiling, floor, or anywhere I couldn't get to it.
While a junction box might be "unsightly" it serves a useful purpose.
With a little preplanning, splices can be made in switch or outlet boxes designed for the job, a double box that leaves only 1/2 (the switch or outlet) exposed to the room.
Romex is cheap, much easier to make uninterrupted runs.

Rob

[halfdome, Danny]

I'll have to agree with Rob.
Also why spend $6.99 on a splice device when a duplex box will be less and you'll benefit with an extra outlet.
I put 5 duplex outlets in my builds and have no need for junction boxes or splices.
Danny

[Sevo]

Thanks guys for the great replies. Rob and Danny, Thats a great idea in making part of the junction into an outlet or switch! I will do my wiring better so I can incorporate that into it and not have any splices.

I was going to use 12-2 for the Shore line, AC outlets, H2O Heater, AC fridge and Microwave. Should I not use Romex for all of those? SC you mentioned that I should be using stranded wire? Is it because the solid of the Romex is too rigid? Can you guys shed some light on this?

Regards

Chris

[bobhenry]

I have used 12-2 romax w/ground on the barn build and it has worked fine for 2 years.

On my first build I used 10 and 12 gage 3 wire extention cord.

I see no difference pro or con in either method and I simply used what I had on hand at the time.

[Sevo]

I have used 12-2 romax w/ground on the barn build and it has worked fine for 2 years.

On my first build I used 10 and 12 gage 3 wire extention cord.

I see no difference pro or con in either method and I simply used what I had on hand at the time.

Thanks Bob for the reply. I never thought about the extension cord. What was easiest to work with for your?

[halfdome, Danny]

I have used 12-2 romax w/ground on the barn build and it has worked fine for 2 years.

On my first build I used 10 and 12 gage 3 wire extention cord.

I see no difference pro or con in either method and I simply used what I had on hand at the time.

Thanks Bob for the reply. I never thought about the extension cord. What was easiest to work with for your?

I too have wired both ways and Romex is definitely easier and more secure when mounting to duplex plugs.
Danny

[Shadow Catcher]

The reason for not using solid wire as I understand is that it will work harden with movement, How long that takes is open to debate.

[48Rob]

Stranded wire is not insulated the same as Romex.
Stranded wire can be used, but it needs to be in conduit for protection.
It can be harder to get a good connection on a device.
While there is merit to the thought that the stiffer solid core wire could work harden due to vibration or movement, I would be very worried if it were a serious consideration in a trailer?
A cable connected to a motor or equipment that moves or vibrates should be a very flexible stranded, but in a tear/trailer it should make no difference.
If it does, there is something very wrong with the suspension, or with the installation of the wire.

RV's go off the end of the assembly line every day with Romex...

You often have room in a typical electrical box for a splice, but if you need extra room and don't want a double triple, or more, one of these "old work" boxes will give the room you want while maintaining the look as the extra portion of the box stays hidden in the wall.

Rob

[bdosborn]

Not to muddy the water but I used MC cable:



Comes in its own conduit so I don't have to worry much about damaging it.

Bruce

[Sevo]

great replies guys, thank you for all of the information and input. This is why this forum is such a great resource

Rob, I will be getting some of those splice boxes for sure. I saw them at HD and should have picked one up while i was there.

I was able to run some Romex tonight on my trailer tonight. It was easier than I had suspected. I am looking forward to seeing it all come together. I still have a lot more wire to put down. It can be a little overwhelming

[Dale M.]

IF you are using Romex and it it is moving around and vibrating and work hardening its not secured properly....

Dale

[Dale M.]

Not to muddy the water but I used MC cable:



Comes in its own conduit so I don't have to worry much about damaging it.

Bruce

That has to be the most miserable stuff in the world to wire a trailer with.... I worked with it for 38 years in telecommunication and hated it every minute of it....

Dale

[CarlLaFong]

Our 5th wheel is wired with Romex. We've towed it all over the country for 20 years with no electrical failures