I need some help with my electrical system in my camper

[mancave]

I was given a camper and I am gutting it and redoing it. I am at the point of redoing the wiring and I want to redo the wiring since I am seeing 14/2 and 12/2 and I don't know how old this wire is. so My issue is what wire do I use to wire my furnace and my ac? should I put them on the same breaker or separate?.
I also plan to wire outlets on a line and put lights on another line.

This is a 30amp system so I have to confirm to this to make all this safe. So anyone who can help me out would be great. If you need further info just let me know.

Thanks
Don

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Well Don, age is not an issue if the insulation is good.

Heater and ac can be on the same circuit because they don't run at the same time.

Your outlet daisy chain can be started with a GFIC device and give you a safe system.

 

[mancave]

Hi thanks for the reply. I have been told by a electrician I can use 6g wire to wire everything to just to be safe and prevent any overload. I do plan to have GFIC outlets where I have sinks and any where near water. He said I can use it to wire everything including outlets and lights.
however the cost for that wire is very high.

Don

 

[Fizxguy]

I was given a camper and I am gutting it and redoing it. I am at the point of redoing the wiring and I want to redo the wiring since I am seeing 14/2 and 12/2 and I don't know how old this wire is. so My issue is what wire do I use to wire my furnace and my ac? should I put them on the same breaker or separate?.
I also plan to wire outlets on a line and put lights on another line.

This is a 30amp system so I have to confirm to this to make all this safe. So anyone who can help me out would be great. If you need further info just let me know.

Thanks
Don

Try Explorist.life. I’ve purchased one of their kits for my motorhome.

 

[newmarokie]

6awg is awfully big wire. I'm not sure you can even get a plug into the box after attaching. I think, Kevin may correct me, but fourteen gauge is approved for a 20 amp circuit by the NEC. Many city codes require 12 gauge. The key is to not build a string on a circuit that can have to many energy hogs put on it. Think coffee pot, tea kettle, toaster and microwave all on the same circuit. I have seen electricians put plugs on a bathroom vanity on separate circuits because of blow dryers, curling irons, and hot curlers. More circuits are better than too few circuits that will be overloaded.

 

[GTS225]

Hi thanks for the reply. I have been told by a electrician I can use 6g wire to wire everything to just to be safe and prevent any overload. I do plan to have GFIC outlets where I have sinks and any where near water. He said I can use it to wire everything including outlets and lights.
however the cost for that wire is very high.

Don

Whoever told you that is NOT an electrician worthy of the title. While it might be true that you could use 6 gauge, it's entirely to large for the job. It's also true that you wouldn't over-amp the wire. However, I highly doubt you could even get it into the terminals on a standard duplex outlet.
Use 12 gauge for the outlets and 14 for the lighting. Typically, there's a dedicated circuit for the A/C.

Roger

 

[Kevin D Pem]

6awg is awfully big wire. I'm not sure you can even get a plug into the box after attaching. I think, Kevin may correct me, but fourteen gauge is approved for a 20 amp circuit by the NEC. Many city codes require 12 gauge. The key is to not build a string on a circuit that can have to many energy hogs put on it. Think coffee pot, tea kettle, toaster and microwave all on the same circuit. I have seen electricians put plugs on a bathroom vanity on separate circuits because of blow dryers, curling irons, and hot curlers. More circuits are better than too few circuits that will be overloaded.

Your correct, I will correct you!

20 amp circuit=12awg
15 amp circuit =14awg

That is with standard length runs. Definitely within a mobile home. 30Amp would be 10awg. Once again that depends on how long the run is.

Now I use 6awg for my 1000w solar run! That would be the 60volt run from the panels. But really 6awg for even 30Amp whatever is acceptable (as long as it's over 10awg) there is no rules to say you can't), but way over kill!!!

 

[B52Bombardier1]

All,

Why are we not suggesting the use of 12 and 14 gauge "three conductor" wiring? There is absolutely a need for a ground wire in this system, not merely a hot and a neutral.

Rick

 

[Kevin D Pem]

All,

Why are we not suggesting the use of 12 and 14 gauge "three conductor" wiring? There is absolutely a need for a ground wire in this system, not merely a hot and a neutral.

Rick

Because it is pre-existing. If he strips the old out then romex only comes in one form! He wants to demo Because old wiring has no ground, and he feels the need for one. Why mention something he already has planned for?

 

[Rich W.]

Hi thanks for the reply. I have been told by a electrician I can use 6g wire to wire everything to just to be safe and prevent any overload. I do plan to have GFIC outlets where I have sinks and any where near water. He said I can use it to wire everything including outlets and lights.
however the cost for that wire is very high.

Don

Unless you are installing 240v appliances or an outlet for your welder, 6ga would be ridiculous, expensive, and make the job more difficult, if not impossible. Completely agree with others here: 12 for outlets, 14 for lights, and the existing wire is probably just fine and will be for the duration. A visual inspection of the wire and connections is all that’s needed. Also since you are renovating use all LED lighting and modern appliances that are more efficient and draw less power. Sounds like a great project. Got any pics.