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Old 11-19-2015, 01:40 PM   #1
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Lightbulb Everything ever about Electrical

I need a very basic and very intensive guide on how to do an electrical system in a skoolie. I plan to have all the basic appliances like a fridge, AC, maybe a microwave. But I need to know, in detail, how to set everything up. Down to what kind of wire is recommended. I have no experience with this and I really don't want to mess this up. Thanks!

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Old 11-19-2015, 01:55 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by wile View Post
I need a very basic and very intensive guide on how to do an electrical system in a skoolie. I plan to have all the basic appliances like a fridge, AC, maybe a microwave. But I need to know, in detail, how to set everything up. Down to what kind of wire is recommended. I have no experience with this and I really don't want to mess this up. Thanks!
There are quite a few threads about this. I've only got the 120V system in my bus right now, but it's a lot like a house.
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Old 11-19-2015, 05:43 PM   #3
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Start on page one here DC Electric, and here AC Electric and read and take notes
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Old 11-19-2015, 08:52 PM   #4
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If you're just doing 120v AC in your bus go to your neighborhood Home Depot and pick up a DIY book on installing electrical service. You basically wire the bus as an extension circuit of the home or campground electrical system.
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Old 11-20-2015, 05:03 PM   #5
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I would highly suggest against using standard solid wire romex for your 120v wire. There have been quite a few cases of burnt down rigs due to wire fatigue. I know I will get some flack for this comment and people saying they have never had a problem and I'm sure there are plenty of those out there, but.... It can and does happen. I'm going to use stranded wire for everything in my build and play it safe. Solid wire was not made for vibrating installations. I don't say much and I read more than I post but I just had to add my comment on this one due to the safety factor. Just look into it and use your best judgement.
God bless
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Old 11-21-2015, 11:14 AM   #6
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Roger the stranded over solid for over the road use. Solid copper can easily work harden from constant vibration and crack. That's is why every auto, truck & bus maker on the planet uses stranded.
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Old 11-21-2015, 11:44 AM   #7
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Stranded, won't leave you stranded.
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Old 11-22-2015, 11:08 AM   #8
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99% of people just use solid core romex house wire without a issue.

Most RV's are built with solid core.

Not worth the extra cost \ trouble of stranded wire IMO.

If you drive your bus 100,000 miles a year, go stranded.

Nat
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:59 PM   #9
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Resurrecting a dead thread here...

I don't know the difference between solid and stranded. But when I search for 12/2 stranded wire, I see speaker wire popping up. That doesn't seem right... what do I search for in order to get the right stranded wire for a 120v circuit? And is there any difference in how to use/connect it, or does it work the same way as the standard Romex?
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Old 08-29-2018, 07:15 PM   #10
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Although you can buy stranded pair cable it is not as common as is romex type wire and although I am going stranded wire I am doing so because I have rolls and rolls of the stuff my Sport King was 39 years old with Tons and Gobs of miles on it when I remodeled it and when I rewired it no cracks no loose connections no noticeable fatigue or failures all Romex.I will tell you though that there were wire staples and ties everywhere and I think that is the key, reducing vibration through aggressive attachment.By the way using most stranded wire requires conduit if some type. Gene
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Old 08-30-2018, 11:17 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by Beeb View Post
Resurrecting a dead thread here...

I don't know the difference between solid and stranded. But when I search for 12/2 stranded wire, I see speaker wire popping up. That doesn't seem right... what do I search for in order to get the right stranded wire for a 120v circuit? And is there any difference in how to use/connect it, or does it work the same way as the standard Romex?
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/anco...xoCwtcQAvD_BwE

This is the Marine version of "romex".

Connect in the same fashion as solid wire.
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Old 08-30-2018, 03:48 PM   #12
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Most local commercial electric supply stores will price/sell/ order buy the foot to the average Joe/Joanne.
All you have to do is walk in and ask.
Commercial Plumbing and HVAC places also.
A lot don't do cash or checks.
Account or card.
But will stock what your looking for or can/will have it in 2-3 days.
Find Oops I need this on Sunday order on Monday-Tuesday pick up on Friday and good to go for the work weekend
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Old 08-30-2018, 04:43 PM   #13
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At a buck a foot the average rewire would cost a ****load of bongo bucks in some cases a grand or two!
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Old 08-30-2018, 05:01 PM   #14
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also in most cases stranded wire cannot be connected as solid can when connecting to"pigtails" wire nuts can be used but when connecting to switch and receptacle type connections crimp type connectors(solderless) should be used to keep stranded wire from migrating out from under screw heads causing same kind of problems that you switched from Romex for, that step can be eliminated by "tinning" each lead with solder thereby making the end of the lead solid. Gene
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