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RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155475] Wed, 04 January 2012 23:01 Go to next message
glacierfl   United States
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Hello,
looking to replace the old buzz box, saw this and wondered if this would work good. It looks to be able to replace most of the stuff in the main fuse converter area. Just wondered if anyone has used one like this, or has any comments/problems as to its use.

cheers and beers


Steve & Debbie Monticello, FL 77 Palm Beach :- Aurora EX G4WDT
Re: RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155476 is a reply to message #155475] Wed, 04 January 2012 23:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
glacierfl   United States
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Sorry forgot the link Embarassed

http://www.adventurerv.net/8900-series-electronic-converter-center-amps-p-14473.html


Steve & Debbie Monticello, FL 77 Palm Beach :- Aurora EX G4WDT
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155490 is a reply to message #155475] Thu, 05 January 2012 06:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tmaki is currently offline  tmaki   United States
Messages: 200
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 0
Senior Member
On 1/4/2012 9:01 PM, steve & debbie wrote:
>
>
> Hello, looking to replace the old buzz box, saw this
> and wondered if this would work good.

I have three WFCO converters - 35-amp. 45-amp and 55-amp -
quite older models that are just the converter/charger
without the distribution center. The 55-amp is installed in
my GMC along with an upgraded 12V panel, the 45-amp I use as
a carry-around battery charger for my other vehicles and
other 12VDC needs, and the 35-amp is just on the shelf in
case one of the others gives up. I got mine out of a
manufacturer's proto shop after they went out of business.
They were evaluation units, had been installed in several
units in the shop, removed and stored. They are still
working fine to this day.

Many RV manufacturers use WFCO components. If you were to go
to most any RV dealer or RV show and look at the electrical
components, you would most likely find WFCO products. The
manufacturers use them because they are inexpensive and do
what needs to be done.

Read more about them at WFCO's Website:

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com

and more specfically about the model you're interested in by
clicking on the various links. Links on the model
description will get you the spec sheet and manual.

If you need gadgets, gizmos and blinking lights WFCO may not
suit you. But if "install it and forget it" appeals to you,
you can't beat WFCO. If "Made in China" makes you twitch,
then...



Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
Riverside, CA



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Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155496 is a reply to message #155490] Thu, 05 January 2012 07:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Bounds is currently offline  Jim Bounds   United States
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I have considered WFCO units but in that I have so many variables I have to decide on, when I find something that works I usually stay with it.  I use the PD Dynamics 45 amp seperate converter.   I try and follow the "KISS" system so rather than integrating a fuse and breaker panel to the converter, I use seperate 12 volt ATC style fuse panel for the 12vdc side, a seperate home style 110 vac breaker panel so I can have replacement breakers replaced easily and cheaply and then use the 45 amp Intelletek converter for 12 vdc charging.  If I was interested in putting a 12vdc to 110vac "inverter" in the system I usually use a stand alone unit for that as well.
 
There are many ways to look at circuit logic, I prefer to think of the poor dude that may have to trace and fix some electrical problem down the road, the more integrated the system the more difficult to troubleshoot and replace defe ctive parts-- at least that's what I have found working on cluged up electrical systems in the past. 
 
WFCO is probably a good choice, they fit right into the KISS system.  I just landed on another unit.   Good luck,
 
Jim Bounds
------------------------


________________________________
From: tmaki <tmaki@earthlink.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, January 5, 2012 7:02 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps

On 1/4/2012 9:01 PM, steve & debbie wrote:
>
>
> Hello, looking to replace the old buzz box, saw this
> and wondered if this would work good.

I have three WFCO converters - 35-amp. 45-amp and 55-amp -
quite older models that are just the converter/charger
without the distribution center. The 55-amp is installed in
my GMC along with an upgraded 12V panel, the 45-amp I use as
a carry-around battery charger for my other vehicles and
other 12VDC needs, and the 35-amp is just on the shelf in
case one of the others gives up. I got mine out of a
manufacturer's proto shop after they went out of business.
They were evaluation units, had been installed in several
units in the shop, removed and stored. They are still
working fine to this day.

Many RV manufacturers use WFCO components. If you were to go
to most any RV dealer or RV show and look at the electrical
components, you would most likely find WFCO products. The
manufacturers use them because they are inexpensive and do
what needs to be done.

Read more about them at WFCO's Website:

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com

and more specfically about the model you're interested in by
clicking on the various links. Links on the model
description will get you the spec sheet and manual.

If you need gadgets, gizmos and blinking lights WFCO may not
suit you. But if "install it and forget it" appeals to you,
you  can't beat WFCO. If "Made in China" makes you twitch,
then...



Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
Riverside, CA



_______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155497 is a reply to message #155490] Thu, 05 January 2012 07:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Bounds is currently offline  Jim Bounds   United States
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I have considered WFCO units but in that I have so many variables I have to decide on, when I find something that works I usually stay with it.  I use the PD Dynamics 45 amp seperate converter.   I try and follow the "KISS" system so rather than integrating a fuse and breaker panel to the converter, I use seperate 12 volt ATC style fuse panel for the 12vdc side, a seperate home style 110 vac breaker panel so I can have replacement breakers replaced easily and cheaply and then use the 45 amp Intelletek converter for 12 vdc charging.  If I was interested in putting a 12vdc to 110vac "inverter" in the system I usually use a stand alone unit for that as well.
 
There are many ways to look at circuit logic, I prefer to think of the poor dude that may have to trace and fix some electrical problem down the road, the more integrated the system the more difficult to troubleshoot and replace defe ctive parts-- at least that's what I have found working on cluged up electrical systems in the past. 
 
WFCO is probably a good choice, they fit right into the KISS system.  I just landed on another unit.   Good luck,
 
Jim Bounds
------------------------


________________________________
From: tmaki <tmaki@earthlink.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, January 5, 2012 7:02 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps

On 1/4/2012 9:01 PM, steve & debbie wrote:
>
>
> Hello, looking to replace the old buzz box, saw this
> and wondered if this would work good.

I have three WFCO converters - 35-amp. 45-amp and 55-amp -
quite older models that are just the converter/charger
without the distribution center. The 55-amp is installed in
my GMC along with an upgraded 12V panel, the 45-amp I use as
a carry-around battery charger for my other vehicles and
other 12VDC needs, and the 35-amp is just on the shelf in
case one of the others gives up. I got mine out of a
manufacturer's proto shop after they went out of business.
They were evaluation units, had been installed in several
units in the shop, removed and stored. They are still
working fine to this day.

Many RV manufacturers use WFCO components. If you were to go
to most any RV dealer or RV show and look at the electrical
components, you would most likely find WFCO products. The
manufacturers use them because they are inexpensive and do
what needs to be done.

Read more about them at WFCO's Website:

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com

and more specfically about the model you're interested in by
clicking on the various links. Links on the model
description will get you the spec sheet and manual.

If you need gadgets, gizmos and blinking lights WFCO may not
suit you. But if "install it and forget it" appeals to you,
you  can't beat WFCO. If "Made in China" makes you twitch,
then...



Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
Riverside, CA



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http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Re: RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155500 is a reply to message #155475] Thu, 05 January 2012 07:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hardie Johnson is currently offline  Hardie Johnson   United States
Messages: 483
Registered: January 2004
Location: Raleigh NC
Karma: 0
Senior Member
glacierfl wrote on Thu, 05 January 2012 00:01

Hello,
looking to replace the old buzz box, saw this and wondered if this would work good.
cheers and beers

Many SOBs use these as a factory installation. There is a nice writeup (on the photo site?) about an installation with DC and AC bus and breakers. If you are ready to do a makeover on your wiring it would make a good starting point. Otherwise just install a PD converter with the charge wizard and a Yandina combiner up front. You probably want to replace the fuse block with a modern ATO blade type, too.
Shocking, just shocking"


Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC
Re: RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155504 is a reply to message #155475] Thu, 05 January 2012 07:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
glacierfl wrote on Thu, 05 January 2012 00:01

Hello,
looking to replace the old buzz box, saw this and wondered if this would work good. It looks to be able to replace most of the stuff in the main fuse converter area. Just wondered if anyone has used one like this, or has any comments/problems as to its use.

cheers and beers

Steve,

I see two issues right away:
A - This is only a 30A - 120V box. It has a 30Amp main breaker, so it will not even support full load from the Onan. If your coach is still 50Amp set up, putting this one in will be a major tear-up (add an extra 100+ for an new shore power cable - unless you want to drag the 4-conductor for no real reason). It will probably (condition dependent)not support 2 A/C units and any other load.
B - This a complete electrical panel. Unless you have in mind to replace the entire service panel, this may be less than a great idea.

Yes, it is less expensive than a new PD9265, but the PD units are a known device with a very good reputation for treating batteries very well.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155522 is a reply to message #155504] Thu, 05 January 2012 11:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Steve ;

I have been well pleased with the Progressive Dynamics # PD-9260 ~
Well satisfied with if and bought it on line from Nashville Tn ~
$129.99 plus $15.50 s&h

~ Joe ~

e-bay Item # 1606 6029 1801
and here is the link
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160660291801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_843wt_901


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'

[Updated on: Thu, 05 January 2012 11:12]

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Re: RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155650 is a reply to message #155475] Thu, 05 January 2012 23:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
glacierfl   United States
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Hello,

I love the neatness of these panels...
Looks much better to me than the current OEM setup...
The DC section has leds that inform you of fuse problem/s, and also plenty of additional circuits for AC and DC can be added.

http://www.amazon.com/ULTRA-Service-Distribution-Panel-WF-8950/dp/B006TKIQN8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325826298&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Someone made a comment on the rating not being 50A, this panel is rated for 50 Amps.

Seems like this panel could be used in combination with the usual converters that are in use. That may be the route i am going to follow.

Any more comments welcome

cheers and beers





Steve & Debbie Monticello, FL 77 Palm Beach :- Aurora EX G4WDT
Re: RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155680 is a reply to message #155650] Fri, 06 January 2012 08:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
glacierfl wrote on Fri, 06 January 2012 00:14

Hello,

I love the neatness of these panels...
Looks much better to me than the current OEM setup...
The DC section has leds that inform you of fuse problem/s, and also plenty of additional circuits for AC and DC can be added.

http://www.amazon.com/ULTRA-Service-Distribution-Panel-WF-8950/dp/B006TKIQN8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325826298&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Someone made a comment on the rating not being 50A, this panel is rated for 50 Amps.

Seems like this panel could be used in combination with the usual converters that are in use. That may be the route i am going to follow.

Any more comments welcome

cheers and beers

Steve,

The charging circuit is rated at 50 AMP (WF-89XX parts), but the spec sheet says that the AC side can use a single 30 Amp breaker as feeder. Yes, they are pretty, but I suggest that you get and study the complete specification sheet before you purchase. If you have questions, come back with the link to the specifications (or post as *.pdf in the gallery) and I am sure you will get solid answers from knowledgeable and experienced people (that are here all the time).

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155690 is a reply to message #155650] Fri, 06 January 2012 09:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tmaki is currently offline  tmaki   United States
Messages: 200
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 0
Senior Member
On 1/5/2012 9:14 PM, steve & debbie wrote:
>
> I love the neatness of these panels...
>
> http://www.amazon.com/ULTRA-Service-Distribution-Panel-WF-8950/dp/B006TKIQN8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325826298&sr=8-1-fkmr0
>
> Someone made a comment on the rating not being 50A, this
> panel is rated for 50 Amps.

See the spec sheet and OEM installation manual at:

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/Images/Products/OtherDocs/18-3.pdf

and

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/Images/Products/OtherDocs/18-1.pdf

Provision is made for either 30A or 50A shore cord. Two main
breaker positions are available for main legs.


> Seems like this panel could be used in combination with
> the usual converters that are in use. That may be the
> route i am going to follow.


Not that you haven't done extensive research into these nor
that you aren't schooled, skilled and experienced with such
things, but you know that this item is basically just an
empty plastic box? You will have to populate it with
breakers, etc. and do all the proper installation, wiring,
etc. yourself (or have someone do it for you). This piece in
not a "plug and play" solution. For a total make-over, it's
not a bad place to start. Retro-fit into existing is a
little more complicated.

But when you're finished, you'll have a decent, custom
electrical system with fresh components. WFCO has nice
products used by just about everybody in the OEM RV
industry. Choose your combinations carefully.

Go to WFCO's Website and take a look at all their products.

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com

They provide pretty much all the information you need to
make a good decision.



Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
Riverside, CA


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Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155778 is a reply to message #155690] Fri, 06 January 2012 21:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
glacierfl   United States
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Hello,

Progressive Dynamics does a total system inc converter, with a built in charge wizard.

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4560-50-Amp-Power-Center-with-60-Amp-ConverterCharger_p_358.html

What do you guys think of this as a replacment for the OEM system??.

cheers and beers


Steve & Debbie Monticello, FL 77 Palm Beach :- Aurora EX G4WDT
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155784 is a reply to message #155778] Fri, 06 January 2012 22:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
glacierfl   United States
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Sorry about 2 posts here.

My reason for wanting to redo the converter and fuse box etc :-

I was simply going to replace the converter, and leave it at that. However after thinking a bit more, more questions came up. How good is the old fuse panel, and connections ,so replace that, next what is the condition of the high voltage fuses, and connections. So right there, you have a new converter, and a new fuse panel.

Also i wanted to try and move the stuff from the cupboard "77 palm beach", to another location, freeing up that cupboard space. Looking at the complete systems it seems feasable to fit in an usused location, high up perhaps, as the space needed seems a l;ot smaller than the OEM system.

So the ability to get a system thats integrated, seems a good idea for several reasons. Also having lots of spare fuse locations would save me adding more panels at a later date.

I want to add dimmers for led lights and would prefer that each
bank of lights has it's own fuse allocated to it.

Would also prefer that each high voltage socket has it's own fuse rather than sharing some sockets as is the current case.

It just seems to work out better at least in my thinking .....
The coach insides are ripped out so its a good time to think about future uses.

Thanks for input on this topic

cheers and beers


Steve & Debbie Monticello, FL 77 Palm Beach :- Aurora EX G4WDT
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155807 is a reply to message #155784] Sat, 07 January 2012 00:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I think if every high voltage socket had its own breaker you would end up with a lot more breakers and home run wires. Houses work pretty well with clustered receptacles and they are much more likely to be run simultaneously than the few ac outlets on a coach. Maybe just separate the outlets most likely to be used simultaneously??

My thoughts

Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: steve & debbie <zzdebz@yahoo.com>
Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:01:31
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps



Sorry about 2 posts here.

My reason for wanting to redo the converter and fuse box etc :-

I was simply going to replace the converter, and leave it at that. However after thinking a bit more, more questions came up. How good is the old fuse panel, and connections ,so replace that, next what is the condition of the high voltage fuses, and connections. So right there, you have a new converter, and a new fuse panel.

Also i wanted to try and move the stuff from the cupboard "77 palm beach", to another location, freeing up that cupboard space. Looking at the complete systems it seems feasable to fit in an usused location, high up perhaps, as the space needed seems a l;ot smaller than the OEM system.

So the ability to get a system thats integrated, seems a good idea for several reasons. Also having lots of spare fuse locations would save me adding more panels at a later date.

I want to add dimmers for led lights and would prefer that each
bank of lights has it's own fuse allocated to it.

Would also prefer that each high voltage socket has it's own fuse rather than sharing some sockets as is the current case.

It just seems to work out better at least in my thinking .....
The coach insides are ripped out so its a good time to think about future uses.

Thanks for input on this topic

cheers and beers
--
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155810 is a reply to message #155807] Sat, 07 January 2012 02:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
glacierfl   United States
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Thanks Sully for your information there.

You are right, in houses, receptacles are often chained togeather, up to the allowable legal max in Amps.

-: My thoughts on keeping separate were this :-

Having totally removed the ceiling panels and wall panels etc, did give me a chance to look at the existing wiring. It also made me very aware, of how much trouble it could be, and time consuming, to fix a simple cable problem.

If i had a problem with a single wire run/receptacle, it would be easier to fix that single line, than say have a problem where several receptacles are chained togeather.

One instance is behind the bathroom, "at least on my coach", several lines are tied togeather inside a metal box.
Fitted "BEHIND" the bathroom", not sure who decided that one.... !!!!!!!!!

I must say this worries me, if i have a problem i have to tackle several circuits/wires to find the potential problem. If i had a problem there, i could potentially loose, the 3 connections below.

1:- 120v to fridge.
2:- 120v to outside GFCI connection.
3:- 120v for built in Vacuum and related receptacle.

Another point here, i would prefer the GFCI to be on its own circuit, and not tied into the other lines, as this one is....

"On my coach these are all tied togeather".

If i have one fuse open, i am fairly sure which line the problem exists in, because this line feeds only one load, so i loose only that line....

If i get a problem on a circuit that runs several other lines, until that problem is fixed, i could potentially loose all the load tied to that particular fuse....

In general, a single circuit problem, will not affect the other circuits....

Ok you might say "well if you wire it ok, no problems".

Not if i get a rodent chewing around for instance...
or potential new water leaks that could cause problems also.

"Maybe i am being a bit paranoid here", a few extra fuses, and some cable etc, would i feel make things a little more robust.

cheers and beers

P.S The socket in the kitchen area SHOULD be fitted with a GFCI protected outlet..... ?????



Steve & Debbie Monticello, FL 77 Palm Beach :- Aurora EX G4WDT

[Updated on: Sat, 07 January 2012 02:45]

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Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155823 is a reply to message #155810] Sat, 07 January 2012 11:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
After thinking about it, there really are not very many 120v circuits in my royale. Other than the ac units(home run each) the converter/charger and a couple of outlets(kitchen,front porch),blender,microwave,coffee maker are pretty much it. I have my interior gutted currently as well. Although the original existing romex house wiring looked ok, I planned on replacing it with flex conduit that comes with the wire already inside and changing the routing to make it shorter. I like the thought of metal flex to help prevent piercing the wire with a screw or rubbing through the casing in one of the many places the bare romex turns hard through a jagged hole in the aluminum framing. I think to be safe I would run home runs for all major appliances(ac/microwave/water heater) but individual home runs for each outlet seems like overkill to me.
Gfci outlets. It has been a few years since I remodeled my kitchen and bathrooms in my home but I do remember that one gfci outlet will protect all of the outlets down stream on the same circuit if wired correctly. So you could have the gfci in the bathroom and if you wire the kitchen and porch outlets correctly off of it, no need for further gfci's.
12v and video/audio cabling. This aspect of my re wire is what has me doing most of my deep thinking. My original thinking on this was to build my new headliner in such a way that would allow removal of it for access for running new 12v/audio etc or to use the extrusions in the roof wall crotch as conduits. The way technology is changing almost guarantees having to add equipment. This is part of my motivation to have a touch screen dash display but, that is a whole different topic by itself............

Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: steve & debbie <zzdebz@yahoo.com>
Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:32:29
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps



Thanks Sully for your information there.

You are right, in houses, receptacles are often chained togeather, up to the allowable legal max in Amps.

-: My thoughts on keeping separate were this :-

Having totally removed the ceiling panels and wall panels etc, did give me a chance to look at the existing wiring. It also made me very aware, of how much trouble it could be, and time consuming, to fix a simple cable problem.

If i had a problem with a single wire run/receptacle, it would be easier to fix that single line, than say have a problem where several receptacles are chained togeather.

One instance is behind the bathroom, "at least on my coach", several lines are tied togeather inside a metal box.
Fitted "BEHIND" the bathroom", not sure who decided that one.... !!!!!!!!!

I must say this worries me, if i have a problem i have to tackle several circuits/wires to find the potential problem. If i had a problem there, i could potentially loose, the 3 connections below.

1:- 120v to fridge.
2:- 120v to outside GFCI connection.
3:- 120v for built in Vacuum and related receptacle.

Another point here, i would prefer the GFCI to be on its own circuit, and not tied into the other lines, as this one is....

"On my coach these are all tied togeather".

If i have one fuse open, i am fairly sure which line the problem exists in, because this line feeds only one load, so i loose only that line....

If i get a problem on a circuit that runs several other lines, until that problem is fixed, i could potentially loose all the load tied to that particular fuse....

In general, a single circuit problem, will not affect the other circuits....

Ok you might say "well if you wire it ok, no problems".

Not if i get a rodent chewing around for instance...
or potential new water leaks that could cause problems also.

"Maybe i am being a bit paranoid here", a few extra fuses, and some cable etc, would i feel make things a little more robust.

cheers and beers


--
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155836 is a reply to message #155823] Sat, 07 January 2012 13:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Greg and April is currently offline  Greg and April   United States
Messages: 263
Registered: December 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member
If you do use one GFI outlet with down stream wiring for the rest of the
house, there are a few issues to think about....

- It's easy to reach it's working amperage, if daughter is using one in the
bathroom to blow dry her hair, mother is using one in the kitchen to
microwave lunch and dad is working with a power tool outside.

- When there is a problem, you have to go around checking all of the down
stream outlets, trying to figure out which one caused the problem - this can
mean checking the garage, the back porch, the front porch, all bathrooms,
and the kitchen.

The cost of GFI's have dropped to the point where it's better to install one
per room circuit for each of the needed rooms - this also gives piece of
mind, as you do not want a problem in a single bathroom to shut down the
refrigerator in the kitchen.
.

Greg H.

I don't just march to the beat of my own drum - I have an entire brass band
to keep me company.

.
----- Original Message -----
From: <sgltrac@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 10:20
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps


>
> Gfci outlets. It has been a few years since I remodeled my kitchen and
> bathrooms in my home but I do remember that one gfci outlet will protect
> all of the outlets down stream on the same circuit if wired correctly. So
> you could have the gfci in the bathroom and if you wire the kitchen and
> porch outlets correctly off of it, no need for further gfci's.

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Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155842 is a reply to message #155836] Sat, 07 January 2012 16:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I have my garage (not work shop)wired off the back of a bathroom gfci. When I do overload the circuit by running the leaf blower(with all lights and a refer on) it trips the 15a breaker in the main panel not the gfci. I have had an outdoor outlet trip the gfci at our cabin but at least u don't need to go as far to reset it usually :)

Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Greg and April" <gregandapril@earthlink.net>
Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:44:46
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps

If you do use one GFI outlet with down stream wiring for the rest of the
house, there are a few issues to think about....

- It's easy to reach it's working amperage, if daughter is using one in the
bathroom to blow dry her hair, mother is using one in the kitchen to
microwave lunch and dad is working with a power tool outside.

- When there is a problem, you have to go around checking all of the down
stream outlets, trying to figure out which one caused the problem - this can
mean checking the garage, the back porch, the front porch, all bathrooms,
and the kitchen.

The cost of GFI's have dropped to the point where it's better to install one
per room circuit for each of the needed rooms - this also gives piece of
mind, as you do not want a problem in a single bathroom to shut down the
refrigerator in the kitchen.
.

Greg H.

I don't just march to the beat of my own drum - I have an entire brass band
to keep me company.

.
----- Original Message -----
From: <sgltrac@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 10:20
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps


>
> Gfci outlets. It has been a few years since I remodeled my kitchen and
> bathrooms in my home but I do remember that one gfci outlet will protect
> all of the outlets down stream on the same circuit if wired correctly. So
> you could have the gfci in the bathroom and if you wire the kitchen and
> porch outlets correctly off of it, no need for further gfci's.

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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155843 is a reply to message #155823] Sat, 07 January 2012 16:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

This probably isn't 100% relevant to other GMC's but here's a series of pictures of the electrical panels under the bathroom sink in
my Avion.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=36569

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=36567

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=36568

In the last one you can see a GFI outlet with a plug that powers the PD9260 which mounted to the top of the driver side wheel well
under the shelf in the cupboard under the sink. From there the power goes to the rest of the A/C plugs in the coach so all the
others are protected. This caused me a big headache when it tripped. I had a problem with DC power and could not figure out why (I'm
electrically challenged). I was down at the Coop and had to enlist JimB's help and he discovered it. The problem was you couldn't
see that it had tripped because the outlet was at the back of the cupboard under the sink! I think I replaced it with a GFI that has
a light to show whether its on or off.

In the picture below you can see a power meter plugged into an outlet mounted horizontally on the galley counter top to the left of
the cooktop. While it is reasonably far from the sink I did not put it there and quite frankly I would not mount an outlet in a
kitchen counter top horizontally. I changed it to a GFI to make it as safe as possible.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=39533

Regards,
Rob M.

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps [message #155844 is a reply to message #155843] Sat, 07 January 2012 17:15 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Greg and April is currently offline  Greg and April   United States
Messages: 263
Registered: December 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Just a couple of things....

Why run a wire from the panel to a GFI, and from there to the rest of the
coach as needed, instead of using a panel mounted GFI?

To keep an eye on my all-in-one GFI circuit around the house, I simply plug
a LED nightlight in each of the rooms that are on the circuit - they are
less than the cost of a lighted GFI, the LED draws minamal power, they are
great for dealing with those midnight trips to the bathroom or kitchen (
without turning on the very bright main light ) and if it is not on, I know
that there is an issue. You could do something much like this instead
of buying a more expensive lighted GFI - a quick glance at a convenient
outlet would show if the GFI circuit has power or not.

.

Greg H.

I don't just march to the beat of my own drum - I have an entire brass band
to keep me company.

.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 15:53
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] RV Converter Center, 65 Amps


>
> In the last one you can see a GFI outlet with a plug that powers the
> PD9260 which mounted to the top of the driver side wheel well
> under the shelf in the cupboard under the sink. From there the power goes
> to the rest of the A/C plugs in the coach so all the
> others are protected. This caused me a big headache when it tripped. I had
> a problem with DC power and could not figure out why (I'm
> electrically challenged). I was down at the Coop and had to enlist JimB's
> help and he discovered it. The problem was you couldn't
> see that it had tripped because the outlet was at the back of the cupboard
> under the sink! I think I replaced it with a GFI that has
> a light to show whether its on or off.
>

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