Community Forums

Kevin123 · 03-10-2012, 09:23 PM

I'm not an electrician. Is there any reason I shouldn't replace a couple outlets with the "Newer Technology AC Wall Outlet with USB Charging Ports"?

No more lost chargers.

Thanks for the input.

KIX · 03-10-2012, 09:27 PM

Should work just fine........providing they are not too deep for the RV duplex box.

Kevin123 · 03-10-2012, 09:54 PM

Thanks. Just ordered a couple...

KIX · 03-10-2012, 10:02 PM

Let us know if they physically fit.

LadyFitz... · 03-11-2012, 10:15 AM

You should have waited for more comments before ordering. These outlets are available from Amazon.com. The first problem is they are deep, about 49 MM, which is a bit under 2". Most RV walls aren't deep enough to accomodate a box deep enough of these outlets. I'm thinking this is going to be your biggest problem.

The other problem is quality. The reviews on Amazon give it only three out of five stars. If you read the one star reviews, you find a common theme: one or more of the USB ports won't work. The vendor that sells them through Amazon has responded to most of the bad reviews by claiming installer error. The vendor also claims that Amazon is the only site with users having so many problems. That comment alone sends up all kinds of red flags for me.

It looks like a great idea that still needs some work. However, the depth issue alone pretty much kills it for use in RVs.

RJay · 03-11-2012, 10:24 AM

Lady...
Good point. Since there has to be some voltage conversion taking place the outlet would have to be large enough to accommodate the additional hardware.

John Hilley · 03-11-2012, 10:38 AM

One of these would probably be a better solution for an RV, they just plug into existing receptacle

3 AC + 2 USB Slim Surge Protector

Belkin 6 outlet surge protector with USB

no wiring and less expensive also.

Robi.1014 · 03-11-2012, 10:46 AM

Kevin,

The depth problem (if there is such a problem) can be overcome by an adapter that adds about 1/2" at the wall surface. Express your need to a Lowes / HD / ACE -hardware knowledgeable salesperson....and you'll probably find this extension/device somewhere.

But also....
You might want to confirm the type of output from the Inverter you have onboard ("modified sine wave" or better?). If your inverter outputs MSW, then try using your newly acquired receptacle/USB device in a temporary fashion until you know it doesn't overheat.

The reason I mention this "testing" is that an Inverter's MSW output can fry some power supplies. Our TVs, microwaves and other AC-consuming devices (clock radio, for example) seem to survive just fine on MSW AC power. But the USB power supply (in the receptacle that you are purchasing) may not be capable of handling the strange AC input. I define "strange" as "square wave"...not a sine wave ("sine wave" is what grid power is).

And just FYI in case you need it:
Your inverter outputs MSW only when it is producing AC power from your house batteries. If you are running your generator or are hooked to campground AC power, the AC is that of a sine wave.

Steve N Sal · 03-11-2012, 10:50 AM

There is an extension box that is made by "Wiremold" that can give you the extra depth that you may encounter. They are made to attach to the existing box that is already recessed in the wall. They make both metal and plastic versions. The metal type will give you a better depth choice as they have a bigger variety on those. You can purchase these in the electrical department at the big box stores or any electrical wholesale distributor.

Dunner · 03-11-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyFitz...

The other problem is quality. The reviews on Amazon give it only three out of five stars. If you read the one star reviews, you find a common theme: one or more of the USB ports won't work. The vendor that sells them through Amazon has responded to most of the bad reviews by claiming installer error. The vendor also claims that Amazon is the only site with users having so many problems. That comment alone sends up all kinds of red flags for me.

I don't care if it is a Perfect Diamond, there is alway at least one person that just has to complaint. Check any review on any product and you will find that one person... always.

LadyFitz... · 03-11-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

I don't care if it is a Perfect Diamond, there is alway at least one person that just has to complaint. Check any review on any product and you will find that one person... always.

Did you bother to read the reviews on Amazon? One bad review I would blow off but when there are multiple reviews reporting the same problem, I tend to take them seriously, especially when there is a high percentage of bad reviews reporting the same problem.

Dunner · 03-11-2012, 06:13 PM

Believe it or not, but I did look at some, but not all of the reviews.

It was probably the same person with different login IDs. Yeah, that it different login IDs.