RV electrical outlets. Any difference?

[hawkeye1995]

Originally Posted by Letsgoagain

Well that was fun. Got the receptacle changed out. Took me a while to figure out that I had to drive the wires into the pinch points so it would cut through the insulation to make contact with the copper wire. Used a flat blade screwdriver and hammer to tap them in. I don't think I've ever dealt with that kind of wire connection before.
I think I lost 5 lbs sweating it out in the afternoon heat in the motorhome. Wife asked why I didn't start the generator and turn on the air conditioner.
I explained that I didn't particularly like the idea of getting electrocuted.

Just a quick note. What was the size of the wire? 12 or 14 gauge? This would make a big difference in the CB size. Never use a 20 amp CB on 14 gauge wire. Good way to burn the house down. JMHO.

[Paul R. Haller]

The outlets used in motor homes and trailers are punch down outlets with an integrated box. They are total junk. You are way better off buying a residential duplex outlet with screw down terminals and a separate shallow metal box with built in Romex clamps. The boxes are made by Raco and while my local orange big box store doesn’t carry them, any electrical supply does as does my local Ace. Those punch down terminals will not carry 15 amps continuously without cooking. These crap outlets were the very first things I changed and replaced in my 5th wheel. I’ve seen way too many house fires and close calls because of poor connections in boxes and sub panels. I would not put one in my house much less a moving vehicle that rattles and shakes down the road wiggling punch down connections loose and no inspector would pass them in a stick and bricks house. They are real junk, not UL approved, very cheaply made, and proudly made in China with sub standard materials. The only reason to use one is they are cheap and technically inside a box. They just save the manufacturer a buck or two but put you directly at risk.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Letsgoagain

Well that was fun. Got the receptacle changed out. Took me a while to figure out that I had to drive the wires into the pinch points so it would cut through the insulation to make contact with the copper wire. Used a flat blade screwdriver and hammer to tap them in. I don't think I've ever dealt with that kind of wire connection before.
I think I lost 5 lbs sweating it out in the afternoon heat in the motorhome. Wife asked why I didn't start the generator and turn on the air conditioner.
I explained that I didn't particularly like the idea of getting electrocuted.

They use a tool to squeeze the wires into the receptcals that does the piercing. It can also be used to snap the cover on.

That's what the kids in the factory use while building them.

Don't think I'd buy one unless I was rewiring a bunch of RVs.

https://www.hubbell.com/bryant/en/wirecon#

[doublechevy]

To my knowledge the requirement for using a 20A rated receptacle on a circuit is when the 20A circuit feeds a single or duplex receptacle with no other outlets connected to that circuit.

When using a 20A circuit to feed more than one receptacle it is not required to use 20A rated device

it would be wise to use Spec grade devices and not the inexpensive residential devices on the market

[MarvinG]

^^^^
Correct.

[Letsgoagain]

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

I take it your DW knows your life insurance is paid up


Did you use an outlet similar to the original? If so the caution by arcaguy is appropriate. Your old outlet was scorched because of heat.


Heat happens for 2 reasons: resistance (a bad connection) or arcing - the separation or mating of a connection while under load.


What is the condition of the microwave plug? Melted anywhere? Carbon or scorch marks on the metal? If it's good then your problem was likely with the insulation displacement termination (yeah, that's a thing) used on the outlet and monitoring it for heating would be a good idea. If it gets hot you'll need to open it back up and double check the punch down.

Hello,
I went back with the same type of receptacle. I am concerned with what caused the problem to begin with. I just went out and looked at the microwave cord plug and one of the prongs has a little melted rubber around it. Something is obviously over heating. Not sure if its the microwave not working correctly or if there was a problem with the receptacle.
We are getting ready to head out on a long trip so I will have to watch it closely. If I feel heat at the plug then I will unplug the microwave.
I'm sure my wife will love the idea of eating out everyday.
Probably time for a new microwave anyway. 15 years is pretty old.