Community Forums

TXiceman · 09-19-2011, 06:44 PM

While 12 VDC should have hot on the black wire, I never trust RV wiring. I use a volt meter and check hot and neutral. I have found white hot on a few items.

Better safe than sorry...just takes a minute to check it.

Ken

JMonroe · 09-20-2011, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvjimmy

Jay whats the name of the park as I have camped at a few down there, and how long are you going to be there. Like one guy said you have a 50/50 chance of being right, what's going to happen if your wrong the 2 amp fuze on the CB will blow and you get a new fuze.

I'm at Token Creek until it closes for the season on Oct 10th. On the 16th I'll take up residence at Lake Farm until I leave for the season on the 22nd.

bjsheldon · 09-20-2011, 11:30 AM

go to the hardware store and buy a 30 cent flashlight bulb. With one wire touching the side of the bulb, touch the end of the bulb to a metal frame ground. If the bulb doesn't light, try the other wire.

njs42 · 09-20-2011, 11:50 AM

Meter ---10/4.

LadyFitz... · 09-20-2011, 02:25 PM

If it's not practical to go buy a meter or test light, use a spare light bulb as a tester. Hold one of the wires on the body of the base of the bulb and touch the tip of the base to ground. If the first wire doesn't light the bulb, try the other one. If neither light, turn on the key and try again.

If you don't have a spare bulb, borrow one from an indoor light fixture that won't be missed if you run into a problem.

If you have a choice, a wire controlled by the ignition switch would be better since it will ensure the CB is shut off when you pull the key, preventing it from running down the battery.

Francesca · 09-20-2011, 02:43 PM

Joining the "Use a tester" chorus!
Most of my experience is with older trailers- white is always ground for those 12v systems...except when it's NOT

I think an electrical tester is the second most important thing an RV owner should buy, the first being a 500 tablet bottle of Aspirin

Francesca

RJay · 09-20-2011, 02:58 PM

Hi Jay,
Found this on the internet for RV wiring. I would go with the voltmeter as the answer and the link as a guide.

phranc · 09-20-2011, 03:10 PM

Perhaps there is a harbor freight near by.. That's an opportunity to pick up a cheap digital multimeter for about 5 bucks .. Otherwise black should be hot on the rv side . just strike the bare end of the supposed power wire onto a ground .( lightly and quickly ) It will spark a little if it has power

LadyFitz... · 09-20-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phranc

Perhaps there is a harbor freight near by.. That's an opportunity to pick up a cheap digital multimeter for about 5 bucks .. Otherwise black should be hot on the rv side . just strike the bare end of the supposed power wire onto a ground .( lightly and quickly ) It will spark a little if it has power

...and might blow a fuse.

Francesca · 09-21-2011, 12:04 PM

Francesca

rvjimmy · 09-21-2011, 06:36 PM

Jay stayed at Token Creek many times great park except for speed bumps. This place is shocking how big it is for its location. Oh I better say something about the CB hook- up to make this legal, hope you got your CB wired.