A few years ago I was researching a battery company that supplied flooded lead acid (FLA) batteries to the locomotive (train) industry and for solar panel systems. Everything I found indicated they were an outstanding company with a quality product, so I called and talked to an engineer and asked why they were not in the RV industry. He stated that every time they discussed their product with an RV manufacturer all they wanted was to cut the price $30 less than what they were currently using. He came up with the phrase: “It’s a race to the bottom!”
Unfortunately, it’s too often true in this industry, as many people shopping for an RV shop by price rather than by value. Therefore, manufacturers race to find ways to cut costs rather than educating customers on value, so that the unit sits next to the competition with a lower price tag.
Electrical outlets in RVs
One such item is the electrical outlets used in many RVs. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) uses codes and specifications set by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and other safety organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for RV safety. NFPA has specific wiring and outlet codes such as NFPA 1192 standard for safety. That requires the National Electric Code (NEC) Article 551, which dictates wiring size for RVs.
From what I have found over the years, RV manufacturers are using the correct size 120-volt wiring commonly referred to as Romex, which is actually a brand name. However, the “race to the bottom” comes with the outlet, in my opinion. Code requires a UL-listed outlet capable of handling the amp rating of the circuit breaker, which is typically 10-15 amps in a traditional outlet.
Not all outlets are the same quality
There are several types of outlet that have the amp capacity and are UL rated. However, not all are the same quality, in my opinion. The traditional residential outlet has an outlet box mounted in the wall and an outlet with either side mount screws or push-in slots in the back.
When I built my house, my certified/bonded electrician stated that he NEVER used the push-in slots in the back. He explained they are not a good contact and the wire can slip out or break off from the slot. Keep in mind, this is in a house that is not traveling 60+ mph down the road. He always connected the wires to the side posts and wrapped electrical tape around the entire outlet.
“Fast install” aka “self contained dual outlet”
I have received several questions from readers regarding the “fast install”-type outlet called “self contained dual outlet.” This is an outlet that can be installed without a gang box and with the wires pushed into spades on the back side. It is thinner than a traditional outlet so it can be installed on a side wall that is only 2” thick, as it does not require the box. It is faster to install so there is less labor, and it does not require a gang box. So, putting several of these in an RV is a cost savings.
They are UL listed and rated for 15 amps, so they should be fine for an RV, right? To properly install these outlets, you need a specific tool such as the Wirecon WT900M, which costs $700. Snap-on makes a cheaper device that looks like a golf shoe spike wrench. Even if they use the proper tool and get the wires “seated” correctly, I have had dozens of readers sending pictures of this type of outlet failing due to road vibration.
Here is another one:
Traditional outlets recommended
It’s not like you have a choice of outlets. However, I would replace any of the fast install outlets with a traditional one with side posts. For outlets that are in the 2″ sidewalls, you can get a shallow outlet box on Amazon here.
Winnebago designed a wooden extension that matched the perimeter of the box and extended the outlet further out so they did not have to route the 2″ sidewall deeper.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
- Twelve Days of Christmas RV Tools—Fourth day: Kill A Watt electricity usage monitor
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- Why does toaster oven trip the GFCI in RV bathroom?
- Can I use a 2-prong plug in a 3-prong outlet?
- Twelve days of Christmas RV tools – Twelfth day: Klein multimeter kit
DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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