Electrical breaker box and wiring question

[heyttown]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

The same guy that thinks its ok to run #14 to a 20 amp breaker........<br /><br />Jack of all trades,master of nothing....IMO.<br /><br />I will tell you this,many on this board are licensed electricians including myself,the info that has been given here is pretty accurate,I dont blame you for wanting to get an electrician in,but Im not so sure your buddy has your best interest in mind and thats SAFETY.<br /> Please keep us informed.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Originally posted by brother chris:<br />My friend is positive that he can do this himself, and does not think we need to change the wire.<br />

This is a Darwin award in the making...<br /><br />Your friend is going to cause a serious problem if he tries to wire that entire trailer from 150 plus feet of 14 guage wire. If he thinks this is remotely possible it is clear that he has absolutely no clue what he's talking about. I just hope the breaker trips before the fire starts...<br /><br />Please do talk to an electrician before you let him do anything.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

PLEASE listen to crazycar and heytown,crabbait!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Seriously, BC, listen to them. They are spot on. I'm not an electrician, but deal with this stuff everyday. Doing a job right definitely costs a few bucks, but doing it unsafe can have some very serious consequences. Codes are there for a reason, and it's not to make the job cost more. They're to keep YOU safe.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Don't worry guys....I am listening. I do appreciate the advice.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

By the looks of your panel, it looks like just a sub panel. It should have a main disconnect breaker.<br /><br />Like others, RV trailer wiring is different than that of residential.<br /><br />The hot water heater should be rated in watts. That will also determine what size breaker and AWG (average wire guage) should be.<br /><br />Most RV parks have only 110/120 volt supply, while others may have 220/240 volt supply.<br /><br />Is this trailer going to be permantely placed, or do you plan to use it for traveling?<br /><br />Very many variables here to say on the net what you should do.<br /><br />Asking and answering questions is the only way here to get the info you need. <br /><br />Side note: if it is going to be permantely placed, you first need to know if your main panel is going to have the ampacity to add your trailer onto it. I have seen too many panels destroyed because of overloading. Thanks to stringent codes it has reduced fire hazards. That is why it is VERY important to get everything balanced for your load demand.<br /><br />Good Luck BC, looks like your going to need a lot of it........SS

 

[llfish]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Try this it might help show what everyone is saying. If you do not have a table saw, wood plainer or jointer barrow one. Take the time and use it before you move it to your barn. Once in your bar use it and compare its performance before you moved it. If the breaker does not trip you will see the wires or muter heating up.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

We got some #12Awg, XLPE Teck 90HL -400 FireX -11, 600volt wire. <br />I also have a book on Complete Wiring. <br />Do I have to check the codes and see how far I have to bury it in the ground, or will 2 feet below ground be okay? I already have an existing trench available to use, if 2 feet below ground is okay. <br />It does not say anything about buring wires in the ground.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

SS:<br /><br />The trailer will be permanently parked, for at least 1-2 years. <br />And there is no main disconnect breaker. This is the only breaker box that was in the trailer.

 

[heyttown]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Local codes dictate how deep the trench should be,they will also advise weather to install in conduit or not.........<br /><br /><br />MY opinion,if your running #12 wires,Install in a 2" conduit,that way when it catches on fire and burns up you can easily pull it out and install the correct wire......<br />

 

[heyttown]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

The longer I sit and think about this thread,the more it burns me up...........<br /><br />You said you were going to get an electrician to help you along the way,doesnt sound like you have done that,especially with talking about burying #12 to feed the panel when almost every reply has said that is incorrect and wont work(for long anyways).... I just dont understand some people. Im all for doing stuff myself,and have learned a few things along the way....Something I screw up,I say ohwell I should have paid somebody to do it the correct way,but when lives are involved thats not something you can take back...........I may not believe everything I read on a website especially with all the differnet opinions you may get, but when it is printed very loud and expressed much danger that could happen, and you go ahead and do it...<br /><br /><br />Some people dont think.<br /><br /><br />BC, it may be hard to understand what everyone says on here, but you are in over your head.<br /><br />I wouldnt be able to sleep in the trailer if I was in that situation.<br /><br /><br />Time for a drink

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Heytown, I agree, after 2 minuets after a fire starts in a trailer,,,,its gone....<br /><br />BC, 12 awg is just too small for that distance to run. (interior wiring the 12 would be okay) When wiring is underground, the voltage drop per foot increases more than above ground. There is burial wire intended for underground. Personally I would use #8 copper for a 30 amp circuit. That would cover the loss of the voltage drop. <br /><br />Spend the money, someones life is not worth skimping on. JMO......BTW, when there is an accident and things are not to code, that is when people get charged for neglagence.

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

"When wiring is underground, the voltage drop per foot increases more than above ground."<br /><br />Not sure how that would work the wire doesnt know if its burried or not, its the distance that affects v drop not if its in the ground of 20ft in the air.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

hey fellas,, lets ask CHRIS what's the 12 awg XLPE TECK 90 HL-400 FIREX-11 is for before we horse whip em' .. <br /><br />2 foot in pvc pipe is natl'elec code..i'd run inch &a half at min..

 

[brother chris]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

heytown...I have NOT called an electrician yet. I wanted to study this and try to understand it, first. I figured I could probably save some money by doing that, since I will be installing the new duplex receptacles myself. I will not pay an electrician to do that, when I can do it myself. It is pretty simple, as long as I have the right wire, and now I do have the right wire for the job.<br /><br />Next: yes, I was going to use the #12awg wire to run it from the house to the trailer, but not anymore. <br />I work at Home Depot on Wednesday, and will be talking to the electricians that work there about this situation. It does not cost me anything to ask them, whereas, it might cost me if I talk to an electrician, at a shop. <br />I am going to ask them about what SS said: "There is burial wire intended for underground. Personally I would use #8 copper for a 30 amp circuit. That would cover the loss of the voltage drop."<br /><br />And yes, I will end up getting an electrician to do the job, but I want to do as much as I can first, before he comes over and charges me for stuff I can do myself. <br />Eg: I can bury the wire in the ground. I can put the new duplex receptacles in myself, I can install the breaker box on the wall etc...<br /><br /><br />And like I said before, I do appreciate ALL the info you guys have given me. Thank you. <br /><br />If there is anymore you think I should know about this, please tell me. <br />TY,<br />B.C.

 

[heyttown]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Im sorry if I misunderstood your post,when you stated you had the #12 awg wire, then proceeded to talk about the trench...And according to your last post you stated you were going to use the #12 to go from the house to the trailer,when it was stated 3 days ago that #14,and #12 were way to small.......<br /><br />Trust me I have no problem with anybody doing anything themselves,I try and do the same thing as do most of us here(thats why this forum is busy and great with alot of useful info), but it appeared to me that even though the info given about your feeder wires(from the house to the trailer) were way to small, you were still going to use it....<br />Thats why I got miffed.<br />I apologize if I misunderstood that,but seeing first hand what the wrong installation of wires can do,I take it personal.<br /><br /><br />Now thats settled....<br /><br />While the underground cable rated for 30 amps may work for you, before we can figure out what size feeder wires you need,we need to figure out what your load on the trailer will be.(especially the hotwater tank) and any other electrical appliances.<br />You need to get a circuit schedule and figure out exactly how many breakers you will need....<br /><br />Not sure in BC, but local codes here allow 1500 watts on a 15 amp breaker, and 2000 watts on a 20 amp breaker...<br />(This is were you local code comes into play)<br /><br />So long story short is that 30 amp cable that was mentioned may also be to small,we dont know for sure.<br /><br /><br />Also 2ft may be whats called for in the nec(and is probably safe to be at) you local building /electrical codes have last say in whats required...BC may say 36", or on the flip side,may say 12" is far enough down...<br /><br />Trust me, the wiring of the circuits and wall outlets are the easiest to do,but I wouldnt want you to get the "cart in front of the horse" sort to say...Figuring out the size of the feeders are whats important.<br /><br /><br />Again I apologize if something I read was misunderstood,and we are all here to help.<br />Being safe is the most important.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

It's all good heyttown. <br />I am in the midst of drawing out the diagrams of where my receptacles are going to go, and as well, the voltage of all my appliances and lights etc...that will be used in the trailer. <br />Plus I am going find out the codes for the depth of the wire too. <br />I should be done it tomorrow.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Hay BC when you go to Home Depot pick up a book called "Electrial code simplified" about 15 bones,it will explain the wiring in detail,how to calculate,number of wires in boxes,number lights,receptacles in runs,split circuits[kitchen],underground wiring.You get the picture,best money you will ever spend "BUY IT"<br />Then you will know how to do it by "CODE" it's tougher in BC than in ONT.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Heytown...I'm glad you saw his "bury the #12" plan before I did. When I started reading that I just about exploded. After all the time several of us have spent preaching about how dangerous undersized wire can be and then he runs out and plans to bury #12....I thought your response was perfectly in line. Glad you two worked it out nicely in the end, though.<br /><br />From what it sounds to me, burying #8 wire will also be stretching the limits for that long run...likely enough to feed the water heater, but probably nothing more. I'm quite confident that #6 will be the smallest size that can safely run the described hookup, but then again as we've said many times here already, you can't size wire until you do a load calc on the entire trailer. And we don't have enough info in this post to do so.<br /><br />Brother Chris, it sounds as though you have a lot of tools at your disposal...use em! For example, if you intend to call an electrician anyway to do some of the work, why not call one now for a free estimate and consultation? Then someone knowledgable who as actually seen your setup can give you some verbal tips on size of wire, how deep it should be, what it should be buried in, etc. Then you can decide how much you can do yourself.<br /><br />Another alternative...get one of these knowledgable Home Depot co-workers to come to your house in exchange for a case of beer, and get some free advice from someone who understands circuit loads and wire size.<br /><br />Also, I'm glad you got that book of "Complete Wiring" (whatever that is). Now I think you might want to actually read it before you buy or do anything else.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Electrical breaker box and wiring question

Thanks dolluper, I will check the book out tomorrow when I get to work. It might be the same book I have now, but I can check. The book I got is called: "Stanley Complete Wiring", which includes step-by-step instructions, repairs and upgrades, and new circuits and fixtures. Here is a link to the book, just so you can see it, if it matters. <br /> http://www.bhg.com/bhg/store/product.jhtml?catid=cat130140&prodid=prod1530002 <br /><br />Craze1cars: I misunderstood some of the advice that was given to me, at first. But your idea about getting someone from work to come over, for a case of beer; that just might work. <br /><br />And I do know you guys are right about this, so I will get an electrician to come over and finish the job, when everything is in order.