12 volt Outlet

[Montana_1424]

I would like to add a 12v outlet in my kitchen area for use with an inverter while on the road. While I have a good knowledge of electrical wiring for the home, I am not so knowledgeable with the 12v system in my RV, with the conveter and all. I was basically wondering if I could splice off one of the 12v lights alreay wired in my kitchen, and hook up a new 12volt outlet. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

[mallardjusted]

It kind of depends on how many watts your inverter uses. If you are only going to use 20 - 70 watts that may not be a problem, although you may not want to use that particular light while using the inverter. The best solution would be to run a separate wire, especially if you may use a higher watt inverter?

[Montana_1424]

OK, I think my inverter is like 300 watts.
We just use it to turn a radio on or a TV while we are pulled over for a night to take a break from driving.

Is there room in the box of the RV, 12v side, to add something like that?

[H. John Kohl]

Kozzy45,
I like the idea of a separate wire for the "maximum plus a fudge factor" current you might draw. You might check your 12v fuse panel and see if there is a spare fuse not being used. When you run the wire ensure it is the proper size to handle the current draw. That "the proper wire size" is my concern of just tapping onto an existing circuit unless you know all the units that is powered off the fuse and the wiring. Even at 12 volts it can get hot with too much current draw and then heat can cause the rest of the problems. Melting insulation, shorts and arching and then a fire. Be careful and safe.
Good luck.

[CRUZIN 2]

kozzy45


I agree with John on running a separate wire to the fuse panel, that was good advice John gave you. Good luck. Larry & LaVonne

[Montana_1424]

Thanks for the advice. One more question, when running a wire to the fuse panel, is it just as simple as hooking up positive and negative at the outloet, then positive and negative at the panel?

[H. John Kohl]

Ed,
Your question if a good one and the short answer is yes positive to positive and negative to negative. From you question I get the impression that you have not done much wiring and do want to caution you that in order to get to the access point for the fuse panel you will have to pull out the "WHOLE" inverter (fues and circuit breaker) system. My caution is that your are opening up access to the 12v and 110V connections (bare wire connection points). Please follow the safety rules and disconnect the battery and MOST IMPORTANT pull the 110 Shore power connection so there is no power to the trailer.
I feel my BEST suggestion is to find a friend that is familiar with both and mostly the 110 wiring an enlist their assistance.
My cautions are from "EXPERIENCE" when I was learning electronics for my Ham Radio license I have drawn an ARCH a few time by touching the wrong thing in the "right" actually the wrong time or place.
These cautions are base on my original statement, 12V and 110 V areas when done incorrectly can cause a fire. The only one worse is Propane leaks.
Be safe, I suggest getting assistance and have fun.

[RADHAZJOE]

Please note that the wire needed to run an invertor to supply 110 volts at 1 amp must be able to handle at least 10 amps at 12 volts. For your 300 watt inverter, thats roughly 3 amps at 110 volts, so 30 amps at 12 volts. 12 guage wire should do it.

[Montana_1424]

Outstanding, thanks for all the advice. I actually am pretty familiar with 110 wiring, have done a lot in the house, and am comfortable around it, just dont want to screw up the 12v/100v converter and all that. If it is as simple as adding a new wire to the back of the 12v converter and running the wire, i can handle that. Will defintly do this at home, when the RV is not hooked up to power, and will disconnect the battery. Thanks again for al lthe input, I am pretty sure I can tackle this project now.

[Montana_1424]

On another note, anyone hav any good ideas on running the wire through the unit?
I have a 3650 RK, the converter is up toward the front, by my door, and i would like to put this outlet in the rear, kitchen area.

[Montana_883]

I added a 12 volt outlet from radio shack by the telephone and computer area to charge the phone. I connected to the 12 volt wire that ran down the back to the tow outlets (this was a factory option) I found the lead that always had power. Access to these wires in the 3295 RK was right behind the computer connection. We have found many other uses for that outlet, but I limit it to small stuff. (I keep my cordless screwdriver plugged in, a 12v charger model).