120V Outlets, Switches, and GFCI Outlets (For a DIY Camper Van Electrical System)

[@davidrosen4951]

A small point: I could be wrong but I think those flaps on the back of the plastic boxes you're using for 120V are not designed to be removed. My understanding is that they are supposed be pried open to feed in the cable but then remain in place to exert some pressure on the cable to keep it in place.

[@chachi5975]

Yes I think they act as a strain relief!

[@Darren-C]

There are flaps meant to restrain the sheathing on certain boxes. The ones he’s using in particular which I’m not sure are the best for a mobile application are called knock outs. Tabs on all 4 sides for the entire portion to be knocked out for wire feed

[@NotTooShabbyVans]

Who else would love to buy this man a beer? 🍺

[@awarpface3644]

Just a small tip. You mentioned that a third unused slot in the connectors give you a point to measure voltage. IF those are wago-connectors they have a probe point on the front for easy measuring even when all slots are used. :)

[@bethanymay7186]

Your video couldn't have come at a better time for me, lol!! Today I was trying to install some outlets using the same marine wiring you are using and had no idea how to properly connect the stranded wires. Thank you so much for sharing this information!! I really appreciate it!! 😁 I can't wait to watch more of your videos. I may even consider being brave enough to use switches! You make it all make sense and I appreciate that.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey, Bethany May! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

[@wanderingzythophile9083]

Just want to say, I appreciate your videos Nate. This one helped me muddle through getting my Multiplus wired up, that to my breaker panel, and an outlet set up for testing.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

[@libertybell144]

Your content just gets better and better - thanks, Nate!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad you think so!

[@minutemark]

"That's the 'short' of it." 😂 Seriously, I had no idea that these lever nuts could be used for AC applications. That's pretty neat!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! They are rated to 450V.

[@JamesDaniels-s1p]

What breaker box is used in this video?

[@organogold8]

Wow this has to be the best video on installation. Thank you so much 😊

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

[@chartmann43]

Definitely 💯!! It is a miracle that I found this video today!

[@scottversaw3344]

Thanks, Nate! Your explanations are great: simple and understanable. I hope to see you guys at a future van rally.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@BTNomad]

Is there any reason why one couldn't put fork connectors right on the wires and bypass the Wago connectors altogether in the box? (Assuming another outlet isn't going to be on that same circuit.)

[@katiedamelio6742]

I have the same question... 😩

[@brosandco]

I’m wondering the same. I don’t have any that will go to another outlet.

[@briand3837]

Instead of the lever nuts, why not place the end terminals on the end of the wires and connect straight to the terminals on the outlets. One less potential point of failure?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That's another way to do it, but the way I showed is a bit easier to actually do the wiring in tight quarters and in the event of a faulty outlet, the way I showed will still allow power to continue to outlets on down the circuit since the junction is pre-outlet.

[@anaggs]

Great instruction as always Nate! Any thoughts on AFCI? Also, any thoughts about GFCI (with or without AFCI) on the breaker rather than the outlet?

[@chasehelmick6025]

Some of the nicer outlets (like the Legrand GFCI outlets) have back-wire pressure plates that are compatible with stranded wire. Just insert the wire under the plate, tighten the screw, and the wire is securely clamped. IMO, much easier than using fork connectors. In my build I only used one fork connector and that was for the ground of a switch that didn't have the pressure plate.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

For sure! Those are great. I wanted to show both ways, though, since it's a commonly asked question with the standard screw terminals on the economy outlets.

[@YT-MY]

Agree, keep it simple, light and compact in mobile applications. One instead of three connects is much safer and reliable. Every connection or crimp is potential for resistance, heat and fire.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@@YT-MY For low amperage circuits like outlets, with proper strain relief; the method shown in the video is plenty safe and reliable. Obviously feel free to do whatever you like in your own build but the way I showed is perfectly 'safe and reliable'. For bigger amperage loads like 12V DC loads for inverters and charge controllers, it's much more important to decrease the number of unnecessary connections.

[@gcrtube2010]

I would like to know where I can buy a AC Breaker box, like the one seen in the video. This video tutorial is very useful. Thank you!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching. Here is the breaker box: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/distribution-panels/120v-ac-distribution-panel/

[@gcrtube2010]

@@EXPLORISTlife Very Thanks!

[@PTG847]

Nate your videos are top notch! Thank you. Question. It looks like you are running your 120v wire runs without conduit. I looked through the comments but can't find your thinking rational for this. Thanks (I thought ABYC requires 120v be in conduit)

[@dvddo]

Thanks for your great contents. I have not been able to find info a solution to an issue. I have mix match of solar panel types. Would like to join them but there is a drop in efficiency when connecting different type of panels. I Could buy multiple MPPT charge controller but that gets expensive. Wonder if i can have a large Capacitor bank that rated above any open-circuit voltage of my panel string then put a cheap PWA charger on the panel string before joining then to the Capacitor. The Capacitor will then be connected as an input to a hybrid MPPT charger and Inverter. MPPT will have a battery connected to it also. My goal is to cut down on the number of MPPT charger i have to buy. I have learned a great deal from your channel and hope to learn more.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I recommend either: 1: Using matched solar panels for optimum array efficiency, or 2: use a charge controller for each size of solar panels. Anything else, I can't vouch for but if you are up for 'electrical arts and crafts' that's up to you.

[@dvddo]

@@EXPLORISTlife "PWA charger on the panel string" checked. Nice thing about "hybrid MPPT charger" is that you can hook up to grid power and it will charge battery while no solar output. Also you could bypass the inverter and pass through. Can't do that with your ordinary MPPT.

[@garytrenkelbach1716]

I like the idea, but want to know if the set-up is the same with a light switch before the plug

[@davidmmcmillan]

Great video! I’m planning on running one circuit with three outlets from my inverter. My Samlex 2000w pure sine inverter has a hard wire connection. Is it necessary to have a separate AC breaker box for only one circuit? My inverter already has a breaker correct (?), so wouldn’t an extra breaker box be redundant for only one circuit?

[@jrbloggins]

I have the same question. Only need one 120V outlet, not sure if I need breakers or if I could just wire direct from the inverter

[@LoveTribeOverland]

On that GFCI outlet where you cannot use spade connectors, what is the benefit of using lever nuts? Seems like a lot of unnecessary hardware in a cramped electrical box. Same in a standard outlet, seems like you could just attach the spade connector directly to the strand wire and save a lot of space the lever nuts take up?

[@Espenrip]

Thanks for this video. This helps me a great deal in fully understanding this electrical skills.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@emwagner]

When I build my home on wheels, I'll be using combo GFCI/AFCI outlets. When I bought the RV I currently live in, that's the first thing I did.

[@bikeninja956]

do you recommend running wires in behind some of the metal structures of the van, through access holes etc. or just weaving them and securing them between the furring strips and metal walls/studs?

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Good content and thank you! So you have a 120V breaker but you used 115 outlets. Other than cost, any reason why you did not use 120V outlets?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

115V and 120V outlets/breakers are the same thing. There's no difference. The US power grid used to operate at 110V, and then they bumped it to 115V and it's now about 120V; but the outlets breakers didn't need to change or anything.

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

@@EXPLORISTlife Oops, I meant to say 20 Amp circuit/breaker and 20 amp wall plug. My understanding is you must have at least two 15 amp plugs if you are going to hook them up to a 20 amp breaker. Quite sure that have code on this.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Correct! You need to have multiple 15A outlets on a circuit (with properly sized wire, as shown in this video) to be protected by a 20A circuit. A duplex outlet like shown in this video satisfies that requirement. That is covered under nec 210.21(b)(3)

[@MangoVans]

Interesting and informative as usual, always something for folks of all skill levels to learn from your videos, and that loft space in the shop looks sweet!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching! The loft space is indeed pretty sweet. That's our offices and 'creative planning space' up there. Here's a shop tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5KtoKWmn5ijaNU

[@chrisgold6215]

I have a Victron Phoenix 12/1200 inverter and I am wondering if I can wire an outlet receptacle using marine triplex wire connected to a plug, that will plug into the built-in GFCI outlet on the Phoenix. If so, would I need to go through a breaker after the inverter and before the outlet? I am having trouble finding this information and figured you would be the man to ask! Thanks!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You can go direct from outlet to outlet with that unit.

[@chrisgold6215]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks for the response. Is it because the GFCI outlet would trip in the event of too much current, protecting the triplex wire?

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

I see many folks using solid wire when wiring 120v systems in campers and see you are running stranded. Is one better than the other or just personal preference/availability? Thanks and keep the amazing content coming! 🙂

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Solid wire is subject to 'work hardening' as the vibrations of driving and the engine running takes its toll on the wire. This can cause a weak spot that is subject to breaking. This is so much of an issue that the ABYC (american boat and yacht council) specifically forbids solid core wire in marine electrical systems. Many people in campers use solid core wire because of a lack-of-education in the topic or to cut costs with no regard for safety and/or workmanship.

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

@@EXPLORISTlife and this is why I follow you!! Really appreciate you!! Also, wish you would do a cargo trailer toy hauler conversion (selfishly)! 🙂

[@emwagner]

Could you safely use ferrules on the stranded wires going into the load center/breaker box?

[@Kayte...]

another excellent vid and thanks for answering the questions.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@nharri100]

Do you have a link to the breaker box and wire used?

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Thanks for the good content. Do the wire nuts meet the marine wiring standards? Are they all rated for the higher 120 voltage?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yes and yes. You can check the voltage ratings here: amzn.to/3QjP9z8

[@CraigMullins1]

@@EXPLORISTlife I would never trust the ratings on amazon, always check the manufacturer site...

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@@CraigMullins1 It's listed on the manufacturers site as well as stamped on the side of the lever nut itself. If you can't quit discrediting and contradicting me, I'm going to block you from commenting. Knock it off.

[@thelwood]

Thank you so much! I am just starting this step. I bought your diagrams, they are great! Do you use the fork connectors for things like the ground on an air conditioner too?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If it's a screw terminal similar to what is on these outlets, yes.

[@thelwood]

@@EXPLORISTlife thank you so much!

[@abuckeye26]

Can you use three individual wires or do you think you need the 3in1 wire

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I recommend what I showed in the video.

[@mitchellkauffman6799]

Thanks for the video! So is the main purpose for the lever nut to enable you to add another outlet to the circuit? If you just had one outlet in the circuit you could just use fork connections right?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Sure!

[@cycleoflife7331]

Should one use abrasion tubing or mesh where the wires contact framing

[@EXPLORISTlife]

yes.

[@cycleoflife7331]

@@EXPLORISTlife thanks!

[@1life2pono]

Great video! Thank you, it's a huge help!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vandweleer8004]

Good video ! you explained it very well. and I learned. thank you

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@TyTalks2020]

What was the gauge for the extension cord used to power up the breaker box and can that be used in an 'official build' or would that be a fire hazard?

[@jake-mv5oi]

A quality stranded wire cord going from the box to a shore power inlet is preferred.

[@rjthomasindyusa]

Are the neutrals and ground bus bars in the panel bonded?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No. The neutral and ground is bonded via the neutral-ground relay in the multiplus inverter charger which decides to bond the two either in the multiplus OR in the shore power pedestal when connected to shore power.

[@Sea2van_Adventures]

Where did you buy that plastic blue outlet box? Do you have a link?

[@queeningod]

Where do u get the battery shutoff for the 120v circuit

[@kevinwilkinson5538]

Would a system like this work in a shed that is powered by a goal zero? Can you add more than two outlets?

[@themoabpearl5711]

I’ve watched this several times, so helpful! Are you going to add a dedicated outlet and switch for water heater, also? Did you cover the outlet install in the wall panels in a future video with the rotozip? Looking forward to that one, too🪚🤞🏻

[@joel23hoc]

I've been using this video to wire the outlets in my skoolie conversion. Thanks! But 1 question...when just 1 outlet or the outlet on the end of a circuit, could you just use a butt splice and fork connector instead of the lever nuts? I know it's not a big deal, but I'm considering using some shallow boxes where I can and eliminating the lever nuts would be helpful

[@EXPLORISTlife]

In that case.. just use the fork connector and omit the butt splice as well.

[@joel23hoc]

@@EXPLORISTlife oh yeah, duh. Good point! Thanks!

[@rusti7447]

Other than cost any reason not to use all gfci outlets?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

It's best to only use GFCI outlets as the first outlet in the circuit, but it's a fine idea to use GFCI outlets as the first outlet on ALL circuits.

[@coreyscysen1705]

Cost. And over redundancy.

[@jessicadoench4305]

So if I have two outlets with the first by the bed and the second by the sink, I should put the gfci in the bedroom?

[@EverydayIsSaturday2]

I'm using this same breaker box. I noticed you are using a 50 amp breaker for your power source. How do I determine whether to use a 30 amp VS 50 amp breaker for my power source?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Sure! I use 50A breakers with 6ga wire to take advantage of the Power Assist function of the Victron Multiplus. Do a search for 'EXPLORIST.life Power Assist' to see how that works.

[@superstrings4768]

Great video as always and useful tips regardless where in the world you are. I am always amazed at how 'plastic and mickey mouse' US consumer units and outlets are (AC breaker box), here in the UK they are very solid and normally metal cased now under current regs. I guess it is the difference between 120V in the US and the 230v in the UK ? that would also explain, of course, why your cables look enormous in comparison.

[@jake-mv5oi]

Residential boxes in the US are metal. The ones made for RVs are typically plastic.

[@wademchenry1560]

I personally wouldn't use an impact driver on device terminals (standard/square tip screwdriver.) Its easy to strip the threads. Will an ungrounded GFCI protect downstream recepticles? Will a "floating neutral " generator affect GFCI operation? Did you mean "single pole" when you said "two way"switch ? Thanks.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Use a screwdriver then. 🤣👍 Just because I have some finesse with an impact driver doesn't mean it's the right tool for if you can't gently operate a power tool. The GFCI should be grounded as shown in this video. It shouldn't. I don't believe I misspoke, but I'm not sure what context I said that in without going back and finding where I said that in the video.

[@do.it.better]

Nate I must have missed where you discuss your reasons for using triplex wire instead of romex like we have in homes. Also since you appear to recommend triplex, is there a favorite brand we should purchase?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Solid core wire like romex will work-harden and break over the time of the camper vibrating down the road. This is a big enough issue that ABYC has specifically forbidden use of romex in boats. I've got wire purchasing sources on my wire sizing calculator page: www.explorist.life/wire-sizing-calculator/

[@hayleybaca376]

Hey, Nate! What wire are you attaching to the fork connectors? Is it the stranded wire? I was a little confused on what to use for the connectors once you said the stranded wire couldn’t be connected to the outlet. Thank you for these videos!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep, stranded wire. Same wire as was run from the breaker box to the outlet, just a smaller 4" piece of it.

[@garybiffle9637]

@@EXPLORISTlife Why not just put the fork connectors straight onto the wire? Seems like an unneeded connector.

[@chachi5975]

​@@garybiffle9637what about using a ferrule on the stranded wire?

[@chachi5975]

​@@EXPLORISTlifewould a ferrule be appropriate to use for the stranded wire to an outlet?

[@vandweleer8004]

I have a question, is daisy chaining the electrical wiring ok ? I mean how safe is it ? or should one run 12ga wire from the panel ? thank you

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If you're talking about how we showed, it's totally safe. That's how ever house ever made is wired.

[@carliiiis]

@@EXPLORISTlife a follow up to this question, is there a max number of outlets recommended per circuit? Trying to minimize the number of wires that go into the 120v distribution panel but I see at the end of the video you opted for multiple circuits (vs for example just having one for passenger side and one for driver side).

[@Sea2van_Adventures]

Where do you buy those plastic electrical boxes? Do you have a link? Thanks

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Any local hardware or home imporovement store will have all kinds of those boxes.

[@Sea2van_Adventures]

@@EXPLORISTlife I want that specific box. Home Depot doesn’t have this specific box you show in the video

[@serenityclark4583]

I feel like wire color coding should be basic stuff, but I'm stumped. I always recheck things before getting started with a new project. As you know, wires and what we're attaching them to don't always use the same colors for the same types of wires. I purchased a 12/3 stranded wire to run my 20A outlets, intending to ground them all. The wire colors are red, black and yellow. I am trying to confirm what each color is meant to be. I originally thought that the yellow was ground and the black was neutral, but the internet is telling me that yellow is not ground. Do you know? Thanks in advance for your help!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We have 12/3 with Black, White, and Green like shown in this video available in our shop: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/12-3-awg-triplex-marine-wire-100-spool/ 😁👍✅

[@bobbyemmons2754]

very helpful thanks for sharing, I appreciate your videos

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Bobby Emmons, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@MichaelWish-n5e]

Is your inverter grounded. To many people saying inverter doesn't need to be grounded.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Our systems are grounded depending on if they are or are not connected to shore power through the Victron multiplus ground to neutral bond relay. If you have purchased/are purchasing from our store (shop.explorist.life) and want us to take a more in-depth look at your personal setup.reach out for some more personalized help: shop.explorist.life/support If you've purchased/are purchasing elsewhere, reach out to your dealer for support. We'd love to have you as a shop.explorist.life customer so we can provide a bit more help in the future. 🙂

[@bradgilley]

Thanks for another great video, guys! Is there any harm with having an additional GFCI outlet downstream of the first GFCI outlet on a circuit? I didn’t know that the first outlet protects others downstream so I installed multiple GFCI outlets on a circuit in my build. Thanks again!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I'm not sure how, exactly, that would function. I don't 'think' there is any issue with that; but I can't find any documentation supporting that as it's an atypical install.

[@bradgilley]

@@EXPLORISTlife Gotcha. I might just swap out the outlet to play it safe. Thanks, Nate.

[@coreyscysen1705]

Just overkill is all. Going to add some time and frustration when you need to reset one.

[@brucecooley4170]

The GFCI can be wired to protect just that outlet or protect all downstream outlets. If its the latter, it is a waste of money, and no reason to do the former.

[@danielfunk1979]

Great video Nate and team. I'm getting a little ahead but can you expand on how you get your receptacles flush with the finished wall? You mentioned you use a rotozip so I'm thinking this must be your method. Please let me know if this is wrong or right. 1) install outlet box flush with furring strip 2) install finished wall material overtop of the outlet box hiding it 3) use rotozip to cut the hole out revealing the outlet box again. 4) ??? Wouldn't this make your receptacle recessed too much? I'm going to use 7/16 thick siding so how would I manage to bump out the receptacle 7/16 from the outlet so it's nice and flush with the final wall? Thanks a lot for your help

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Stay tuned! I'd rather just show you when we get to that point in the build as opposed to try to explain it here. 🙂👍

[@danielfunk1979]

@@EXPLORISTlife looking forward to it.

[@konakcc]

Where do you "ground" the ground bus bar on the breaker panel?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

In all of the systems at www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams, the 120V ground busbar is grounded natively through the neutral to ground relay inside of the multiplus. In this case, no additional 120V ground is needed/allowed.

[@konakcc]

@@EXPLORISTlife But when Boondocking, there is no ground wire since there is no shore power connection, so how do you ground then? Do you connect to the van's chassis ground. I researched this and nobody seems to talk about it.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

When connected to shore, the multiplus neutral to ground relay opens and the ground passes through to shore. When disconnected from shore; the relay closes and bonds G to chassis. This happens automatically inside of the multiplus.

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

What size fork connector do you use?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That'll just be the wire size used + the screw size.

[@lonmar44]

Thank you for all your information bro nice job

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

[@deanharris2240]

What size are the terminal bolts on the side? #10 or #8?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Probably best to check with whatever specific outlets you are using.

[@Texasishot105]

Can you just connect the outlets straight to a 3000w inverter? What happens if you do it that way.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The Victron Multiplus does not have overcurrent protection built in for the AC Out, so there would be a good chance of overloading the circuit (melting, fire, etc.)

[@alejandroortiz6070]

Is it ok if I use 10/3 wire instead of 12/3? I know it's probably unnecessary but I got enough of that wire for my set up and I was wondering if it would be ok

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Electrically, that's fine. Just make sure it fits into all of the terminals you are using it for.

[@alejandroortiz6070]

Thank you for the reply!

[@waynec2962]

why stranded wire? why not solid copper wire like in homes?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Solid copper will work harden and break over time due to the vibrations of rumbling down the road. Stranded wire does not have this hazard.

[@waynec2962]

@@EXPLORISTlife oh ok that's what I figured, but in my class A motorhome they used solid.. I discovered that when I had to replace an outlet! thanks for the tips

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah, RV manufacturers are always looking for ways to cut costs and using solid core wire is one of them. For example, on a boat, ABYC standards specifically forbid solid core wire for this risk, but RV manufacturers are only really concerned about life safety issues and not property conservation issues as in the event of a fire, you can just get out and not be in the middle of the ocean.

[@waynec2962]

@@EXPLORISTlife well I do see a lot of motorhomes on the side of the highway in flames lol running rooftop AC's while drive is beyond me but if they are using solid wire on that application I can see the potential of fire

[@CraigMullins1]

RV still have yet to have many standards. It's a shame. Sorta still the wild wild west.

[@rios3441]

Could you tell me why my victron inverter is outputting only 60 volts? 60 from hot to neutral and 60 from hot to ground. Breaker box reads the same and outlets will not work

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That would require further troubleshooting. Reach out to your Victron dealer for support. If we are your Victron dealer, submit a support ticket at shop.explorist.life/support

[@EXPLORISTlife]

*Check out the full electrical installation tutorial for this build:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2bUaJJqe61ngrM Want to see more info on mounting the box & see the outlet actually installed in the wall? We covered that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZeVc52HrbJ-eqs

[@akudamatada1]

why use a power drill for the panel screws??

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Feel free to use a screwdriver if you aren't comfortable with power tools.

[@todddonovan8045]

I thought black was negative and white or red were positive?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Black is Negative and Red is Positive on DC circuits. On AC circuits, Black is Hot, White is Neutral, and Green (or bare copper) is ground. Definitely confusing, I know.

[@chadmodomo1030]

Great video 🤙🏾

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks Chad!!

[@SandyRVUpgrades]

On the power distribution center (PDC), if you cut a section out (2 screw positions) of the center of the neutral bar then you can use it a true (up to 50a) dual bus breaker box. Using a dual bus PDC makes wiring the inverter into the PDC much easier since you can separate the shore power supplied bus neutrals (earth ground) from the inverter (chassis ground) supplied bus neutrals. This approach works very well if you have shore power and a generator connected to an automatic transfer switch feeding your PDC main breaker.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! Definitely a good option if your particular/specific plan calls for it.

[@SandyRVUpgrades]

I looked at your website tutorial of wiring a Power Distribution Center (PDC) and I see you have other wiring alternatives that co-mingle the neutral from several sources be it shore power, generator power, and/or single or multiple inverters. However the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that separately derived AC sources (such as inverters and generators) have their neutral conductors tied to ground in the same way that the neutral conductor from the utility is tied to ground, each in only one place. Given this requirement to keep shore power (true earth), and inverter and generator (chassis frame) neutrals separated, because each power source has a different ground type (true Earth vs Metal Chassis Frame) and therefore is considered a different neutral bonding source. Since the Multiplus has an automatic transfer switch that actually lifts leads to maintain the same source neutral origins the NEC requirement is met when wiring shore power into the Multiplus AC In. However using a dual bussed single neutral Power Distribution Center doesn't meet the NEC requirement for AC power sources with differently derived neutrals are wired to the same neutral bar. That is why Progressive Dynamics makes the PD55K003, with true dual busses and corresponding dual neutral bars. I'm concerned your website's PDC wiring alternatives for the WFCO8930/50 and PD5500 series panel with single neutral bars don't meet NEC requirements in all cases.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I don't have any diagrams/resources that have the shore power connected directly to the negatuve or neutral bus in the PDC. They always go through the multiplus. Shore power -> Multiplus -> PDC; which keeps this setup NEC compliant. Or if there is a generator, it goes: Shore/Genny->Transfer Switch -> Multiplus -> PDC. At no time in any of my diagrams, do I have the shore/genny neutral/ground going directly to the PDC. See the diagram at www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams to see how I recommend wiring the PDC into an actual system. I also have examples of various setups here: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/distribution-panels/120v-ac-distribution-panel/

[@SandyRVUpgrades]

Thank you for the links, I went back and looked at your diagrams in the second link and am able to recognize that your labels show that your are passing through shore power through the inverter to the PDC.

[@zupp.social]

actually if not this channel I won't be making my full Victron/BB system, sometimes the bad thing in doing things is when nobody is giving you the support when your lost especially in electrical.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

[@chartmann43]

Oh Gawd! I’m in so much trouble! Lol!

[@Bodycamarrest101]

Great video ... New sub here

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks for the sub! Cheers!

[@ron-almog]

How about saving some work and hassle and just use solid wires, like at home? I mean, the van is moving, but the wires are not really going to be bent back and forth. That would make the work of connecting the outlets much easier. no fork connectors, no lever nuts... how bad is that?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Solid core wires will indeed break over time. This is so much of an issue that ABYC specifically forbids solid core wire.

[@mikeritchey5749]

Nate, why would you not use solid wire vs. stranded in the first place? seems like less work. Never heard that (why) explained, I believe. Also why ferrules into fuse box vs. just the wire? I wish you would spend just a smidge more time behind the "why" you do what you do. Explain why you are choosing a method or why you think it may be best practices. Also on wiring to household 120 outlets remember " black to brass or it is your a$$". That one always stuck with me. Don't mean to sound critical, but kind of goes back to the give me a fish, or teach me to fish thing.

[@awarpface3644]

Solid wire "work hardens" when exposed to movement/vibrations which over time will make the wires break. Not ideal in a mobile environment like a car or boat, if you take a look at the stock wiring in cars its all stranded wire. A downside to using stranded wire is that the individual strands are easily squeezed out from under the screw head which makes for a poor connection. This is why ferrules or a some other kind of crimped connector is a good idea.

[@mikeritchey5749]

@@awarpface3644 Thanks for the info. Makes sense and much appreciated.

[@lakorai2]

All correct except you CANNOT use romex in exposed work. You need to use MC cable and metal boxes that are grounded/bonded.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I never showed romex, nor showed it installed exposed... 🤣😂

[@Electronzap]

Goo d info

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks! 🙂🙌

[@599miata]

👍👍👍

[@angelofthelight6650]

I'm trying to find a video you've made and perhaps you haven't made yet how to install the utilities IE freshwater Gray water and black water so I can fill up and remove, to ensure that someone sees this message I am going to place it in the comment section in all of your videos until someone responds to me, as i can't seem to find a video teaching or explaining how you're supposed to do this.

[@Milo19970]

I'm sure they are safe but as a European from the Netherlands with deeper and bigger outlets, these ones look so dodgy to me😂

[@dakota4695]

Jimmy Neutron is that you?

[@MsRotorwings]

Great information. Love your videos. However, your links to wiring diagrams with all those obnoxious ads are the worst I’ve ever encountered. I get it, you want to make money. But don’t be that guy that sells yourself out. We want to learn. And we can’t learn the information with all the distraction from the ads.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You could always pay for youtube premium, which gets rid of all of of the ads across all of youtube, but still pays us creators that are taking our time and money to make these videos: kzbin.info

[@ronethridge9875]

that will work but i think you are wrong /the plug recepticle you put up side down-the neutral go up-negative on the right an positive on left/an also why not just use solid core wire instead of all those connections/then before put it together wrap good quality electrical tape aroound the screws to seal air an humidity from getting in there for long term use/an the GFCI the positive should go up-you had that not correct/that the way i remember it/thanks much

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey there... Follow the instructions for whatever outlet you are installing, but these (and every outlet I've ever installed) have the hot on the side opposite the neutral and ground as I showed in this video. Solid core wire isn't permitted per ABYC, which is what I follow on this channel. Please don't spread misinformation. If you don't know what you're talking about; just don't comment just because of 'the way you remember it'.

[@PatrickDickey52761]

@@EXPLORISTlife Just out of curiosity, how does the ABYC compare to the NEC? And would you have to follow Article 551 (or other Articles) in the NEC, since the camper van could be considered a recreational vehicle, per their standards?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@@PatrickDickey52761 ABYC is more strict than the NEC in most cases considering that if a boat catches on fire, you can't just make an exit from the structure and be safe.

[@paulcurtis5496]

ferrules... and never mind... - hahahahahahahaha

[@regctx9138]

Is there any issue with using ring terminals vs spade?

[@EverydayIsSaturday2]

Do I need to have a breaker box if I only plan to run two - 120 volt circuits? Is there a way to have two circuits without using a box?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If you are using a Victron Multiplus 2k or larger like we have in our diagrams, you do indeed need a breaker box regardless of how many circuits you are running.