How to Build a Food Truck: Electrical for Outlets and Lights

[@themarathon6217]

So glad I found your channel.

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that. 👍

[@Rbj4525]

Excellent in-depth diy very cool I subscribed.

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate the views 😁😁

[@orenthiabrown1318]

Do you have a list of everything you used to complete your electrical series

[@fbaltierrez]

Not every small detail, but the basic materials yes. But if you follow the videos you can pretty much get the materials needed for free

[@prosupt5820]

Is there code for panel a certain distance from sinks or area in front of panel open?? Been building a trailer.... have watched about every one of your videos. Well done sir!!!

[@fbaltierrez]

None that I am aware of. What my HD said was use common sense. That was their exact message lol somewhat

[@douglaszylberkan8182]

A few questions, I want to build a bakery truck. Who inspects the electrical and plumbing? Can you share the building of your truck? Thanks Doug

[@fbaltierrez]

Good afternoon, the build is all in the videos. As I was building I was uploading. Depends on your country and city requirements, with us they don't inspect that only the health and fire department

[@douglaszylberkan8182]

I live in Florida

[@douglaszylberkan8182]

Are the videos numbered?

[@fbaltierrez]

@douglaszylberkan8182 they are not, as I filmed I uploaded them

[@arthurperea274]

Hi bro I like your video,but do u think those wires is ok to be put outer walling ?

[@fbaltierrez]

Definitely, why wouldn't they be? Houses are built with Romex as well. 👍

[@abelalemaniii1696]

I'm learning alot thanks to you Sir! How thick do you suggest the plywood to be?

[@EivinSukoi]

Good vids , I learned a lot , any chance you go green using solar panels , solar generators just to run the basic lights , small fridges , cash register , and use a gravity water tank to feed your sinks ??.

[@fbaltierrez]

I would but haven't seen solar generators yet. If it made sense then absolutely I'm in!!

[@Cwenjae]

That’s a great idea🧐 I wonder how it would do

[@OscarGarcia-sy9bu]

Good morning Frank. Thank you for taking your time in posting your progress On DYI project . I have learned a wealth of knowledge through your post. If you don’t mind. Would you please let us know plywood thickness used on walls. Also can you give Info Incase Amperage used is greater than 30 but less than 50. Ex. Generator, Service panel size, romex size, breakers amp size. And Tamper outlet amp size. Assuming that all my equipment will be running simultaneously as needed should I stay under 30 amp or if running continuous should I go greater than 30 but less than 50 amp. Thank you! your help is greatly appreciated.

[@OscarGarcia-sy9bu]

So, far I have 30-35 amp total. Not including AC. I do live in very hot and dry city and would like to add rooftop Rv AC.

[@fbaltierrez]

Wall thickness was the standard that came with the trailer I believe it was 3/8 plywood but if I had to install I would use 1/2. 100 amp panel is sufficient, romex if you want to be safe use 12 gauge wire and 20 amp outlets

[@OscarGarcia-sy9bu]

Thank you Frank. Greatly appreciated. I have learned a lot from all followers reaching up to you with question.

[@OscarGarcia-sy9bu]

Once again Frank. Bothering you with one more question. I did get to catch on your other post about using higher wattage generator are too loud. Well, after adding all amperage, I will have a total 50- 55 amps. The Westinghouse Generator you are using is about the best for the money. Do you recommend I buy two igen4500 Westinghouse Generators and connect Each to Two different Load centers. Or is there better options.

[@fbaltierrez]

@@OscarGarcia-sy9bu you can connect 2 of those generators in tandem and get a total of about 60 amps if I am correct. Have never had to use that much power but that is the concept. Let me know if that works for you

[@amentanorman855]

I’m working a small grill 2 small deep fryers a warmer and a refrigerator I got 20’s in the circuit breaker I can’t run everything at the same time my generator keeps blowing can you tell me if I use a 50 amp will it prob be enough

[@fbaltierrez]

Is the cooking equipment electric?

[@Brabyscastlewash]

Awesome thanks for the update

[@pamsunstrom2554]

Hmmmm, wonder why you all don't insulate your trailers. Your videos are very informative, great job....except for the insulation part, LOL!

[@fbaltierrez]

That a personal preference, I do insulate the ceilings, the walls I don't see a reason to personally, but as mentioned it is all a personal preference there.

[@dorothybecker4932]

Hi there this has been great learning, Question for you know the solar power with the electrical as well for 220v what the panel box would need in Amp?? Not sure if this make sense I am putting an ice cream small trailer together

[@FamilyChannelfun32]

Ya lost me after you ran all the wires and then showed it all done. Does each outlet run back** seperate to the panel or does the one wire connect to all of then and then back to panel?

[@fbaltierrez]

In the next week or so I'll have an updated electrical video I'm working on now for this new Food Truck build 👍

[@FamilyChannelfun32]

@@fbaltierrez heck ya dude. Awesome. Thank you ! I know it seems so simple when you've done it so many times. But give me some slack. I'm a plumber 😆

[@danielmeeksr9833]

Frank how did you run the 8-3 thru the the wall to the breaker box. Did you drill through the floor then run up.

[@fbaltierrez]

Yes drill as close to the wall as I could but yes drilled through the floor and used a wire mold box to cover it after

[@grimminalmyndzrecords2065]

I have a really good question Frank..I got a pop up camper that I converted into a food truck..as you know camper already has electrical ran...just plug into a power source..so my question is do I still need a switch box and a generator ?

[@grimminalmyndzrecords2065]

I forgot to add I'm running all electric, I don't wanna use propane on anything on the truck, and removed the entire propane line, so No gas....all electric everything 👍🏾

[@fbaltierrez]

I would say possibly yes because you want to separate circuits for different types of equipment

[@grimminalmyndzrecords2065]

@@fbaltierrez what size generator do you recommend.. 30" griddle Non commercial fryer (2) Small refrigerator 4 crock pots Air conditioner (5000 watt) ?

[@fbaltierrez]

@@grimminalmyndzrecords2065 I would go with this one the predator 9500 inverter generator

[@fbaltierrez]

@@grimminalmyndzrecords2065 but it all depends on your amps needed

[@danielmeeksr9833]

Ok sorry Frank. Just to clarify. I confused on the lighting? I want to run 4 lights like you have, I have my electrical ran just like yours. Just confused as to how you ran all 4 lights from the switch’s? I have the one light Romex by the water pump switch and the other by the window switch. How do I run all 4 from just these 2?

[@fbaltierrez]

Good morning, I uploaded another electrical video about a week or so ago. Giving a bit more clarity on the electrical hopefully it helps.

[@carlosgracia7571]

Saludos frank , cuantos outlets pusiste en total en tu trailer 7x16 ? Y con 100ft de cableria me da ?

[@FamilyChannelfun32]

I have a question that even a couple electricians were saying " I gotta look into it " I'm having trouble knowing what size amp I should do for my set up. They were saying 50 amp should be enough. Last year my cart had less then it has for my new one. And it was maxed out. It was a 30 amp. And we were maxed out. And so this cart has. Ac on roof top. 6 outlets. 110 water heater plug in. Lights. Exhaust hood. And fridge and freezer. And a fridge that goes under my flat top as well. So 2 fridges. So my question is. Would you run a 50 amp on this set up. And what they were unsure about is if we did 100 amp. Would if be too much to plug into different areas we go to. Also too much for generator. My generator is 50 amp capable I believe. It says 60 amp. But anyways. Any insight on what you'd run for this man ? Thanks !

[@fbaltierrez]

I'd do a 50 amp 6 gauge wire. That is quite a bit of Electricity that will get pushed out to your equipment. Hopefully this helps!

[@FamilyChannelfun32]

@@fbaltierrez thanks so much. I will do that. Hopefully that's enough ! Ha

[@PressOnMobileCoffee]

Great video! If I wanted to add a 240v outlet for a big appliance, would I just run a home-run from the breaker panel to the 240v outlet? I understand the romex would need to be 10 gauge.

[@fbaltierrez]

Yes that is correct just a home run to the panel

[@PressOnMobileCoffee]

@@fbaltierrez right on! Thanks brother. Keep up the good work!

[@danielmeeksr9833]

Frank the first HR you ran to the other side that says window, do you run Romeo to each light?

[@fbaltierrez]

Yes you run romex from the switch to the cans and loop it then go to every can

[@toddraymond9684]

Great information. How much is this costing you to do?

[@fbaltierrez]

On one of the last videos from last week I shared the link with all my costs. It hasn't been too bad

[@troywhite6940]

Is there anyway you can give me more details on where the wiring goes a little lost on a few

[@fbaltierrez]

I can. I'll probably just film a video tomorrow a lot of people have asked for a more detailed explanation . Be on the lookout 👍

[@troywhite9977]

Ok im new to this and trying to do it from your video! I just need you to explain again in detail from beginning to end the location of each wire (window, lights etc) I was trying to follow along but got lost on a couple I also sent you a friend request and Facebook message, to get direct help.

[@Da_Conqueror_]

I'm in the process of building me a food truck. I'm trying to decide if I should use 12/3 wire or 14/3 like you. Another video used 12/3. What do you recommend?

[@fbaltierrez]

It's a great question. You can't go wrong with either one. 14 gauge wire handles 15 amps. The way I distributed my wire to the outlets would be maximum amperage of 12 amps. So 14 gauge works for my application. Add up your amps and that's the key 🔑 hope that helps

[@Da_Conqueror_]

@@fbaltierrez Thanks really appreciate it.

[@Da_Conqueror_]

@@fbaltierrez Does it matter if I use 15 amp or 20 amp outlets? Would it hurt any if I'm running only 120V? And if installing 20 amp outlets would it be best to run the 12/3 electrical wire? Sorry for so many questions.

[@fbaltierrez]

I'm using only 120 volt. The rule of thumb is: for 12 gauge wire you use 20 Amp outlets tamper resistant if you are using 20 amp breaker. And for 15 amp use 14 gauge wire with a 15 amp breaker. Hopefully that helps. Make sure you use tamper resistant outlets

[@Da_Conqueror_]

@@fbaltierrez Thanks man

[@anibalmartinez5142]

Hi i have a box truck am going to use it as a mobile tire shop how can i run an air compresor, tire machine, and balancer out of a generator how can i run the wire so i dont have to have so many cords connected to the genarator thanks

[@elighapryor3089]

Hello Frank. Does the electrical panel needs to be a certain distance from the hood and exhaust fan?

[@fbaltierrez]

Great question. I sent this same message to my health department and they answered like this. We let you use your judgment and because of that answer I placed it as far away from everything as I could being the back. But I would say just keep it far from water

[@elighapryor3089]

@@fbaltierrez Thanks. What about installing my three compartment and handwashing below the panel?

[@dustincook8684]

I have two fridges - would you put them on separate breakers and outlets?

[@pontiaco]

Does the handy boxes have to go to an specific height from the floor?

[@fbaltierrez]

The wire mold boxes typically i put them at 48 inches either to center or to the top of box. That's the general rule

[@noegirontrevino9310]

Do I need a special license to build this up from scratch and sell them to the public?

[@fbaltierrez]

No special license required unless your health department asks for one on the requirements. For my area they don't

[@zbailey1993]

Is there a max and minimum height you can have outlets?

[@fbaltierrez]

Not that I have seen for certain requirements. I put them at regular switch height which is 48 to top

[@OkieWashLLC]

How many feet of 14-3 did you end up using? Going to Lowe’s in the morning.

[@fbaltierrez]

I would buy 50 feet of 14/3 and 25 of 14/2

[@OkieWashLLC]

You are the man. I’ve watched all of your videos about 3 times each at this point. Thank you for doing this!

[@fbaltierrez]

@@OkieWashLLC my pleasure 👍👍 appreciate the feedback

[@coreylee439]

Hey man are you using 14/2 and 14/3 in this vid?

[@fbaltierrez]

Both. 14/3 in just specific areas only. Mostly 14/2

[@sifumoney3]

They don’t require insulation on the trailer?

[@fbaltierrez]

No they do not. Wouldn't do you much good, concession window will be open when working and out goes the AC

[@dustinandjudycook6426]

I was thinking about putting 8 LED low profile lights in my 16x7 box truck would that be too much? Also, if I have a double oven an induction cooktop and 2 fridges would all of them get 14/3 or what cable would I use for that?

[@fbaltierrez]

It depends on the lumens. If they are low lumens then you should be ok. If it's let's say 1000 lumens each it will be super super bright in there. Are the ovens propane?

[@dustinandjudycook6426]

@@fbaltierrez they are 560 lumens. The ovens are electric and run on a 240V which I assume would be a 50AMP breaker. I thought: - Fridges would be 14/3 - Induction would be 14/3 or BX - Double oven would be maybe 8 gauge. What are your thoughts?

[@fbaltierrez]

@@dustinandjudycook6426 yep sounds about right. You got this!!!

[@dustinandjudycook6426]

@@fbaltierrez what order should I be doing each trade plumbing, electrical, framing, flooring, cabinets, etc?

[@fbaltierrez]

@@dustinandjudycook6426 In my opinion I would start with the framing, electrical wires, then insulation and walls, then the outlets switches. Plumbing and gas to the end. Kinda like the same way my videos have been going.

[@robertsweeten8840]

So all your Homerun wire is 14/3 not 14/2 ????

[@fbaltierrez]

Should all be in 14/2 I believe that is what I used

[@robertsweeten8840]

@@fbaltierrez but on some wire you you ran several 14/3 with switches in more the 1 area so your diagram is very confusing to me . I'm watching all the wiring video's and in most your no showing the ends home run wires are 3 and a ground correct ? and your 14/2 are 2 and a ground . sorry frank but I'm a dyslexic so it is confusing me as i want to wire mine the same. Robert

[@kendrahandlegacy7875]

How much does the electrical supplies cost

[@fbaltierrez]

With wire and switches outlets, boxes and such just materials about $400ish

[@dominicfiato6258]

Is the neutral bonded to ground?

[@fbaltierrez]

Yes!

[@agtony47]

What breaker panel did you use.

[@fbaltierrez]

Used a 100 amp Siemens Breaker panel. Let me link it in description for you

[@pepesoto5170]

Hola amigo espero te encuentres muy bien . Tengo algunas preguntas acerca de cómo hacer la instalación en el video lo hiciste muy rápido y quería pedirte si me puedes ayudar en esto .

[@fbaltierrez]

Voy a empesar otra vez en una. La acabo de comprar stay tuned

[@pepesoto5170]

Sure I will thank you for responding. You have a wonderful night 🌙✨

[@pepesoto5170]

Hi my friend you are the best you make it easy thank you for teaching us

[@wild-radio7373]

You are badass!♡♡♡ 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻

[@velvethlopez7141]

its hard for me to see how you put all the cables can you help me out

[@fbaltierrez]

Pretty much the idea is you take one cable from the breaker box and then run it to the destination as a home run. Either to the outlet or to the switch. Hopefully that makes sense for you

[@velvethlopez7141]

So how about the lights you conected all them together

[@velvethlopez7141]

And run that cable to the breaker ?

[@JoseHernandez-jc3cj]

Que número de cable estás usando

[@fbaltierrez]

Numero 14

[@JoseHernandez-jc3cj]

Cuánto me cuesta una traila como esa

[@fbaltierrez]

@@JoseHernandez-jc3cj ya asi lista con todo hay muchos precios diferentes, depende quien lo vende. Yo la mia la voy a vender en como 30-35 mil

[@ZiadChakielli]

How to get step by step from scratch

[@fbaltierrez]

Easiest way is from ebook I have

[@ZiadChakielli]

@@fbaltierrez we’re to get ebook

[@Sir_Gallant]

Im not sure this is legal to do without an electrical license tbh. I mean I have one so I don't even need to watch this section but be careful guys!

[@fbaltierrez]

Legal it is depending but depends on your construction codes for mobile vendors and agree this takes special attention to detail and quality of work to make sure you don't injure or damage anything being a life or property.