Electrical Woes & Wins! Cabin Fixer Upper Part 17

After several months of delays, misinformation and a bucket of cash, I am finally ready to talk about all the issues I have had with getting power to my cabin, and how I solved them.
DISCLAIMER: Do not attempt any electrical work if you do not have the skills, training, knowledge of electrical code and legal permits as required. Always consult your local authorities as to what is permissible, and it's always best to hire a professional. I am not responsible to any injury or loss due to anyone attempting to duplicate what was shown here.
For entertainment purposes only.
Visit My KZbin Channel for all my videos!
/ @slimpotatohead
Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
Products Mentioned in this video (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Rechargeable Lighter: amzn.to/3Eyf0z5
Reliance Transfer Switch: amzn.to/41BM6s7
RV Cord: amzn.to/3lYRZ1X
Facon Fabric Light: amzn.to/3m2gU4M
USB outlet for light: amzn.to/3EwPbQ4
Gerguirry 6 Gang Rocker Panel: amzn.to/3xOuP0O
SAE to cigarette lighter Connector: amzn.to/3XZHJDS
SAE Power Socket: amzn.to/41jtDQV
12V DC light bulbs: amzn.to/3ZiyNux
Jackery 500W Power Station: amzn.to/3kjcndW
12V Motion Sensor Light: amzn.to/3xQBsjl
12V Ceiling Fan: amzn.to/3m9JrFt
Note: I have not included the 1500W power station I showed in this video, as I am not recommending it until the company proves they can deliver a quality product. I am currently in discussions with them and will provide an update should anything change.
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
NEW! GoPro 10: amzn.to/3QVAMRq
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX53: amzn.to/3A3xHrD
Osmo Action Camera: amzn.to/3PEcqKK
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Editing: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
Sports Chair: amzn.to/3cPTS7U
MPPT Controller: amzn.to/2LHgM5t
Portable Power Station: amzn.to/2LEZt4Z
Old Town Kayak: amzn.to/3werPKZ
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I added links in the video description for all the items I purchased in this segment. Please check it out if you are curious. Thanks! SP

[@paulsccna2964]

Frankly. It would be interesting to see and get more info about the 12 volt installation and if you add Solar. FYI the cabin is amazing.

[@janingham1823]

Thank you for the links

[@devonwharton9244]

Your calm, storytelling demeanor is always a welcome break from the fast track of life. Thanks for doing what you do and for sharing with all of us.

[@oceanbrzzz]

@Devon Wharton. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve been watching Slim for years and love the channel for both education and entertainment. Marcia from Minnesota

[@janingham1823]

I’m really enjoying your series on your cabin. Would it be possible to include a link on the marine power set up including HOW you replaced the plug set up. I’m thinking you will be using the solar panels to charge your Jackary but in the interim how are you charging it up? In your car/trailer? Thanks, again, Slim for another informative video.

[@MrsMoon-qs2gf]

Brilliant! I love how you meet a challenge head-on, not accepting the status quo, and figure your own way to get things done safe and efficiently.

[@samstlm]

Ditto on the brilliant!

[@mitchelll3189]

9:52 “I’ve probably lost some people at this point.” As my eyes are 2 inches from my phone cause I’m so interested in this. You’re a good story teller slim! The cabin videos have been my favorite

[@I_Santos_]

Right? I was keen on figuring out how he got around all the nonsense and came to a solution!

[@toronado455]

totally had my interest

[@noahcount7132]

Murphy's Laws are numerous, Slim, and your efforts to renovate, improve, and personalize your cabin have demonstrated two of Murphy's most common Laws, that you've been coping with since you purchased the cabin: 1. Everything takes longer than you think it will, and 2. Nothing is as easy as it looks. 😄

[@kenhuth1762]

Don't forget to add that it also costs more than you planned as well.

[@tonystrange7224]

Love how you’re always thinking outside the box for solutions. Great video as always Slim.

[@bntravelin2]

i have lived on 12 volt for years. simple easy and no inverter. great solution

[@RoadDogSteve]

The opening segment really shows how much you have done on the cabin. Well done! Thanks

[@UncleBuckle50]

I'm not a fan of AC/DC but I am a fan of your creativeness!

[@richardthomas1743]

Awesome opening with the Deer feeding!

[@johngardner2620]

Loved the opening critter. I Saint Andrews we call them "rodents "

[@oldvermonter2813]

Hi Slim! Great video. I have been living off grid for over 5 years now. We built our cabin with both 12 volt wiring and 110 wiring. We use the 12 volt system to run our lights (led) and water pump. Recently we purchased a 1200 watt power station by Ecoflow. That was a game changer! I couldn't be happier. I run a generator for about an hour a day to recharge the Ecoflow. Now, I can run anything that requires 110 volt. We bought a new refrigerator (4.6 cubic feet). The station will run that alone for at least 1 day and half without recharging. We will be purchasing solar panels in the future so at least in the summer we will not need to run a generator to recharge the Ecoflow. I was really impressed :)

[@richardthomas1743]

Very good solution for the 12 volt system! I really like the Lamp that you mounted on the piece of Birch wood! This has definitely given me some ideas. Thank you Slim!

[@rcsproject627]

Slim I love how you think outside the box. Excellent solution the 12 volt system for backup!!!

[@supersloth4635]

I ❤ the deers casually going on with their business in the background. Our deer bounce out of sight two seconds before they hear us.

[@Usualeclectic]

That company who ended up giving you a refund probably learned a ton about their product form you. Way to be persistent!!

[@ernestpaul2484]

That and the lost sales due to the video. Once they get their proverbial stuff together and correct the deficiencies in their product, they can make a major sales campaign on the "new and improved 2.0" version of their portable generator.

[@williampaxton167]

Great video Slim,any chance you can name the company that you bought from. Keep up the great videos.😊

[@pattiwhite9575]

I remember when you first showed us the little cabin. I think I mentioned that if you bought RV products and installed them into your cabin it should be very effective. Plan 3 is working the best. WTH is with NB? Crazy laws. But, I understand it is for safety. I can not tell you how many channels I watch from off griders in Arkansas. In that state you can do anything you want on your land. Hence, lots of burned out places. LOL Your cabin is looking so nice with the shingle siding. Nice lighting at night all around. And, curtains? Cozy. Hope you are able to sleep inside during the cold winter nights now. Cleaver man!

[@webluke]

A few years back, I was thinking about how more devices, such as lights and chargers, are running off DC power. This requires everything to have an AC-to-DC power conversion circuit, which is wasteful. We should be wiring homes and businesses with 12-48V DC in the walls. But to take it a step further in the networking world, we have POE, which is power and data over network wires at 24-52V DC. This has worked great for Wireless Access Points, Security Cameras, Desk Phones, Door Controls, and Lights. This is all powered by a network switch back in a closet. There is still a need for 120/240V AC for higher-power devices, but many built-in things could run off DC in a home or office and be networked to be smart, allowing you to have switches that do more than turn on and off lights all running locally. It's essential to ensure these things don't require being connected to the "cloud" to operate.

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

Loved seeing your deer out front. Good to see how solar power can work for you. That was very interesting. I hope you have a good week. The cabin looks beautiful, & cozy.

[@rcfield4525]

very interesting, I like the 12-volt solution. nothing beats the Keep It Simple Slim method

[@gene_takavic57]

The shot with the lights on in the cabin really makes it pop! Looking great Slim!

[@danrandall794]

Government over reach as usual. The more they say safety you can just hear lost some more freedoms. Great persistence and I think I would have said screw it and do twelve volts just like a camper. Another great Slim video.

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

In a cabin low voltage makes sense if the runs are short. With the new LED lights they draw less amperage so the voltage drop is less. Of course you can step up to 24 volts if needed.

[@zac123h]

Sounds like you can be on grid, off grid or offgrid 12v. The options may prove themselves useful in the future! So cool to see your creativity. Necessity is the mother of invention!

[@jennyleef1775]

I have often wondered how people in Canada and the USA got away with doing their own electrcal work. Here in Australia it is illegal to do your own so you have to pay an electrician, just as you have now. It's interesting how it can vary. I am pleased you have been able to come up with some good solutions. Another good video. Thankyou.

[@ChrisRI1000]

Here in New Hampshire USA, I was able to do everything I wanted to DIY. I did the electrical, plumbing, put in a boiler, gas lines, water softener system, etc. As long as it's an average job, there isn't a need for expensive unreliable contractors if you're handy.

[@stevebailey7633]

My village on Long Island, NY used to allow homeowners to take a test to qualify to do their own electrical work. Usual method applied, you roughed in, got it inspected and approved, then finished and got that approved. Saved a bundle. Then they sadly did away with it, only registered and licensed electricians now. Interesting comments about power stations providing 120v. There are a few YT channels for RV'ing that describe how inefficient 120 conversion is and to whenever possible, use the 12v outlets. Easy on a modern RV where everything is LED, which may be your best solution for future lighting.

[@randallsams8786]

You should’ve faded out with some maniacal laughter after that last line.

[@ChrisRI1000]

This I will be very interested in. I always thought 12V was a viable option over 110V especially since more items are coming to market for 12V usage. I'm also planning a winter getaway down in Arizona making a small dwelling that's off grid. So glad you ended up going this way.

[@bah5310]

I worked with a guy 20 years ago that had a 12 VDC house because the power company wanted some insane amount to run the lines to his house.

[@coachgeo]

24v better... 48v they say is for offgridding the best.

[@ChrisRI1000]

@BAH In my area that can get pricey too. But there is the option of having a contractor dig a trench and we can DIY the conduit. Costs are much less that way.

[@1978jra]

@@coachgeo Well yes and no. 48v is as a system much better than 12v for starters required wires are much smaller than in 12v system, but for example there is far less 48v lamps than 12v lamps. Anyway if loads are in that category as in this video, 12v is good enough even tho that wire from Jackery to wall looked kinda thin to my eyes.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Good afternoon Slim. Crunchy snow/ice = ccccold! ;-)

[@SlimPotatohead]

It just got even colder!

[@jsim5000]

Mr Slim slides through another loop hole to meet his needs! Smart thinking Mr Slim Slider Potato Head. I’m going to try this also Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@LatteLover]

The cabin looks amazing fully shingled!

[@97TRAKIN]

I have the exact transfer switch. Installed it myself and then had an inspection done afterwards. I didn't need the inspection, but for insurance purposes, I think it was a good idea.

[@jimnjele.bean-dayone3505]

Outstanding sir....sucks "They" won't let you work on 120vac, but I love your workaround!! The cabin is looking very nice....thanks for the videos

[@Kevin_M_Hall]

Noticed you got a new handle for the stove. Much Nicer, especially for bare hands.

[@3dognite]

Loved the video. I hope this 12V system meets your needs. Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the next video. Take care Slim and stay warm.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

The first 3 minutes of this video was a montage worthy of winning some kinda award. It was amazing.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Well Thank You! I was really just trying to confuse all those people who tuned in for electrical advice! SP

[@didlidoodles343]

I can't believe how creative and resourceful you are Slim! I learn so much from you while being entertained. 😃

[@jerryolson3408]

As an electrician for over 50 years I have been arguing the inefficiency of inverters for a long time. Use the dc directly from your solar, wind or other source !! Good job Slim.

[@Nerd3927]

Great solution! As a live aboard electrician I fully approve! Well done!

[@marzymarrz5172]

The skilled trades have become a little prima donna. But we have to do whatever it takes because we like indoor plumbing and electricity. Also a roof.

[@happyhong8779]

Man your geniuses! I never thought use 12V system at house!

[@donalderiquez7684]

Awesome job... Something tells me Jackery might be sending you a 2000 watt pro Unit in the near future... I'll keep my fingers crossed.. Be Well....

[@SlimPotatohead]

They've tried. I ignore them.

[@thizizliz]

1. Good look8ng neighbor that stopped by for breakfast. 2. Love the heavy cover on the woodshed 3. Siding looks great! 4. Boo his on the power woes but yay for solutions.

[@kst357]

I used to live in the Chicago area and they've addressed it since then but it used to be that the codes didn't allow you to use Romex cable or Greenfield but had to run your wires through conduit. With plumbing they only allowed copper & steel water pipes and Pex & PVC pipes weren't allowed. This caused most homeowners to have to hire an electrician or plumber. They did that due to pressure from the electrician & plumbers unions as it kept their union workers busy. It sounds to me as if NB is being so restrictive for the same reason. They want to keep their tradesmen working and the poor homeowners have to foot the bill.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Wow Slim, a highly illuminating post. Electrical installation is highly regulated in Australia for 12 volt in vehicles, as well as AC/DC.in any situation. However the new plug and play batteries are enabling many of us to bypass the red tape in our camp set ups. You have gotten me thinking about how much power could be saved if everything was 12 volt in my home! Food for thought.

[@jmpattillo]

Really cool solution turning to low voltage wiring.

[@michellegoodrich7115]

Your videos are so much better than anything on tv! I rarely watch tv, but I'm always chomping at the bit for a new Slim video!!

[@toronado455]

agreed 100%

[@papajeff5486]

Slim, I’ve pulled a lot of wire, when I was a teenager, always under the supervision of an electrician. I don’t know the Tennessee law; but, my dad saved a fair amount of money by offering my pulling service. Apparently, there are things to do, under an electrician’s supervision, that are allowed. I hauled rolls of wire, from truck to house. The electrician drilled holes in the studs and I pulled wire from breaker panels to switches and end use, lights, outlets and such. I think you’re right, SAFETY is the answer. Really smart to go 12 volt, IMHO.

[@richardthomas1743]

7:15 Deer feeding in the back ground 👍

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good eye Richard. I missed that!

[@richardthomas1743]

@@SlimPotatohead I love seeing them!!

[@Lisa-ud6qz]

Love the deer in the begining so cute I love when your in the cabin my fav video the cabin is beautiful looks great ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@owllymannstein7113]

Slim, just put wheels on your cabin and call it a trailer, then you can do all the electrical work on it you want.

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY! Hello Slim ! Awesome to see you and of course thumbs UP!

[@LilyWasHereMB]

12v definitely the way to go. If you need 120 say, for a coffee maker or toaster, connect an inverter or, directly to your Jackery. Love that you "stuck it to the Man", the Govt & the electricians that wouldn't call you back, too.

[@dadadit]

Slim you are an inspiration to all of us "DIY's"

[@mikeranfurly1135]

Great looking 12volt setup. It’s all about fulfilling needs, but keeping life simple. Thanks

[@SVMSICE]

Speaking on the electrical. Just my take on it. If it was me, and I wanted to do my own electrical things, I would have just done it. If someone had to come out, I would have just said, it was like that when I bought it. I’m not a regulations person lol.

[@gonesideways6621]

Great solution to skirt strict electrical laws T. Edison would be proud of you as 12 v dc was his way of lighting world untill that pesky Telsa came along safe source of power that has a purpose in every day life.

[@mrv6968]

Great video Slim and it is sad Canada has such a huge amount of red tape in all of it's departments. Your way of getting around some of that red tape is awesome and ingenuous. Stay warm.

[@glynnalan195]

Good evening slim, Hope your good, I’ll start with just how fantastic and natural your cabin is looking and coming along. Iv watched from the start and I absolutely love what you have done and doing on the improvements 🧐. I admire that it’s off grid and self efficient , that goes a long way when living in natures back yard and keeping it natural. I always look forward to all your posts and as you fund every single piece your self and no sponsors, that is what makes it real and honest. I have watched most of your posts more than twice and never get bored, many tips and good advice. I am never amazed just how much of a do it your self guy you are with absolute brilliance in your ideas 🤔. I am planning to live off grid and live full time in my touring caravan in the next 2 months and took onboard many of your advice and great ideas. I like the fact that animals feel comfortable so near your cabin ,,,,, thank you for all your time and effort in every post you share with us. Thanks slim 🤝🇬🇧

[@glynnalan195]

🧐 did you do the switch mod by taking the USB from the marine board and placing it to the wall light🧐 as I believe the marine board is equipped usually with two USB ports

[@Onemattressatatime]

Best opening scene on KZbin .🦌

[@KrzysztofC-1]

Good plan, you can run most of appliances on 12v and when needed you can use cheap inverters to tap into 12v and have 110/220v when needed. You could even mount one permanently is some place and have dedicated 110/220v socket clearly labelled.

[@elainefarr3155]

What a wild journey for electricity! I love your final fix, that was very creative. We love our Jackery, we just bought our first one last summer and used it to power a fridge/freezer for a cross-country trip. Using a power station to power your lights is brilliant, pun intended, .lol

[@bikingal4283]

ok that's what that cord is for.. I have a teardrop camper and it has a double ended 12v cord like you used with your jackery.. I have solar panels on the td and I have 2 1000w and one 300w jackeries plus the agm battery that came with the td...I couldn't remember what that cord was for but now I see that's how I run my td electrical off of my jackeries... see???? So I now know to run the td off my jackery I plug that cord into the 12v outlet of the td and the same on the jackery.... I knew the manufacturer set that up for some purpose... and I do have a kill switch to keep from draining the agm battery whilst using the jackeries... here I come truly off grid camping and exploring... thanks again Slim for your wonderful instructional videos... as you can see, they really helped this gal....

[@o.smallwood4268]

Never underestimate the mind of "Slim," I believe Innovation is his middle name 😄. Way to hang in there....we will have to see where the solar panels go next 🤔. Thanks for sharing. Oh, the cabin is looking great 👍

[@lisantica842]

Totally enjoyed this video, in fact, I gave it a thumbs up during the first 20 seconds because of Bambi in the video! That cabin is so very charming.

[@Janer-52]

Always good to see how you overcome any challenge!

[@navigatingthedestination]

What a great work around. 🙂 12v has come along way. I didn't realize you could buy standard light bulbs that are 12v. It's always best to keep it simple. I look forward for more cabin videos 👍

[@dustymiller7758]

Well done Slim, fantastic entertainment. The cabin looks great.

[@MrTechRat]

Love that you did what you do best and found a way around the issue. Can’t wait to see the panel set up as I’m sure it won’t be “simple” but you’ll make it look easy lol

[@bobdemichele1542]

Great video Slim. 12 volt is the way to go. Now you have a cabin RV and NO electric bill each month 👍😊

[@peterpowell6168]

watching the deer reminds me of when growing up in Nova Scotia we had a bungalow and would put out salt blocks for the deer! happy trails!

[@thalleshoward3962]

I am impressed the cabin is really coming together Slim. The outside looks awesome.

[@susanstrickland6774]

Wow! You're the man!! You have been busy. Your tenacity amazes me. The cabin outside looks so good. Glad you got through the electric dilemma. Very cool repurposing the light fixture. How nice to see you have wildlife, beautiful deer. 🙂👍👍👍

[@bonilsson3161]

Its pretty similar regulations about electrical installations and renovations in Sweden but you are allowed ro replace a wall switch with an identical. if you do any change it has to be a professional electrician. When it comes to low voltage (actually up to 50volt) its legal to do yourself.

[@toronado455]

Great video! i absolutely LUV the 12V DC solution Slim created! i had no idea there were 12V bulbs that screw into standard light sockets (wired for 12V DC of course). I totally agree about the inefficiencies of inverters.

[@katielin2379]

Big tech and govt just have to be all in your business. BS. Your cabin is so wonderful.

[@brianmombourquette2673]

LOL quest for power. I approve of your quest. Unlike so many people...

[@stuartstuart866]

Ha ha, well Slim, you are a problem solver. Usually, I multitask while watching videos, this one captured my attention 100%.

[@RichieRich-l6s]

Wife & I enjoy all your videos! We don't RV, but we live in a rural area with frequent outages. We have many 12 v. Items (electric throws, led lighting etc) we have two 100AH lithium batteries (kept charged via solar) and we have a Honda 2kw generator which I just converted to run on propane as gas doesn't store very well. Between the Honda and lithium batteries we're in good shape to cope with outages. Incidently they make a regular ac light bulb containing a small lithium battery that charges when you're using it on AC. Should the power go out it will function for several hours on it's internal battery. They're pretty cheap and available on line or Home Depot etc. I've got them placed throught the house should the power go out we're not hunting a flashlight down. Cabin is looking great! Especially like the cedar shingles and metal roof! Keep up the good work, Rich

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

Good afternoon Slim

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Evening Jason!

[@MarkSpohr]

Cabin is looking really good!

[@jameslangham7493]

The cabin is looking a lot like home 😊

[@knownone3395]

The siding and roof look great. Nice curb appeal.

[@dougzirkle5951]

Lookin’ good, Slim. You’ve gotten so much done since purchase!

[@herbertjanzen3707]

We have had the same problem in Manitoba. Unless we want a whole gut and redo no one will come to replace doors. They won’t come unless we spend a ton of money.

[@cyberi4a]

That's a shame that first unit didn't work out as you had hoped. But there is always a work around for a lot of issued now a days as you found.

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

I bought the Jackery 1000 with 2 solar panels and love it!!!

[@johnnylightning1491]

I think the 12V solution is great for your situation. In most cases the reason that 12V doesn't have the stringent code requirements that 120V does is because it is not considered to be lethal. It can kill you but generally that involves shorting a battery and having the battery explode and the like. Good luck and keep the good stuff coming.

[@Kangsteri]

Most rules and regulations are not the law. They are mainly for the insurance companies, that are hired by people, or power company and security industry. People are usually allowed to do what they want in reality, if they take the full responsibility for their actions and when it doesn't effect others.

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

Off-Grid is surely the way to go. Everything related to On-grid is only going to go up. Everything related to Off-grid is only going to go down.

[@hockeynutt9434]

Ohh, and amazing idea to use 12v!, Genius move

[@paulsccna2964]

Very good information. For anyone doing a off-grid or small cabin.

[@gereshomeE]

Well done! ☺ Greetings from an Englishman 🇬🇧 in Arabia!

[@CampingTherapy]

You could build a little barnwood box to cover the switches. I love the cedar shingles outside!

[@wildbill23c]

The benefit of going 12V is any automotive or RV 12V appliance, accessory, light, etc. will work with your system...the hell with the power company and electrician requirement nonsense. They overcharge for their services, and I've ran into way too many electricians that are licensed that know a hell of a lot less than I do about household electrical, like auto mechanics many of them are nothing more than parts changers, when it comes to problems they have absolutely no clue how to troubleshoot anything. Had an issue with random outlets suddenly losing power...electrician replaced a circuit breaker. Problem was still there. Doing some methodical testing of what that breaker controlled, found my problem, a bad electrical outlet which was intermittently cutting power to other outlets on the circuit. Replaced the outlet, and haven't had any further issues since. I don't care if you have a license, if you can't do simple trouble shooting, you need your license revoked. The regulations keeping people from doing their own electrical work, is yet another way to take money out of people's wallets unnecessarily. Sure, let them do the work themselves, and have an inspection done, although like electricians, those inspectors don't have a clue most of the time either.

[@rossim1918]

Excellent, I knew a fellow that had 12 volt lights and outlets besides the 120 volt with a number of marine batteries under the house. Also propane mantles and toilet tank aquarium. This was some 35 years ago

[@MaureenTheTemp]

This was an absolutely fascinating video, issues I hadn't thought about (how inefficient converting to 120v is, lack of interest in taking a "small job" is from an electrician, etc.) and, of course, how you put in your own 12v system to meet your needs.

[@campingwiththeadamss8552]

Very good Slim. You unknowingly have solved my cabin off grid woes man and I appreciate it. Thank you for showing this and if you every make it to Tombstone Arizona next winter, I buy you a dinner. Stay safe.

[@chucktrier9586]

Could have waited for a while longer before you opened the door. Beautiful.

[@Joe-vv8xl]

Very cool... As a EE, I would love to convert most of my house to a 12V system covering the lighting and air circulation. The outliers would be the HVAC and kitchen appliances that consume high power.

[@caldeira99]

Great Job. 🤗

[@kaykaykayak9368]

Smart and brilliant move 12 volt!!!!