Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2020 20:47:26 +0000
Reply-To: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
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From: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Westfalia Shore Power Ground Bonding Minutia: Breaker Box
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR10MB289463A934D16BEDD867F8C3A0ED0@SN6PR10MB2894.namprd10.prod.outlook.com>
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Dennis. Will that circuit breaker fit in the OEM box in one's Westy? Wouldn't that big button sticking out just beg to be tripped?
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Mon, Feb 24, 2020 9:41 pm
Subject: Re: Westfalia Shore Power Ground Bonding Minutia: Breaker Box
Consider replacing the box with a plastic one> You want an "Old Work" which uses wings to mount instead of screws in to the "plaster" ears. There are also devices for RV use that do not need a box.
I would not use solder or quick connects on 110V circuits. Look for a breaker with screw or push in terminals and make sure it is rated for 110V use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH35VZQ/ref=twister_B01LYLZ9U4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Neil N [mailto:musomuso@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 9:26 PM
To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Westfalia Shore Power Ground Bonding Minutia: Breaker Box
Thanks Dennis.
I'd installed a GFCI box.
During this breaker replacement job, I double checked that the (#12 ?
) green ground wire between vehicle frame and breaker box, was secure.
In the breaker box, I'll connect a #14 bare copper ground pigtail to the box then connect the line and load grounds to that.
The Bluesea 15 Amp breaker I'm installing uses quick connect terminals. The breaker I'm replacing, (images of that):
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fyx63aazu&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ccaf2d431dc1e4838a5e608d7b99a0b7b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637181943568370233&sdata=7q1BHT7licGOg%2BDdZ5n%2FxHs39Xrd1oRTFQssMwXGQMg%3D&reserved=0
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Ftm4t49d&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ccaf2d431dc1e4838a5e608d7b99a0b7b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637181943568370233&sdata=2HL4leLKb3UhfZtUVYPhIB5HnlhFB4ZITc9XWLF4vfU%3D&reserved=0
appears to have the same type of quick connect male terminals but the line and load wires were soldered to them. Maybe to allow room for the breaker to fit properly.
As per the old work, I connected stranded wire to the line and load wires then installed insulated push on connectors to them but found that the box depth didn't allow enough room; those stranded wires butted up against the back of box and didn't allow the breaker to fit.
Hopefully, a 3" deep box, vs the stock 2.5" deep box, will allow enough room.
Neil.
On 2/24/20, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Although most electrical devices can be grounded through the mounting
> hardware the best method is to have a grounding wire connected to all
> devices and metal boxes, including the van itself. The van grounding
> should be as close to the inlet plug as possible. The inlet is
> considered a service entrance so within a few feet it needs to have
> over current protection, that
> 15 amp breaker. This is especially important as when at a campground
> you can be connected a 20 amp circuit or with adapters a 30 or even 50 amp circuit.
> Since there is a kitchen involved or you can be outside on the ground
> current code also requires a GFCI interrupter. Then if we really want
> to go crazy ARC flash protection for that frayed cord and tamper
> resistant receptacles for the children.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Neil N
> Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 3:13 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Westfalia Shore Power Ground Bonding Minutia: Breaker Box
>
> Hi folks.
>
> I'm replacing the 110VAC 15 Amp shore power circuit breaker in a 1981
> Canadian model Westfalia.
>
> In that 110VAC breaker box, from the "factory", was the shore power
> ground wire bonded to the Loomex ground wire to outlet and that
> "single" wire was bonded to a single ground screw in the breaker box?
> Did this also apply to US models?
>
> On my van, it appears this was the case but was altered so the shore
> power ground bonded to one screw on box and the outlet ground bonded
> to another screw on that box.
>
> Should I re do the ground like this:
>
> bond a new #14 solid copper pig tail wire to ground screw in breaker
> box, use marrette to connect the stranded green shore power ground,
> and ground to outlet box, to that pig tail wire?
>
> As far as I know, this is how a ground wiring to/from an outlet box in
> a residence is done in Canada.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> VE7TBN
>
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>
--
Neil n
VE7TBN
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