Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2020 14:16:30 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Van Upgrade idea your thoughts?
In-Reply-To: <49FC862A-6E8A-4A87-B18E-7970783DB97A@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Kim you are probably correct, at least for now,
But, who would have thought two USB ports, would fit into the same space as a standard outlet? It is already a nice space saver. If they made the buttons smaller on a GFCI versos, or changed the placement who knows? Might even be a USB C version that takes up even less room then standard USB and would work the same for me.
Or a GFCI version that has one outlet and one area with two USB slots.
It seems like often once I think of something and ask I find it is out there somewhere.
Even just replacing the shore outlet with a unit that is the same size with two additional USB seems a nice upgrade for the space.
I think a GFCI in the cabinet would be a improvement, or I will still need to research a GFCI short extension cord to use outside the van between shore and van.
But, the more compact and space and weight saving the better.
Having it built in would be ideal for safety and convenience.
I was planning to put a GFCI outlet in the current position but am now tempted to put the standard outlet with the two USB ports there. The combo would have address all areas.
I’ve got time to contemplate the options.
Eric Caron
> On Dec 28, 2020, at 1:54 PM, KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
>
> There is only so much space, and the buttons needed for GFCI testing (and reset) occupy a lot of the space that any USB ports would.
>> On Dec 28, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>>
>> So, Anyone know of a source for a good GFCI outlet that also has USB ports? A perfect space saver for a vanagon.
>>
>> Eric Caron
>>> On Dec 28, 2020, at 11:30 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Generally speaking Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) is required anyplace appliances-tools can be used where a ground path can also be present. This includes but is not limited to basements, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. The Vanagon is both outside and you can be standing on the ground with hair dryer in hand and you have the kitchen. I'm not sure when but many of the 90-91 I've worked on have one from the factory hidden in that cabinet rear of the fridge.
>>>
>>> Now in theory, if you are connecting to nay properly installed outlet outside or in your garage GFCI protection should also be there. However we know that often campground equipment is not as it should be. Also many campgrounds have 30 or 50 amp receptacles and an adapter may be used to connect the standard cord. This is why there is the requirement for over current protection and hence the circuit breaker in our vans.
>>>
>>> When selecting a GFCI outlet look for the better ones. They are exposed to temperature changes, moisture and sometimes abuse. Look for a "Pro" or "Commercial" grade.
>>>
>>> GFCIs are interesting devices . The concept is to compare the current on both the hot and neutral legs and if there is a difference assume a ground fault and open the circuit. As such they will work even if a ground wire is not present. If you have an older home with only a two sire system a GFCI can be used to provide protection.
>>>
>>> When modifying these systems as simple as they appear it is extremely important to pay attention to polarity, it does matter which wire white/black goes to which wire on devices/appliances and that there is a full understanding of the difference of the "grounded" connector, (neutral, current carrying, white), and the "grounding" connector, (bare, green, non-current carrying except faults), and the limited places these 2 get tied together.
>>>
>>> Dennis
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
>>> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 9:13 AM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: Van Upgrade idea your thoughts?
>>>
>>> Hi folks,
>>>
>>> I was pondering my van and thought of a possible upgrade that seemed simple and helpful. I wondered if there was such a thing as a electrical outlet that also had usb built in. I thought that would go nicely in the stock position, or anywhere someone put in a standard outlet.
>>>
>>> I looked on Amazon and it does look like such a thing exists. So If it exists and fits the van then in the same space you would have the two outlets and two USB ports.
>>>
>>> Has anyone done this? And am I right in that the outlet exists?
>>>
>>> Even better would be if there is a GFI version then I could replace the original 35 year old outlet with a GFI with USB ports.
>>>
>>> Your thoughts?
>>>
>>> Eric Caron
>>> Dreaming about his van’s return
>
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