Electrical Project

July 14, 2013, 12:27:07 pm

All of the electrical outlets on out 98 Intrigue route through the 2000 Watt inverter which has a 15Amp breaker. That means we can't run 2 appliances simultaneously. From time to time we forget and blow the breaker in the inverter. Newer coaches have a subpanel. Our solution, add a subpanel. In a MH it's difficult to find a place for the subpanel and difficult to route the wiring.
I've completed phase 1, mounted the subpanel in the motor compartment on the passenger side, easy to access. Used a 100 Amp panel wit 6 slots (needed the slots, not the Amps). The main panel is above the bed on the drivers side. Ran #8 (3 wire cable) the rear of the panel and dropped it through the floor behind the nightstand cabinet. Ran 1/2 inch flex from the subpanel up through the floor. Tied the flex along the top of the engine access door, secured the flex with 7/8" cable clamps (used existing bolts) and secured the flex behind the nightstand in a similar clamp. Connected the cable to the main lugs in the main panel. Input goes through an existing pair of 50 Amp breakers in the main panel. No changes were required in the main panel.
Power to the subpanel goes through a pair of 40 Amp breakers. Decided on the following distribution. Will connect 20A to an exiting outlet in the kitchen, run #12 wire and install a GFI plug. We seldom (if ever) use that outlet with the inverter, usually start the generator to make coffee etc.. Run a 20A wire to the front of the coach to a new outlet for using a space heater. Run a 15A or 20A to some outside outlets for trickle charger, compressor and several outlets for external use, will use a GFI outlet in the string. Left space for a double 20A breaker, wife may want an electric cook top. Will have one spare.
We are presently in Tucson and I have a place to work on the MH and store the stuff in the bays and cabinets, makes it a bunch easier to work on the coach.
Will update when I've completed the task and if anyone is interested, I can post some pictures. Another task in the offing (not sure I can get to it, wife wants to "hit the road") is to meter the main panel. I have meters for input current, both legs, input voltage, and possible inverter input current.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Electrical Project

Reply #1 – July 15, 2013, 01:14:41 am

Yahoo Message Number: 89606

I've been wanting to meter my main panel too. Please post if you decide to tackle the project.

Jim

99' Magna #5629

Re: Electrical Project-Hard part Completed

Reply #2 – August 07, 2013, 10:34:08 am

Yahoo Message Number: 90307

Now have an outlet in the kitchen and in several of the bays. Will put one behind the passenger seat (space heater) and one on a front bay(driver's side). The hardest part was getting wires from the rear of the coach around the rear wheels and into the channel that runs down the center of the coach. After considering numerous methods, finally used a piece of 1" liquid tight metallic flex and ran it inside the rear wheel well (top) placing it between the duals. Brought the kitchen wires up next to the gas line and then in the wall between the kitchen and bathroom to the top cabinets. Mounted the outlet under one of the top cabinets. Glad this job is done!!

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

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