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cody91 View Drop Down
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Posts: 184 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 12 volt out lets
    Posted: 08 May 2014 at 9:41pm
[QUOTE=CharlieM]Use #12 AWG wire to minimize voltage drop to the added sockets. Use a 15 amp fuse. A 20A fuse would protect #12 wire, but most 12V sockets are rated at 15A or less. Therefore I suggest a 15 Amp fuse. With this configuration each individual socket can supply 15A but the total of the two cannot exceed 15A. Clear as mud?[/QUOTE]

Crystal clear.  I was already planning to use 12 gauge wire and a 15A fuse for a single run to the converter box.  I don't think I'll be running much through each line (Ipad, garmin GPS watch, etc.) and will rarely use both at the same time.

Thanks,
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 9:23pm
I agree and I did run #10 for my added outlets, but I'm a stickler and I've learned to work with #10. Most devices used by campers don't pull 15A so I've suggested #12. That said I agree #10 is better especially for longer runs. It's just harder to run and may be overkill for iPads, lights, fans, etc.

Camp on................
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 8:46pm
Depends on the distance to the battery (not the converter unless you will always camp with hookups).  If you are making a 5 foot run, a full 15 amp load will have a 2.5% voltage drop.  If it is a 10 foot run that increases to 5%.  You want to stay below 2% for low voltage systems so 12 gauge is marginal but probably ok, if you are close enough.  Since you'll be close to a 5 foot run where the battery cables enter the pod from outside, anything farther than that will require 10 gauge cable.  Even at just 10 feet 10 gauge cable is too small with a full load.  Keep in mind that marginal cable sizing will become a bigger problem as your battery falls below 12 volts.

If you want to play around with the numbers you can use this voltage drop calculator:  http://www.nooutage.com/vdrop.htm
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 7:12pm
Use #12 AWG wire to minimize voltage drop to the added sockets. Use a 15 amp fuse. A 20A fuse would protect #12 wire, but most 12V sockets are rated at 15A or less. Therefore I suggest a 15 Amp fuse. With this configuration each individual socket can supply 15A but the total of the two cannot exceed 15A. Clear as mud?
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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cody91 View Drop Down
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Posts: 184 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 3:56pm
Originally posted by Outbound

Originally posted by cody91

Yes, several.   I used two unused slots in my converter (and added fuses, obviously).  I prefer the flush-mount 12v outlets.
 
Did you use one slot per 12v outlet?  Is it possible to string two or more 12v outlets to one converter slot without causing a problem?

Yes, I've wired them in parallel.  Of course, you have to be mindful of the amperage, the gauge of the wiring and the fuse.
 
If I wire two 12 VDC outlets in parallel (meaning 4 wires running to the same converter slot), what gauge wiring and fuse would you recommend?

Thanks!
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Outbound View Drop Down
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 2:17pm
Originally posted by cody91

Yes, several.   I used two unused slots in my converter (and added fuses, obviously).  I prefer the flush-mount 12v outlets.
 
Did you use one slot per 12v outlet?  Is it possible to string two or more 12v outlets to one converter slot without causing a problem?

Yes, I've wired them in parallel.  Of course, you have to be mindful of the amperage, the gauge of the wiring and the fuse.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 1:19pm
You can, if you keep an eye on the total load.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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cody91 View Drop Down
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Posts: 184 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2014 at 1:07pm
Originally posted by Outbound

Yes, several.   I used two unused slots in my converter (and added fuses, obviously).  I prefer the flush-mount 12v outlets.
 
Did you use one slot per 12v outlet?  Is it possible to string two or more 12v outlets to one converter slot without causing a problem?

Thanks,

Cody
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GlobeTrotter View Drop Down
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2014 at 1:15pm
Yes.  In our 177, one bench next to the AC plug for a fan or computer.  One under bed next to AC plug for my CPAP.   
Podding from Montana and loving it!
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Outbound View Drop Down
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 12:01pm
Yes, several.   I used two unused slots in my converter (and added fuses, obviously).  I prefer the flush-mount 12v outlets.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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