How to Convert RV Electrical Hatch to a Power Cord Connector
The cord connecting RV to AC power, often referred to as the shore power cord, is stored in a small internal compartment within the RV and is accessed through an electrical hatch on the exterior of the RV. Storing and removing the cord can be difficult because the cord is thick and not very flexible, especially when the temperature is cold. Converting an RV's electrical hatch to a power cord connector allows the cord to be secured to the outside of the RV. The cord becomes detachable and can be stored more conveniently in a larger storage compartment.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 RV AC power inlet conversion kit - 30 or 50 AMP
- White silicone sealant
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Razor knife
- Tape measure
- Soapy water
Instructions
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Removing the Electrical Hatch
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1
Disconnect the shore power cord from any AC power source-- including home, generator or inverter power--and turn off the main breaker switch in the RV's power center.
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2
Extend the power cord fully from the storage compartment.
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3
Remove the three Phillips head screws securing the electrical hatch to the exterior wall of the RV and slide the hatch far enough down the power cord to expose 3 feet of the cord.
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4
Measure 1 foot down the power cord from where the cord exits the exterior wall and cut the remaining cord off. The new length of the cord provides enough working room to secure the power inlet receptacle.
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5
Remove the hatch from the remaining cord and discard.
Wiring and Securing the Power Inlet Receptacle
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6
Use the razor knife to carefully cut a 6-inch slit along the length of the insulating sheath on the power cord that passes through the RV wall. Take care not to cut into any of the wires inside the sheath.
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7
Strip 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch of insulation off each end of the three exposed wires using the wire strippers.
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8
Insert the stripped wiring through the provided gasket and safety enclosure.
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9
Loosen the terminal screws on the receptacle and insert the wiring in to the terminal ports, matching the colors of the wiring insulation with the color coded terminals. Tighten the terminal screws but do not over-tighten.
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10
Secure the safety enclosure to the receptacle using the provided screw while lining up the tabs on the enclosure to the slots on the receptacle.
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11
Push the power cord in to the storage compartment until the receptacle is flush with the exterior wall. Using the three screws from the hatch, secure the receptacle to the exterior wall. Add a bead of silicone sealer around the receptacle.
Installing the Female Receptacle to the Power Cord
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12
Slide the remaining power cord through the provided insulating boot.
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13
Use the razor knife to carefully cut a 1 1/2-inch slit along the length of the remaining power cord's insulating sheath. Take care not to cut into any of the wires inside the sheath.
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14
Strip 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch of insulation off each end of the three exposed wires using the wire strippers.
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15
Insert the wiring into the provided female receptacle wiring terminal ports located on the end of the receptacle. Match the colors of the wiring insulation with the color-coded terminals. Tighten the terminal screws, but do not over-tighten.
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16
Tighten the recessed screws in the female receptacle. Tighten the cord clamp located on the side of the receptacle body.
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17
Push the receptacle into the boot, holding the insulating boot firmly. Line up the receptacle and boot indicators, then fully seat the boot to the receptacle.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When connecting the female power cord connector to the power inlet receptacle, be sure to line up the the female connector ports to the power inlet terminals properly. One of the inlet terminals is L-shaped to ensure the female connector can be connected only in one way.
Working with AC power can cause severe injury or even death if the proper precautions are not taken. Make absolutely certain all AC power sources are disconnected from the RV before attempting the hatch replacement.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit electricity image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
