120V Outlets, Switches, and GFCI Outlets (For a DIY Camper Van Electrical System)

This video will show you how to wire 120V AC Outlets, 120V AC Outlets to a Switch, and 120V AC GFCI Outlets for your vans electrical system.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:

[awarpface]

Just a small tip. You mentioned that a third unused slot in the connectors give you a point to measure voltage. IF those are wago-connectors they have a probe point on the front for easy measuring even when all slots are used. :)

[davidrosen]

A small point: I could be wrong but I think those flaps on the back of the plastic boxes you're using for 120V are not designed to be removed. My understanding is that they are supposed be pried open to feed in the cable but then remain in place to exert some pressure on the cable to keep it in place.

[bethanymay]

Your video couldn't have come at a better time for me, lol!! Today I was trying to install some outlets using the same marine wiring you are using and had no idea how to properly connect the stranded wires. Thank you so much for sharing this information!! I really appreciate it!! 😁

I can't wait to watch more of your videos. I may even consider being brave enough to use switches! You make it all make sense and I appreciate that.

[wanderingzythophile]

Just want to say, I appreciate your videos Nate. This one helped me muddle through getting my Multiplus wired up, that to my breaker panel, and an outlet set up for testing.

[libertybell]

Your content just gets better and better - thanks, Nate!

[organogold]

Wow this has to be the best video on installation. Thank you so much 😊

[minutemark]

"That's the 'short' of it." 😂 Seriously, I had no idea that these lever nuts could be used for AC applications. That's pretty neat!

[scottversaw]

Thanks, Nate! Your explanations are great: simple and understanable. I hope to see you guys at a future van rally.

[chasehelmick]

Some of the nicer outlets (like the Legrand GFCI outlets) have back-wire pressure plates that are compatible with stranded wire. Just insert the wire under the plate, tighten the screw, and the wire is securely clamped. IMO, much easier than using fork connectors. In my build I only used one fork connector and that was for the ground of a switch that didn't have the pressure plate.

[anaggs]

Great instruction as always Nate! Any thoughts on AFCI? Also, any thoughts about GFCI (with or without AFCI) on the breaker rather than the outlet?

[Espenrip]

Thanks for this video. This helps me a great deal in fully understanding this electrical skills.

[emwagner]

When I build my home on wheels, I'll be using combo GFCI/AFCI outlets. When I bought the RV I currently live in, that's the first thing I did.

[Kayte...]

another excellent vid and thanks for answering the questions.

[PTG]

Nate your videos are top notch! Thank you. Question. It looks like you are running your 120v wire runs without conduit. I looked through the comments but can't find your thinking rational for this. Thanks (I thought ABYC requires 120v be in conduit)

[Allegiance_Outdoors]

I see many folks using solid wire when wiring 120v systems in campers and see you are running stranded. Is one better than the other or just personal preference/availability? Thanks and keep the amazing content coming! 🙂

[superstrings]

Great video as always and useful tips regardless where in the world you are. I am always amazed at how 'plastic and mickey mouse' US consumer units and outlets are (AC breaker box), here in the UK they are very solid and normally metal cased now under current regs. I guess it is the difference between 120V in the US and the 230v in the UK ? that would also explain, of course, why your cables look enormous in comparison.

[vandweleer]

Good video ! you explained it very well. and I learned. thank you

[MangoVans]

Interesting and informative as usual, always something for folks of all skill levels to learn from your videos, and that loft space in the shop looks sweet!

[BTNomad]

Is there any reason why one couldn't put fork connectors right on the wires and bypass the Wago connectors altogether in the box? (Assuming another outlet isn't going to be on that same circuit.)

[dvddo]

Thanks for your great contents. I have not been able to find info a solution to an issue. I have mix match of solar panel types. Would like to join them but there is a drop in efficiency when connecting different type of panels. I Could buy multiple MPPT charge controller but that gets expensive. Wonder if i can have a large Capacitor bank that rated above any open-circuit voltage of my panel string then put a cheap PWA charger on the panel string before joining then to the Capacitor. The Capacitor will then be connected as an input to a hybrid MPPT charger and Inverter. MPPT will have a battery connected to it also. My goal is to cut down on the number of MPPT charger i have to buy. I have learned a great deal from your channel and hope to learn more.