11 Comments
Nov 13Liked by Mike Sokol

I'm a marine electrician and work on RV's as well. Lots of people whine about ABYC standards, but every time I dig into an RV upgrade I am so grateful that they're there. RV wiring is the wild west. There ARE no standards that specify wire color, type, terminations, ampacity, overcurrent protection, and so on. The industry needs electrical standards, as electrical systems become more and more complex.

Expand full comment

That is what I call "RV Wiring and the Nightmare of Confusion", heck the red/black, black/white wiring to the battery is enough to screw up most people.

Expand full comment
Nov 13Liked by Mike Sokol

you forgot YELLOW wires too ;)

Expand full comment

I long ago "Assumed" those building RVs were blind, deaf, and dumb, with IQs of less than 7.

Expand full comment

and LAZY! This is true regardless of the BRAND or PRICE! Anyone who's pulled a trim plate covering any outlet or control module will immediately see horrific work!

Expand full comment

I have seen the black used for ground on the 12v side and hot on the 120 side. "Oh look a black ground wire. Nope you're dead!"

Expand full comment

that "SOMEONE" who "...has spliced the black wire onto a green wire" is very likely the FACTORY!

Expand full comment
author

I have a great story about green wires which I'll turn into a Road Signs post.

Expand full comment

Nothing like tone & probe for tracing wire.

Been using that since I started working in telephony in early 70's.

Fun fact in the early days the probes were not that good, so many of were using a portable AM radio set between 2 stations as a better probe to trace concealed wiring.

Expand full comment
author

I should do an article and video on how to use a Fox & Hound.

Expand full comment

@Mike - how about a session on "how to use a power probe"?

Expand full comment