Electric outlet cracked

[TNFLineage]

The receptacle on the left side of the couch cracked. I took off the cover plate and found it's not installed in a box, but rather has two tabs that lock it to the wall. One of the tabs is what broke off. I checked the local Lowe's, they don't carry this type of outlet. I've checked Amazon and Grainger with no luck. Any idea where I can get a replacement receptacle? Thanks.

 

[Steve and Cill]

Tom, have you tried Camping World?

Steve

 

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Tom,

I had a non-working outlet discovered shortly after delivery, so I looked inside. I was surprised to find the "clamp together" box/outlet configuration. I googled the manufacturer name on the box (can't remember it at the moment) and learned some more about their product. In part, that they have a special tool for clamping the front and back halves together, piercing the insulation and making all the connections. Seems a little "iffy" to me, but they appear to have certification from all the expected organizations. I had my RV back to the dealer for other work and they replaced the outlet with the same part. Don't know if they got the part from GD or if it is an industry norm. (I expect the latter).

Rob

 

[Retread68]

That is an RV outlet used industry-wide. When possible, I replace them in my units with a traditional box/outlet/plate. I have even resorted to cutting the back end out of a plastic box to make it fit in a restricted space.

 

[TNFLineage]

This is a Wirecon Hubbell receptacle, fully enclosed with tabs to lock it to the wall. It's not a restricted space so I could add a box and standard household outlet. Probably be the easiest and cheapest option. Thanks.

 

[offtohavasu]

Looking at this: http://www.hubbell-wirecon.com/literature/InstallationGuide.pdf it looks like there's a "punch down tool" needed to set the wires. When first reading this, I thought the wires were exposed with no box, but seeing this makes a little more sense.

 

[JCR GD]

The receptacle on the left side of the couch cracked. I took off the cover plate and found it's not installed in a box, but rather has two tabs that lock it to the wall. One of the tabs is what broke off. I checked the local Lowe's, they don't carry this type of outlet. I've checked Amazon and Grainger with no luck. Any idea where I can get a replacement receptacle? Thanks.

You might be able to cannibalize a "tab" off of a cut in box from hardware store. The tabs look similar enough it might work... and save the hassle of cutting the hole bigger and having to mess with the "sealed" OEM plug.

 

[JCR GD]

That is an RV outlet used industry-wide. When possible, I replace them in my units with a traditional box/outlet/plate. I have even resorted to cutting the back end out of a plastic box to make it fit in a restricted space.

Be careful doing this as it leaves the inside of the wall vulnerable to a spark if one should occur in the box or plug unit.

 

[Retread68]

JCR - - Yes you are correct. - I should have clarified why/how I modified the box. I actually used a non-conductive plexiglass sheet behind the box forming a false back for the box. Depth wise it was the same as a low-voltage box (backless). Location: under the cabinet, to the right of the stove, in my 303RLS. Reason: original installation had too large a hole cutout for the OEM outlet, thus the outlet would not stay in the cabinet.

 

[JCR GD]

JCR - - Yes you are correct. - I should have clarified why/how I modified the box. I actually used a non-conductive plexiglass sheet behind the box forming a false back for the box. Depth wise it was the same as a low-voltage box (backless). Location: under the cabinet, to the right of the stove, in my 303RLS. Reason: original installation had too large a hole cutout for the OEM outlet, thus the outlet would not stay in the cabinet.

Definitely a good way to go... I've seen guys just screw a residential plug into a hole in the wall...No box, no nuthin'... Yikes.

 

[Cate&Rob]

Looking at this: http://www.hubbell-wirecon.com/literature/InstallationGuide.pdf it looks like there's a "punch down tool" needed to set the wires. When first reading this, I thought the wires were exposed with no box, but seeing this makes a little more sense.

The last page of the manufacturer's info shows how to use a C clamp or channel lock pliers in place of the production punch down tool. I would be inclined to get an exact replacement from an RV dealer and either use the retaining piece from the replacement box or follow the Hubbell instructions and install a whole new box.

Rob

 

[TNFLineage]

"You might be able to cannibalize a "tab" off of a cut in box from hardware store." Can't do this, it's the tab corner that broke off. I'll get the original replacement if I think I can seal it using vice grips. I'm not going to buy their tool. I'm not going to cut the back of a box off either. This is the outlet built into the side counter next to the couch, plenty of depth for a typical blue box.

 

[JCR GD]

You won't have any trouble sealing it... just push hard.