Electrical Connection Suspended in Space? Picture Included

[TucsonJim]

While attempting to locate the source of a heating issue I identified in a separate post, I ran into the following concern. There is an electrical connection box/faux outlet that is suspended in space behind the cargo panel near the converter. There are screws and lugs on it that indicate it should be mounted somewhere. This doesn't look like normal manufacturing processes to me. This box will be free floating with every bump of the road. Should it be secured somewhere?

 

[Dave and Monica]

Hey Jim...I'm thinking that it may be the receptacle for the electrical side of the WH. I have something similar (as much as I can view by removing the center drawers in the hutch) but the WH element is plugged into it. I haven't gotten into that area from the basement side but intend to secure the receptacle somehow.

Dave

 

[TucsonJim]

Dave - The "receptacle" isn't really a receptacle. It looks like one, but it's just molded that way. You can't plug into it. I just zip tied it back to it's line so it won't flop until I get some guidance from my GD or the dealer.

 

[Dave and Monica]

I didn't notice that cover plate. I'd be guessing that they've used it as a junction box for some reason.

Dave

 

[Tumbleweeds]

On our 303 there is an outlet mounted to the compartment wall in that near vicinity to provide protected 110 for exterior access through a hole in the bottom of the drain pan in the "garage". You been at this for a while, so I'm guessing this has nothing to do with that. Interesting junction box cover. Anxious to find out from you what it is.

 

[cgoodnight]

Jim,

I looked in my compartment this morning. I have the same box, but it is mounted through the floor. Can't see from underneath.

Robert

 

[TucsonJim]

Thanks Robert - I'll send an e-mail to GD and see if they can point me in the right direction.

 

[2hams]

Ours is mounted to the floor, receptacle face down.

 

[TucsonJim]

Can somebody from GD weigh in here? I'd like to get an answer about what to do if this box is not installed correctly.

 

[Bill Fenech]

Hi Jim

I'm on vacation with my family. I'm not sure why Janice has not responded yet. I will will have someone respond ASAP.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[GDRV Service]

While attempting to locate the source of a heating issue I identified in a separate post, I ran into the following concern. There is an electrical connection box/faux outlet that is suspended in space behind the cargo panel near the converter. There are screws and lugs on it that indicate it should be mounted somewhere. This doesn't look like normal manufacturing processes to me. This box will be free floating with every bump of the road. Should it be secured somewhere?


View attachment 370

Hi Jim & Ginnie (@TucsonJim),

This is a code approved junction box that should be secured within 8" of the connections. Currently we are mounting it to the floor as reported by @2hams. Prior to this the romex was zip-tied to the framing as in your picture.

Best regards,
~ Janice

 

[TucsonJim]

Thanks for the update Janice. That is a pretty strange code if it allows for a J-box to be free floating as long as the wires are secured within 8 inches. What code would that be? Regardless, I don't believe it to be safe, especially in the dynamic environment of an RV. Acceleration, deceleration, vibration will all cause the box to move over time. The romex will be stressed over the years. So if it's a non warrantable item, I'll pay the dealer to fix it, or fix it myself.

I'm curious, since this issue and the issue related to the missing landing gear hole in the fender skirt are supposed to be resolved on newer units, how did I miss out? My unit (322) was just delivered two weeks ago, 3/24/14.

Jim

 

[GDRV Service]

Thanks for the update Janice. That is a pretty strange code if it allows for a J-box to be free floating as long as the wires are secured within 8 inches. What code would that be? Regardless, I don't believe it to be safe, especially in the dynamic environment of an RV. Acceleration, deceleration, vibration will all cause the box to move over time. The romex will be stressed over the years. So if it's a non warrantable item, I'll pay the dealer to fix it, or fix it myself.

I'm curious, since this issue and the issue related to the missing landing gear hole in the fender skirt are supposed to be resolved on newer units, how did I miss out? My unit (322) was just delivered two weeks ago, 3/24/14.

Jim

Hi Jim (@TucsonJim),

You are welcome! And rather than speculate as to why the landing gear hole was missing, please let me know if you would like us to send you the grommet for the hole opening at no charge. If so, please send me a private message (PM) with your 17-digit VIN, name, shipping address and phone number. Thank you in advance!

Best regards,
~ Janice