Monday, October 28, 2019


AC Electric Service



This Airstream is being equipped with 30 amp -120 volt AC service from shore power.
 This should  provide adequate power for this vintage trailer and it's planned usage. 
An air conditioner is not being installed but will be included in the planned layout. 


Marinco 30A 125V Stainless Steel Power Inlet

Marinco was my choice for an electric plug. It accepted a right angle shore line power cord.
This location is where the previous service was installed so there was already a hole in the side wall of the trailer.  An aluminum stiffening plate was installed behind the outer skin making the plug area much stronger.


The trailer was rewired with all new 12-2 with ground copper cable.  A total of four separate circuits were used to supply the planned light fixtures and outlet plugs.
Sourcing an electric service panel with at least four circuits was less than straight forward.
I found that a 100 amp panel with 6 circuits was nearly the same cost as a smaller panel with only 4 circuits with no possible room for future expansion.  


Here is the panel that was chosen for this project.

Square D by Schneider Electric HOM612L100SCP Homeline 100 Amp 6-Space 12-Circuit Indoor Surface Mount Main Lugs Load Center with Cover



The panel with plywood was mounted to the trailer ribs in a strategic position.
The panel looks massive but will not be visible inside the clothes closet near the rear of the trailer.
It will offer good service, accessibility and have room for future circuits.


Here is a picture of the panel with circuit breakers installed and the cover in place.
A bare copper ground wire was also installed from the panel grounding bar to the frame. 


A test was conducted to prove that all light fixtures and 120 volt plug receptacles were operative.
It was a very satisfying that all items passed the test.

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