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Old 06-09-2011, 10:51 AM   #1
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1960 22' Safari
Summerland , California
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 8
1960 Safari 110 AC panel

Does anyone have some knowledge about old wiring practice?
My unit has a 30 Amp electrical panel with the light on top that is attached to the neutral bus bar and then is grounded to the skin of the trailer.
Also the service ground is bonded to the skin.
I understand that current practice is to not have a grounded neutral.
The wiring is all #12 w/ #18 or 20 ground attached at light fixtures and connected to the skin at j-boxes and receptacles.
I energized the system from my generator ( the GFI receptacle from my shop would not allow) and everything seems to work but am uncertain about the system and the function of the light on the panel and how it works.
Is it a warning light of a hot/neutral mail function?
I have seen other references to this on other threads but without pictures.
So I am posting some photos for reference.
I have also changed out the two prong receptacles for three prong grounded ones with the ground attached to the skin.
Thanks,

Rick

P.S. Here is a link to an interesting article on RV/GFI.
http://personal.cha.bellsouth.net/j/...les/rv/gfi.pdf
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Old 06-09-2011, 01:10 PM   #2
banjobill
 
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2000 30' Limited
battle ground, , Washington
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 516
out with the old, or restoration?

Are you trying to keep the trailer 100% original? I think not because of the 3 wire receptacles you are using. So, why not eliminate all of the old AC system and replace it with one set up according to the latest 2011 NEC? Doing so will entail more work, to be sure, and some more $ in materials. But your electrical system would be new and the $ are more in line as an investment which can be recouped when sold. Or, if never sold, peace of mind will pay you back. Just sayin' ol Bill. Oh to your original question: I am sorry to tell you I know nothing of the old trailer's electrical system, except that it does not match today's stuff. And you already knew that. be cool, and good luck on your project.
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Old 06-09-2011, 01:18 PM   #3
Wise Elder
 
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2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river , Minnesota
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Posts: 4,169
I would not replace the wiring unless there are signs of damage or deterioration.

The neutral-ground bond was not original and was probably added later. You should remove it.

I would also remove the polarity light as it isn't necessary at modern campgrounds and may cause GFCIs to trip.
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Old 06-09-2011, 01:21 PM   #4
Wise Elder
 
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2010 30' Classic
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South of the river , Minnesota
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If there is no obvious way to remove the bonding screw you can just remove the white wires from the bus and connect them together with a wire nut.
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Old 06-09-2011, 02:36 PM   #5
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1962 22' Safari
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kansas city , Missouri
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I think the little light was/is used to indicate if you are plugged into shore power that has an reversed polarity.
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Old 06-09-2011, 02:38 PM   #6
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1962 22' Safari
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kansas city , Missouri
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P.S. it's all magic to me.

good luck on your trailer.

Indy
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Old 06-09-2011, 02:38 PM   #7
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2010 30' Classic
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South of the river , Minnesota
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Yes, but it would never work with a bond strap in place, and besides, it was only relevant in the era where a campsite might have only an ungrounded outlet where polarity could be reversed inadvertently by flipping over the plug.
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Old 06-09-2011, 06:02 PM   #8
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1960 22' Safari
Summerland , California
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Posts: 8
Thank you for your response.
I am just finishing up the restore and had the bottom interior panels off and checked the
wiring, everything looked good, so I decided to put it back together as it was.
I will remove the light and eliminate the neutral-ground bond.

Best to you all
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