Thor Forums

[FW28z]

One thing that always amazed me (downsizing from a small "yacht" to a motorhome) is that in boats, there are minimum standards promulgated by the US Coast Guard (33CFR183), which perhaps you are aware of.

In the electrical section of that regulation, you must only use stranded wire, and only certain connectors (i.e. no twist on connectors).

But in my coach, it uses solid wire for the 120VAC wiring, and those prohibited (in boats) twist on connectors.

I realize that as you stated - boats have such standards as solid electrical wiring is prone to breakage due to vibration and such.

However, hitting potholes traveling at highway speeds to me seems like it would be just as bad as running through rough water in a boat.

So I am confused why there are no similar minimum standards - at least recommended practices by the RVIA (RV Industry Association) that would also specify stranded wiring throughout.

I suppose though, if you were 10 miles out in a boat and had an electrical fire due to solid wiring - it would be more dangerous than if your RV catches fire running down the road.