gfci outlet

[scotty95]

Have an enclosed cargo trailer. Ready to wire 2 flourescent lights inside. Being I don't have a fuse box, I have power coming into trailer with a waterproof 15a input, can I use a gfci receptacle to act as a fuse for the inside power supply? I'll run the power from the gfci to light switch to power the lights. Is this possible? Thanks for all the input, Paul

 

[AntonLargiader]

GFCI does not act like a fuse. Does not trip on overcurrent.

Personally I would skip it*, and rely on the overcurrent protection of whatever is powering it. Run 12 AWG cables so they are protected even when plugged into a 20A circuit. Basically the trailer is just a light fixture at that point. Possibly with a receptacle (which some light fixtures have).

*EDIT: I'd skip the overcurrent protection. Running the power through a GFCI receptacle is a fine idea for ground fault safety.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thats a popular misconception.

Receptacle GFCIs DO NOT provide any sort of overcurrent protection.

However, i WOULD put one in the race trailer to protect against electric shocks.

 

[sberry]

Run number 12 cord, the reason is you can use multiple outlets without further over current protection. If you use 14 it really needs a fuse like a power strip has.
Same thing Anton said really.

 

[sberry]

Look at a pop up camper, they are wired this way.

 

[mikegt4]

When I converted my van to a class B camper I used a 2 space breaker box. They are small, cheap and available at the big box stores.

Saw this trailer the other day with a 4 space box on the wall and a door in the floor to drop the RV style cable out. Other trailers had a RV electrical inlet on the outside of the trailer.

 

[tfi racing]

120V fluorescent fixtures in a cargo trailer are a dumb idea,just way too many LED options out there right now.

 

[vettex2]

120V fluorescent fixtures in a cargo trailer are a dumb idea,just way too many LED options out there right now.

My 30 footer has a 110V cord running to it. I'm swapping the tubes out to LEDs

 

[sberry]

If you are going to 30A service then you do need breakers, if its 120vg and has a 15 end on it to plug in to a common circuit you don't.

 

[scotty95]

Not putting 30a in this. Keeping 110. Can you just replace the flourescent tubes with LED? Or is the fixtures different for led. Thanks again.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

110 can be 30a. 30a can be 100.

I would start out with LED fixtures in a trailer and NOT screw around with fluorescent fixture and then later try to adapt LED to those legacy fixtures.

 

[sberry]

Its 120 volt.