Bunk bed outlet wiring help needed

[jbramhall]

I intended to replace the standard outlet in each of the bunks:

With one that has USB charging capability:


I opened up the cover and found an unusual receptacle with a plastic cover concealing the wires which I've never encountered previously:


Is there a tool for opening this receptacle to access the wires? I'm poking at the grey tabs with a screwdriver, but I can't get them all to yield at the same instant.

Also, does anyone know how the wires inside are connected? Specifically, will this receptacle be able to replace the original?:



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[5picker]

Welcome to the world of inexpensive R/V components.

The wires to the original receptacle are simply 'pinched' into the back side of the unit.
They use these type of outlets for speeding up the assembly time at the factory.
No wires to skin or screws to turn. Pinch it on and done.
Poor design at best as many have problems.

Yes you can push the tabs and remove the factory wiring/outlet.
You just have to get the tabs all released.

To install the one you purchased you'll likely want to install a 'old work' outlet box to house the new receptacle, otherwise you'll have bare wires (at the connections) inside your wall.

[5picker]

You'd be way farther ahead to purchase something like this... or this... that simply plugs into the existing outlet.

[RSchleder]

I agree, the last thing you want is a socket in your walls with no box or protection surrounding the plug. I do wonder, however, if a standard house electrical box will fit into the thin RV wall? Seems that a house box may be too deep to fit into the walls found in an RV. If it doesn't fit, you may need to talk to an RV service center or a electrician to find out what your alternatives might be. Above all, DON"T JUST STICK IT IN A WALL WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTION BEHIND/AROUND IT.

PS, you can always simply use an adapter that allows plugging a USB charging cord into the standard 120v outlet.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by RSchleder

I agree, the last thing you want is a socket in your walls with no box or protection surrounding the plug. I do wonder, however, if a standard house electrical box will fit into the thin RV wall? Seems that a house box may be too deep to fit into the walls found in an RV. If it doesn't fit, you may need to talk to an RV service center or a electrician to find out what your alternatives might be. Above all, DON"T JUST STICK IT IN A WALL WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTION BEHIND/AROUND IT.

A standard 'old work' box won't fit (too deep) but they do make shallow, old work boxes that are no deeper than a duplex outlet.
The shallow old work box is no deeper than the existing factory outlet.
I've installed several in previous campers.

[RSchleder]

I like 5picker's "charging station" idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jbramhall]

The charging station is simpler, but it's not as clean. I bought 5 of these outlets and intend to put one on either side of the master bed, one by the master wardrobe under the tv, and one in each bunk.

I'll look for the shallow old work box. As this is not my first electrical rodeo, I also wrap my receptacles with electrical tape inside the box.

[Telstar]

I replaced a few. If you don't have the depth to add a box just wrap the sides of the plug with heavy duty electric tape.

[Dodaman]

X2 on the shallow box. That is the way to proceed if you wish to have it done correctly. I like the charging station. But I know with my kids, it would get pulled out and have the prongs below exposed as they were they pulled out the Original plugs.

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by 5picker

A standard 'old work' box won't fit (too deep) but they do make shallow, old work boxes that are no deeper than a duplex outlet.
The shallow old work box is no deeper than the existing factory outlet.
I've installed several in previous campers.

I found these at Lows Fit in a 1.25" wall