Where to Attach Ground Wire on RV to Install Hopkins 12-Volt Power Socket # HM55115

Question:

Does the Hopkins 12v outlet need to be wired to ground? I know the red wire comes off the battery with inline fuse, but why cant the white wire go back to the negative terminal on the battery?

asked by: Andy

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins 12-Volt Power Socket # HM55115 can be installed with the white ground wire attached either to a clean bare metal surface on the RV frame or directly to the negative terminal on the battery, as you suggested, since the battery negative terminal grounds to the RV frame anyway. The battery terminal ground is the best option since the socket must be securely grounded to operate properly.

The kit includes 17-feet of 14-gauge primary wire for the positive terminal connection to the fuse holder; this length is supplied to allow you some flexibility in placement of the outlet if you choose to locate it remotely away from the battery. In this case a chassis ground will be fine.

expert reply by: Adam R