ELECTRICAL TIPS FOR MEXICAN RV PARKS
By David Eidell
An overwhelming number of Mexican RV parks do not have the familiar
30 amp "Y" connector that we're used to here in the
states. Instead you'll find the common 15 ampere receptacle as
found in your home or business. This should give you a clue that
most hookups in Mexico cannot support air conditioners, plus electrical
space heating and refrigerator operation. When I check into a
Mexican park, I also check out the electrical connection before
I plug in. A simple crossing of wires in that plug can lead to
a nasty shock or even worse. Use a grounding wire to protect against
this:
Before you leave home, round up a fifteen foot length of flexible,
insulated wire. 12 gauge wire is about right for this task. Connect
a large and aggressive spring clamp at each end. You can find
these clamps at any auto parts store. They're used to replace
damaged battery charger
clamps. Make sure that you have a good shiny connection at both
ends. Coil it up, and stick it in the same compartment as your
power cord (so you don't forget to use it). When you arrive at
a park, you'll need to connect this wire first, before you plug
in your electrical power cord.
Attach one end to a metal pipe or stake sticking out of the ground
(make sure the pipe isn't plastic), then attach the other end
to a bumber or other shiny metal part, that's connected to your
vehicle's frame. Sometimes the only way to reach metal is to clip
the wire on to something underneath. Use a screwdriver and wire
brush to shine up a spot on the frame or bracket. Aluminum or
steel wheels make good connector points. Now, it's safe to plug
in your power cord. Hint: If you plug-in and immediately blow
the park's fuse, check to make sure your AC is off. If everything's
off, then you caused a short with your handy jumper wire and possibly
saved your life. Tell the park manager to fix the receptacle.
If he refuses, either try another space, or exit the park. If
the safety wire causes a tripping hazard, use duct tape to affix
it to concrete, and rocks, or whatever to hold it flat on grass
or dirt.
You'll need an adapter to convert your "Y" connection,
to the standard two prong plus a hole, house-hold Mexico connection.
You should have a spare in case the first one fails (often, from
overheating). Mexico's electricity generation is quite good, but
the distribution system (power lines and transformers) are often
cobbled together. If the RV park is in the suburbs, and on the
end of a rather long extension line, then you can expect very
low voltage in peak operating periods
(after work and on hot days). If you notice your lights blinking,
it may be caused by power levels that are fluctuaing far out of
normal range. I'd recommend disconnecting from the park's service
until things quiet down. For the most part R.V.'s are rather immune
to wide voltage swings. Air conditioners, however do not like
to be operated on less than 110 volts. If you insist on having
air conditioning, prepare before you leave home by purchasing
a plug in AC volt meter gauge in your local hardware store.
Air conditioners and heaters can cause overheating of the adapter
plug and park electrical receptacle. You will need to periodically
check the temperature of these parts by carefully touching them
after the electrical loads have been on for 5 minutes or so, and
thereafter every few hours (I'm sorry, but this is the only way
to prevent a connection fire). If you detect even a slight warmth
through the insulation, the load is too great and must be reduced.
"Slightly Warm" can evolve into "Fire! Fire!"
after just a few hours of overloading. Remember, the only parts
that you need to touch and feel, are the adapter plug, receptacle.
You don't need to probe the entire length of your power cord.
Hint: If you plan to stay in a park for longer than a couple of
weeks and plan on using your air conditioner a lot, you can carry
your own high amperage receptacle, and have management install
it for you (but don't plan on getting it back). Your local hardware
store can special order a "twenty amp" receptacle for
you. The standard plug will fit this high amp device, and will
reduce the risk of a receptacle fire or outage. This may sound
like a lot of trouble, but if your stay extends into the spring
or summer, you'll be gald that you provided a more secure connector.