electrical outlets

DoubleT · 02-09-2021, 09:46 AM

Has anyone replaced and/or reinforced the electric outlet on the wall side of the refrigerator with success. Our outlet now has stripped out of this thin wall. We have a 2014 2720.

**Kidkraz** · 02-09-2021, 10:34 AM

I had a slight similar issue. I used some spare luan I had, and cut out small squares and glued them to the back of the holes, And then drilled small holes with a drill bit. Then rescrewed the item back on. It's working for now. I try to go with the easiest solution.
You could use a thin wood and get the same results.

oldstick · 02-09-2021, 10:54 AM

Kildraz's idea would be the best and easiest solution I would be able to think of as well. Preserves the use of the original wood screw installation that allows easy removal in case of repairs or replacement of the outlet.

**Bill** · 02-09-2021, 04:23 PM

Reinforcing that wall is probably a good idea. As for a box, you can go to Homedepot (Lowes, Ace, YouDoIt, etc) and look for a what is known as an "old work box". Like other work boxes, the come in both deep and shallow versions (shallow is probably the right choice in this case), and the blue PVC plastic ones are a joy to work with. Just slide the Romex feed cable through one of the built-in clamps, push the box into the hole, turn the two built-in screws. Small "wings" swing out from the side of the box, behind the wall, and clamps the box securely to the wall.

Cheap, light, sturdy, easy to work with, easy to install and remove - who could ask for more? I hated the old special-for-RVs boxes (I have one if anyone wants it!) and I'll never buy another metal box.

Bill

Shane826 · 02-09-2021, 06:41 PM

You can also get oversized face plates to cover ugly cut-outs if needed.

oldstick · 02-09-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

Reinforcing that wall is probably a good idea. As for a box, you can go to Homedepot (Lowes, Ace, YouDoIt, etc) and look for a what is known as an "old work box". Like other work boxes, the come in both deep and shallow versions (shallow is probably the right choice in this case), and the blue PVC plastic ones are a joy to work with. Just slide the Romex feed cable through one of the built-in clamps, push the box into the hole, turn the two built-in screws. Small "wings" swing out from the side of the box, behind the wall, and clamp the box securely to the wall.

Cheap, light, sturdy, easy to work with, easy to install and remove - who could ask for more? I hated the old special-for-RVs boxes (I have one if anyone wants it!) and I'll never buy another metal box.

Bill

Thanks Bill. I also considered the idea of using one of the blue "old work" outlet boxes, but didn't know if they made any that fit within the clearance available behind the wall beside the fridge in our campers.

Schroeder · 02-21-2021, 05:42 PM

Yeah, I changed that box to a shallow old work box and installed a receptacle with 2 usb ports in the receptacle. Makes phone charging a breeze

**B_and_D** · 02-27-2021, 09:03 PM

I added another power port with a bigger 12V round plug for the TV and two usb ports. Had to take off the vent behind the frig and shove my hands in there, very painful. I think that I glued some reinforcing wood behind the wall and let it dry, then installed the new port.