Electric Hook-up question

[bigdaddy65]

OK, my DW reserved a site the only has 50 Amp hook-ups. My question is, What do I need to buy to be able to use the 50 Amp electric, with having a 30 Amp service??? This is probably a simple question, but I have no clue. Thank you in advance

[Bookemdanno]

This: https://www.amazon.com/ABN-RV-Dogbon...+adapter&psc=1

[Kim Gass]

A bone

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55175-P...+amp+converter

I have never seen a campground with only 50 amp service.. Is this common? I have seen outlets with breakers for 50 and 30 and 20 at the same stanchion

[wags999]

Its not totally uncommon to have some sites that are 50 amp only, but it's not typical for a whole campground. It does save some $ in not having to run another circuit to the post.

[hboy]

I have used similar adapters before. Never had a problem. I'm sure you will not either.

Sometimes the dog bone type adapters are too long and leave the head of your 30amp cable lying on the ground. Especially if you use some type of surge protector... They also make 30 amp to 50 amp plug style adapters without the extra cable length.

[bigdaddy65]

Thank you all.... YES, this is our first CG that only has 50 Amp service. I knew I'd get the answer from this awesome forum...

[ttavasc]

You may find you use it more than you expect. Many of the 30amp outlets are "well-worn" and the plug doesn't fit snugly in them. A couple places we were at this last season there were signs of arcing or burning on the 30amp outlet. If you have the option of using a snug-fitting 50amp or a loose fitting 30amp take the 50amp.

[TWP723]

Personally, I think the CG's are doing the "50 amp only thing" for the reason wags999 stated. Saves money running one circuit. Don't most pedestals with 50 amp service have a 30 and a 20 amp breaker?

[norty1]

Originally Posted by TWP723

Don't most pedestals with 50 amp service have a 30 and a 20 amp breaker?

There is really no standard I have seen. Newer and upgraded cg's have them, In many older places there is no way to know what is there. You will see many different arrangements.

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by norty1

There is really no standard I have seen. Newer and upgraded cg's have them, In many older places there is no way to know what is there. You will see many different arrangements.

Oh really? I never really noticed. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to electric! LOL

[Isaacs]

Just curious...

I've never seen a campground with 50A outlets as I mostly boondock. It would appear that the 50A outlet is 120/240V as opposed to the 30A which is 120V only. I'm assuming the 50A outlets are powered by a double pole breaker. Do larger rigs with 50A plugs on them have any 240V appliances? Clothes dryer comes to mind.

I see a slight problem using the adapters shown. I know my camper has no 30A main breaker on it. This would mean that using the adapter on a 50A circuit would allow me to draw more power than the panel and cord would normally allow. It's not likely, but you could fry something if you start using too many high wattage items such as electric heaters, coffee pots, and hair dryers.

[sennister]

Originally Posted by TWP723

Personally, I think the CG's are doing the "50 amp only thing" for the reason wags999 stated. Saves money running one circuit. Don't most pedestals with 50 amp service have a 30 and a 20 amp breaker?

It costs more money to do it that way. You need a bigger pedestal and it takes more outlets that have to be purchased and wired. Since most people have a 50A dog bone it isn't a big deal to do just that outlet and not worry about someone melting the 30A.

Back to the OP. Some people are concerned about plugging a 30A plug into a 50A outlet. I won't say there is no risk to this but it is pretty darn low. The reason there is a slight risk is that the circuit breaker on the pedestal will only trip if you are pulling more than 50A. Now your camper has an internal 30A breaker protecting it but that can only protect from the point of the breaker down streak. So from that panel to your appliances for instance. If a problem developed in the wiring from your plug to the breaker panel in the camper, there is no protection as long as the issue doesn't pull more than 50A which is too much for the wire. Keep in mind breakers are rated and installed to protect the wiring not the appliance. It is the wiring that will catch fire before the appliance in most cases. While this may sound scary, I say it is a very low risk because lets say the power cord was laying on the ground and got run over or something damaged it in a way to cause a short. That is something that does happen. Well any damage that can cause this to short the 30A will most likely also cause more of a load than 30A while that would get very hot and might cause a fire. The risk is pretty low as it would trip the 50A breaker.

Most of the times when someone finds themselves tripping breakers is is because they are running the AC at the same time as other high draw appliances like maybe an electric griddle, hair drier or something. Since these are all run through the campers circuit breaker you will still trip it at this point, just not out at the pedestal.

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by Isaacs

It's not likely, but you could fry something if you start using too many high wattage items such as electric heaters, coffee pots, and hair dryers.

The 30 amp TT breaker will only allow 30 amps to the TT circuits. So with that being said if the GREATER than 30 amps is being pulled from the breaker side it will blow. If there is a short in the shore-power cable you are at the mercy of the pedestals 50 Amp breaker. Could this happen... yes but if you maintain your shore cable, there should be no issues. Look for worn sheathing, loose ends, burnt contacts.... and replace immediately.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR