campground setup question

krackeer · 07-12-2012, 03:35 PM

My TT is a 30amp. My question is this...can I plug into a 50amp outlet with an adapter (that has a 50amp male end and a 30 amp female end) and plug the TT into the 30 amp female end? Just want to make sure I am not pumping 50amps into the TT. Thanks

Quahog · 07-12-2012, 03:51 PM

Yes you can and in fact, a lot of folks do that because often times the 50A side of the pedestal will give you a better (tighter) connection.

poohbear · 07-12-2012, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krackeer

Just want to make sure I am not pumping 50amps into the TT. Thanks

50amps is the max amount of current that can be DRAWN thru the shore power circuit by your TT without tripping the breaker(if everything is working proper),no pumping of excess amps .There can be overvoltage issues,bad breaker etc.Works the opposite if a 50amp TT to a 30amp plug,cant run both ac's as the load is over 30amps,havent put my ammeter to it but will,I am now curiuos as to the total load.

WIBadger · 07-12-2012, 04:45 PM

Yes, you can use an adapter (aka dogbone) to plug into a 50amp outlet for your 30amp trailer.

The maximum amount of current that can enter your trailer is 30amps. Why? Because your trailer is configured with a 30amp circuit breaker (if you take a peek at your power panel, you'll see a circuit breaker designated as "main" and will have the number "30" on it.) If you draw more than 30amps by running numerous appliances all at the same time, the circuit breaker will trip.

Please note how the 30amp connection differs from the 50amp connection. A 30 amp connection uses a single "leg" of the power available and maxes out at 3600 watts (30amps x 120VAC = 3600 watts). A 50 amp connection uses two "legs" of the power available and maxes out at 12000 watts (6000 per leg; 50amp x 120VAC = 6000 watts x 2 = 12000 watts).

If you plug your 30 amp into a 50 amp you still only have 30 amps as that is what your system is build for, wire size, breaker etc. In other words, 30 amps plugged into 50 amps relies on the 30 amp breaker in the RV for protection. It is pretty much safe. As always, make sure the 30 amp cord is in good condition.

Finally, when at your desired location, always turn-off the circuit breaker at the pedestal while plugging in or out of the connection.

mcfarmall · 07-13-2012, 04:10 AM

I agree with the WIBadger. I always make the connections with the pedestal breaker and trailer main breaker OFF.

RoyBraddy · 07-13-2012, 06:21 AM

I have a 30AMP trailer and I occasionally used the camp ground 20AMP service for additional items I have brought along like electric heaters, outside lighting and fans etc... I have also heard some folks will power-up an additional portable air conditioner unit using the 20AMP service.

I too have used the 50AMP side when I find the 30AMP side not performing as good as I think it should. Most trailer are probably 30AMP trailers and this puts a big demand on the 30AMP service at the camp grounds. Sometimes switching to the 50AMP service side using an adapter solves this problem.

The 50A-30A-20A service provided by the camp ground pedestals are all protected by their individual circuit breaker. I have on ocassion tripped the 30AMP pedestal breaker by using too many items plugged in at the same time. Using hair dryers is one source of extra power needed. You could run in an extension cord plugged into the 20AMP side when you use your high wattage hair dryer.

**norty1** · 07-13-2012, 09:00 AM

Yes you can. That is the main purpose of the adapter.

lclevel · 07-13-2012, 09:01 AM

Yes you can. Actually its really no different than plugging a Lamp (which uses less than 1 amp) into a 15 amp household circuit. The RV is protected by the breakers in the RV's Panel.

However, with that being said, keep in mind that the main cable is rated for 30 amps.

krackeer · 07-14-2012, 02:39 AM

Alright, on the other hand, can I plug just a 30 amp adapter with a standard 110 connection female side into the 30 amp side and simply run an extension cord for outside lights, cooking etc? I know logic says I can, but just want to make sure.

clutch · 07-15-2012, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krackeer

Alright, on the other hand, can I plug just a 30 amp adapter with a standard 110 connection female side into the 30 amp side and simply run an extension cord for outside lights, cooking etc? I know logic says I can, but just want to make sure.

I do that all the time.

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