15 or 20 amp outlet tips for plugging in my Precept

[McGarrett50]

I have the 50-to-30-to-15 converter adapters and want to plug in at home to run the refrigerator temporarily. Don't have the 15 amp extension cord to reach the outlet.

Any suggestions on the power rating, gauge, length maximum of an extension cord to buy and/or other tips?

Thank you.

McGarrett

[Jagiven]

The gauge cord you need, truly is based on the distance you need to go. So how long of a cord do you need? In general I would get a heavy duty contractor cord, 12 gauge. It is a pain to coil up, especially the long ones.

[spoon059]

I would buy a cord that is long enough for your need and as thick a gauge as you can afford.

[RoyBraddy]

I use the 10GAUGE (10-3) extension cords here. I have used the 12-GAUGE (12-3) which also worked but did start seeing some voltage drop.

I would NEVER use the cheap 14-and UP GAUGE extension cords like you at WALMART etc.. (The RED ORANGE ones)

I would also always use the RV30A-15A long ADAPTER (WALMART).


NEVER NEVER EVER use those small eoound plastic 30A adapter - You will burn up your 30A Shore Power cable using those.. They get hot real quick...


I would also pick up one of those RV120VAC PLUG-IN VOLTMETERS (AMAZON) for your trailer. These have the SAFE ZONE printed on the meter panel. If you read within the SAFE ZONE then it is safe to use your high wattage appliances.


I can run my single 13,500 Air conditioner with no problems on my garage setup. I do have to watch what I am turning on at the same time however... If I fire up the microwave unit when the Air Conditioner is ON it will trip my house breaker...

Always feel the connection when hooked up. They should never start getting HOT on you. Mine get hand warm sometimes...

Also make sure what you are plugging into is using all three connections i.e. Hot, Neutral, and GROUND... Otherwise you will run into grounding problems at the trailer.

Roy Ken

[McGarrett50]

Roy - Thank you very much. This is very helpful! Yes I had planned to use the round 30A adapter I got from the dealer with the MH. Won't do that now! Will also source the other suggestions you made before trying it out! Thanks again for the advice and pictures!

McGarrett

[JoeMazz]

Originally Posted by McGarrett50

Roy - Thank you very much. This is very helpful! Yes I had planned to use the round 30A adapter I got from the dealer with the MH. Won't do that now! Will also source the other suggestions you made before trying it out! Thanks again for the advice and pictures!

McGarrett

I used to do this, then bit the bullet and had a 30a outlet installed on the outside of the garage to run the fridge and 1 a/c for loading.
Highly recommend this...

[McGarrett50]

Joe - Approximately, how much did the 30a installation cost? Thanks, McGarrett

[McGarrett50]

Roy: I've found two extension cords to choose from. I'm assuming the 10/3 is the better choice and both are listed as 20amp. I'm assuming they will be fine on a 15amp outlet as well?

Coleman Cable 09208 12/3 SJTW Twist To Lock Extension Cord, 20-Amp, 50-Foot, Yellow

Coleman Cable 02688 10/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord with Lighted End, 50-Feet

Thanks,

McGarrett

[JoeMazz]

I guess it would depend on how far away your breaker panel is. Mine was in the garage so it was only about a 12-15 foot run. Cost me $150.00 bucks.
Well worth it for loading and unloading in the summer heat.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by McGarrett50

[B]Coleman Cable 09208 12/3 SJTW Twist To Lock Extension Cord, 20-Amp, 50-Foot, Yellow

The twist lock has a unique end on it. They literally have a round plug on it. they are made to ensure the cord does not come unplugged. This type of cords are commonly used in industrial industries or to hang a cord from a ceiling like at a retail shop for a temporary display.

Your house is not equipped to use a twist lock cord, so you will have to replace the outlet

[Trippers]

The fridge draws very little, just pick up a common & inexpensive #14 or #16 extension cord. At whatever length, up to 100'. The #10 - 30 ampere cord will work too with a 15 or 20 amp adapter at the outlet, plus someday you may need a 30 amp extension when camping and it's too far to the pedestal. I like my idea so much I'm headed to Walmart to pick up a 30 amp extension today! Will leave my #14 extension in the garage and pick up a 30 to 20 amp adapter as suggested above.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by McGarrett50

Joe - Approximately, how much did the 30a installation cost? Thanks, McGarrett

Just be sure the electrician knows how to wire a 30 amp RV outlet. It will still be only 110 and not 220. Several people have ended up with blown equipment because the electrician made a big Boo Boo.

[wags999]

If you tell him its a 30amp 120 line the receptacle is different than a 30 amp 240 line. It is still possible to wire it incorrectly but, the receptacle is clearly marked.

[mhuntington]

if you wanna save some mula go and buy some 12/3 or 10/3 sow from home depot buy a female end that fits your camper plug and buy a male 20 amp end and make your own cord.