50 amp to 30 amp adapter?

OnTheGo · 03-21-2014, 06:11 PM

Does anyone have experience with an adapter that lets you plug a 30 amp cord into a 50 amp receptacle? Are they safe?

We're stopping at a location that only has 50 amp service available, and we have 30 amp service. I'll buy an adapter if they are safe, but I have a portable generator I can use if the adapters cause problems.

Thanks in advance.

Jmooney · 03-21-2014, 06:29 PM

I wouldn't

The other way makes sense, where the maximum current from the source is fused at 30 amps, going through a 50 amp rated wire, but I would never allow a potential of 50 amp draw run through a 30 amp wire.

That has fire hazard written all over it.

Jmooney · 03-21-2014, 06:31 PM

Usually , when the CG says 50 amp service, the electrical box has all three: 50, 30 and 20 amp receptacles

I've never seen a connection that only has a 50 amp plug

jdorant · 03-21-2014, 06:36 PM

I have one like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Voltec-16-0050...amp+rv+adapter

Some people like to plug into the 50amp service because they are usually less worn than the 30amp receptacles. I have only connected that way once, and I think it was for 4 nights with the AC running and had no issues.

dalenoel · 03-21-2014, 07:10 PM

You'll find many newer or upgraded campgrounds that can supply this for you. Your TT will have breakers that will limit how much you draw so they will trip first before you exceed the amount of current your main cable can stand.

Grumpy · 03-21-2014, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalenoel

You'll find many newer or upgraded campgrounds that can supply this for you. Your TT will have breakers that will limit how much you draw so they will trip first before you exceed the amount of current your main cable can stand.

X2 You will not overload your cord. We used a 50 to 30 adapter for years when we had a 30 amp rig.

mcfarmall · 03-21-2014, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmooney

I wouldn't

The other way makes sense, where the maximum current from the source is fused at 30 amps, going through a 50 amp rated wire, but I would never allow a potential of 50 amp draw run through a 30 amp wire.

That has fire hazard written all over it.

I would.

Your trailer has a 30 amp main breaker at the converter doesn't it? If the load inside your trailer exceeds 30 amps it will trip protecting the downstream (load) and the upstream (line) wire. If your 30 amp cord is plugged into a 50 amp receptacle and a tree branch falls on your shore power cord shorting the hot to ground or neutral the breaker will trip once again protecting the wire.

The 18 gauge wire on your table lamp in the living room is plugged into a 15 or 20 amp circuit that far exceeds the ampacity of the lamp cord but you have been living that way for how many years?

Jagiven · 03-21-2014, 08:20 PM

I own an adapter but have never used it. In my opinion it is not as safe as using the proper socket. Some say you are protected, because you have a 30 amp breaker in the tt. I disagree, as the cord between the tt breaker panel and the electrical post has the potential of 50 amps power draw and it is not rated for that much current. In reality the the only issue would be from a short in the power cord not tripping the breaker soon enough to protect you from a potential fire.

Jmooney · 03-21-2014, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

I would.

Your trailer has a 30 amp main breaker at the converter doesn't it? If the load inside your trailer exceeds 30 amps it will trip protecting the downstream (load) and the upstream (line) wire. If your 30 amp cord is plugged into a 50 amp receptacle and a tree branch falls on your shore power cord shorting the hot to ground or neutral the breaker will trip once again protecting the wire.

The 18 gauge wire on your table lamp in the living room is plugged into a 15 or 20 amp circuit that far exceeds the ampacity of the lamp cord but you have been living that way for how many years?

Interesting. Hadn't thought about it that way. The lamp itself only draws an amp or so, but it's the same principle: smaller gauge downstream from higher possible supply

Still makes me cringe a bit

msturtz · 03-21-2014, 11:16 PM

I have one from Amazon. They are safe. What would not be safe is what other people have done which is they don't want to pay for or store a 50 amp cord so they use a 50 to 30 amp adapter to run a 30 amp extension cord then a 30 amp to 50 amp adapter. This is unsafe because you are actually drawing 50 amps (single phase) through a 30 amp cord. Since you have a 30 amp RV you can only pull 30 amps through the load center. It doesn't matter what you are plugged into as long as it is the correct voltage.

OnTheGo · 03-22-2014, 03:33 AM

Thanks, everybody. I feel better about using one now.

tnchuck100 · 03-22-2014, 06:27 AM

There is absolutely NO safety issue in using an 50 amp to 30 amp adapter.

Another thought that seems to escape most people is the pedestal breakers are not there to protect you or your equipment but only to protect the campground equipment.

Your equipment protection is supplied in your camper by its 30 amp breaker (or 50 amp).

If you are really concerned about protecting your equipment you should consider investing in an EMS (Energy Management System). These can be pricey but still cheaper than replacing your air conditioner should you get exposed to high or low voltage.

wwsmith111 · 03-22-2014, 01:29 PM

We have been using one for years with no problems at many rv parks. If there is problem with the 30 amp cord the 50 amp breaker on the hookup post will blow. Most electrical wires can handle at least double the amps they are rated for with no problems. That is a built in safety factor. FWI, the adapter is only hooked to one 50 amp leg (there are two) so one doesn't have to worry about losing the neutral and getting 240v. I always use an electrical tester to test the circuit before plugging in. One can get one online or at Home Deport for example for about $7. I also have a voltmeter I plug in to test the voltage. If it is too high or low one needs to know this before "frying" stuff.

**norty1** · 03-22-2014, 03:01 PM

The dog one adapter should be with you. I have an assortment to adapt any thing to my rig. The amp draw is determined by the load. Feeding it with 50a service that is properly adapted is a common practice.

You can buy the adapters most anywhere that sells R V supplies for less than 15 bucks.

Iraqvet05 · 03-22-2014, 03:16 PM

I bought a dog bone adapter at the advice of a friend when we first bought our TT. On the 5th or 6th outing, we were hooked into a spot that had 50 and 30A outlets. I was on the 30A feed and all went well the first day but the next morning the A/C tried to kick on and we lost power at the pedestal. The CG attendendant came over with a multimeter and could figure out why our 30A feed failed when the two sites next to us were fine. We used the adapter on the 50A outlet...it kept us tearing down and moving to another site.

krackeer · 03-22-2014, 04:38 PM

With my first TT, I always plugged into the 30 amp at the pedestal. I ended up replacing the end of my power cord twice as it was slowly burning away. When I purchased my Jayco, I said something about it to the dealer. He suggested the adapter, and my plug still looks new.

carlharsch · 03-22-2014, 04:53 PM

I've used one at my home for years. Perfectly safe. Have 2 of them now that I don't use since going to a 50 amp coach.

**norty1** · 03-22-2014, 06:35 PM

The main reason you have problems with a 30a pedestal is most rigs use them an draw max current. The pedestal plugs get worn from use and heat up, melting the conductors or tripping at less than 30a. Over time they will self destruct.
CG's should replace the plugs and breakers but most don't.

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