Odd amp situation

[GaryNK]

Doing a one night at a friends. Plugged in to their 30 amp and got a Reverse Polarity error = problem for friend. With adapter, ran a cord to a normal outside receptacle without error code so energized the rv for the night. I expected the RV Power Distribution Monitor to read 15 Amp but the reading was 30. As we didn’t need AC, I wasn’t concerned about adjusting around. The thought is that the owner actually has a 30 amp service at that receptacle, a possible problem for friend or the rv monitor displays 30 on a 15 amp service?

[Jagiven]

What power management system are you using?

I am not aware of any unit that can tell if you are connected to a 15 amp, 20 amp or even a 30 amp outlet. It just knows you are connected to 120 v outlet.

My guess your friend's 30 amp outlet is miss wired. I carry an outlet test with me. Very helpful tool when you have a flaky outlet.

Here is an example of one with a gfci tester:
https://www.amazon.com/Sperry-Instru...+tester&sr=8-5

[ARoamer]

Originally Posted by GaryNK

Doing a one night at a friends. Plugged in to their 30 amp and got a Reverse Polarity error = problem for friend. With adapter, ran a cord to a normal outside receptacle without error code so energized the rv for the night. I expected the RV Power Distribution Monitor to read 15 Amp but the reading was 30. As we didn’t need AC, I wasn’t concerned about adjusting around. The thought is that the owner actually has a 30 amp service at that receptacle, a possible problem for friend or the rv monitor displays 30 on a 15 amp service?

Hard to speculate without more detailed info. What is giving the error? RV power Distribution Monitor??
No way can you "normally" get 30A from a 15A outlet.
Did your friend or a unlicensed electrician install the 30A receptacle?

From the web-
Reverse Polarity means neutral and hot are reversed, but the voltage is still correct at 120v (more or less). The way to test for it is to put a voltmeter between the neutral and ground terminals and test for zero voltage. Then, to double check, put the voltmeter between the hot & ground and check for 120v.
Most things still work when the polarity is reversed, but there are two potential problems:
1. Increased shock hazard
2. Some (few) things are polarity sensitive and not smart enough to verify the input power polarity. Those will either not work or go up in smoke.

[RedHorse1]

Wouldn’t 30A from the power dist panel indicate the TT is consuming 30A? The 2nd question is how is a 15A plug delivering that, is it wired to a 30A or more breaker? If so, why.

[craigav]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

Wouldn’t 30A from the power dist panel indicate the TT is consuming 30A? The 2nd question is how is a 15A plug delivering that, is it wired to a 30A or more breaker? If so, why.

As Jagiven stated, your monitor doesn't know if you are plugged into 15,20, or 30 amp circuit. Also, the monitor doesn't know how much current the TT is consuming based on you seeing a 30A reading when plugged in.

What it could know, is that 50A service uses 2 legs of 120v and it likely is reporting when it sees 2 legs as 50A and when it sees only 1 leg it shows 30A.

For your last question, a circuit (plug) that is protected with a 15A breaker is not going to deliver 30A of current. The confusion I suspect that your are seeing is that the monitor shows 30A, but again, it doesn't really know the difference between 15,20,30A breaker in the circuit. Many monitors and EMS systems will allow you to specify that you are only connected to a 15A or 20A breaker to help the EMS make better decisions in managing the power.

~CA