Amp Help ASAP!

[wags999]

Originally Posted by JHerzog

Put this behind the adapter from 50 - 30 amp


https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55301-D...Power+Defender

That watches voltage, not amperage, will do no good for the issue being discussed. All this being said, plugging into a 50 amp receptacle happens 1000's of times a day with nary a problem, not something I would be concerned about, plus, chances are 99 to 100 that you will have a 30 amp plug available also.

[cekkk]

If you're still "amped" up over this, why not call the campground and ask if there's 30 amp service along side the 50?

Save the angst for a real problem. And happy camping!

[rsday75]

Back when we had a 30 amp rig, we used the 50 to 30 adapter twice in campgrounds that had a 30 amp socket. One the 30 amp socket was so loose that I worried about arcing.
The other, the 30 amp breaker on the pole would trip at about 20 amps. Couldn't even run our AC with nothing else on. Was fine with the adapter from the 50.

[RoyBraddy]

ALot of folks like to use the 50A Service with their 30A trailer as the 30A service gets used more then the 50A service and the sockets wear out quicker..

The 50A to 30A adapter only uses one leg of the 50A service to feed your 30A trailer.

A schematic of the adapter looks like this... As you can only one of the HOT LEGs goes down to the 30A connector...


Google DMBRUSS image

Roy Ken

[RayPayne]

Tu put your mind at ease, think of it just like your internal circuits. Your 30 Amp break doesn't prevent your 15 Amp breaker from working for your outlets. The 50 Amp, or any size larger upstream has no impact on your RV.

[bansai]

Looks like just about everyone is on the same page with this one

Just to add my 2 cents, I use my 50amp dogbone more often than I ever thought I would.

The 30 amp plugins get pretty banged up at some of the parks we go to. Some are very 'sloppy', loose, look like they had plenty of charring from arcs, etc.. I never give plugging my camper into 50 amp service a moments thought. If the plug looks better, I run with it. I spend a lot more energy explaining to my family why we don't dump all the coffee grounds in the sink than giving a second thought about the 50amp service.

Going the other direction is a different story. I'm a lot more careful when I'm running my camper on a 15 or 20 amp circuit here at home.

[The Logans]

We have used the 50 amp outlet quite a few time when the 30 amp was too beat up to use safely. It's not uncommon in older campgrounds, and State Parks.

Relax and enjoy!

[trailer virgin]

Are you guys saying a surge protector is not necessary when plugging in? Ever? Waste of money?

[bansai]

Originally Posted by trailer virgin

Are you guys saying a surge protector is not necessary when plugging in? Ever? Waste of money?

Nope, not saying that at all. I won't plug in without my progressive industries EMS regardless of the AMP rating of the pedestal, it is always in play. Most suggest that it's one of the first things you buy.

I don't usually use it here at home because my power here is of a known quality / stability and I'm rarely plugged in for more than a few hours.

These 'dog bone' adapters being discussed have nothing to do with needing an EMS.

[RayPayne]

Originally Posted by trailer virgin

Are you guys saying a surge protector is not necessary when plugging in? Ever? Waste of money?

The 50A/30A outlet is different. There is no issue with plugging 30A into 50A as long as you use an off the shelf adapter. (You only use half the 50A, so don't try to tap in to it yourself for any reason. Pre-made adapters are safe.)

A surge is a sudden jump in the power going to your electrical system. This can happen from things like lightening strikes and is the common cause you'll see for people having dead electronics after a storm passes by. (Over simplification...)

You should also worry about low voltage, since that can cause your devices to draw higher current, and cook your devices. On a hot day if everyone turns on the AC at the same time, voltage will drop because the system can't handle the entire load at one time. When travelling that is more of an issue than when plugged in at home. Not to say you won't get brown outs at your home too, but there is usually better infrastructure for your home than there is for many RV parks.

That is why almost everyone carries the power adapters for 50A if they have a 30A RV. And it's why most people have surge protection. Following closely after that are the number of people with protection from Progressive Industries, which offers surge protection, and will cut off the power to your RV before it causes damage if anything happens for surges, low or high voltage.

[wags999]

Just to clarify, surge protectors only protect against a massive surge, ie lightening strikes or similar. An EMS will protect against over and under voltage, typically about 10% higher or lower than standard 120 volts. It also protects against reverse polarity, open grounds and power surges. A surge protector is about $100, while an EMS is about $300. Higher if you have 50 amp service.

It is highly recommended, depending on the type of rving you do, to at least have a surge protector. Most knowledgeable RVers will have either a hard wired or portable EMS connected. It assures the most complete coverage for all your electrical appliances in your RV. At home, where electrical service is not typically connected all the time, there is less need for an EMS or even a surge protector. That call is up to you.

Good Luck

[The Logans]

We ALWAYS use a surge protector... Keep in mind that it also immediately let's you know (before the rv is connected) is there is a polarity issue at the post. If money was no object, I'd also have a power conditioner....

[skidsjayco]

Originally Posted by RoyBraddy

ALot of folks like to use the 50A Service with their 30A trailer as the 30A service gets used more then the 50A service and the sockets wear out quicker..

The 50A to 30A adapter only uses one leg of the 50A service to feed your 30A trailer.

A schematic of the adapter looks like this... As you can only one of the HOT LEGs goes down to the 30A connector...


Google DMBRUSS image

Roy Ken

Good reason to use the adapter (worn 30 amp receptacle).

[Wireman]

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

I installed one of these. Protects against any electrical hazard that may occur.