I have read the comments and I am a little lost. I have a travel trailer that is wired for 50amps. The trailer is wired with two circuits as there are two AC units and I assume that one is on each circuit. When using a conversion dog bone - 50amp to 30amp it appears that the plug is only using one of the legs to send power into the trailer. If this is the case, how is the other circuit getting its power or is there a bus bar in plug that is linking both legs into one?
What dogbone do you have? When you mention leg are you talking about a product like part # CAM55025 or like the part # CAM55185 ?
Hello, I have a 50 amp trailer that often needs an adaptor to use a 30 amp power source. I'm confused as to which EMS to purchase that will protect my unit (30 amp or 50 amp)? Thanks,
I believe you're talking about a surge protector, correct? If that's the case then I'd go with a 50A protector like part # CAM55313 and an adapter like part # CAM55185 .
Dear Expert Regarding the Power Grip RV Power maximizer CAM55025P Which allows you to Y together a 30amp and 15amp plug into a 50amp plug. How is this Y wired? are the 30 and 15amp wired together and fed to both phases of the 50amp plug or does the 30amp line connect to one phase of the 50amp plug and the 15amp line connect to the other phase of the 50amp line? thanks
The grounds and neutrals are wired together for the Camco Power Grip # CAM55025 . The 15A and 30A power is then ran to their own parts in the 50A side.
Dear Natalie, I am using a Camco RV Power Defender Voltage Monitor # CAM55306, connected with an adapter to a 15 amp outlet in my home workshop. I've been using this CAM55306 for about 5 years to keep RV battery charges, run lights, etc. During the extreme power outages we had in Texas over the past week, I ran it for several days on a portable generator. After electric service was restored, I plugged everything in as before, but now the red 'warning' light is on constantly, and the power light (that blinks for a couple of minutes when hooking up before coming on steady) is continuing to blink as long as it is plugged in. Does this mean the CAM55306 is going bad (it's 5 years old), or does it indicate another problem?
Did you give it 2 minutes to get a readout of your electrical system prior to plugging anything in? I'm guessing you've tried disconnecting and then reconnecting it already? Glad to hear that you had some provisions for power during that period in Texas!
Parallel two 2500 Westinghouse gens. (18.3running.amps 20 peak peach) Have a 50 amp parallel cable with nema 14 50 plugged into a. 50 amp 15 ft extension cord (nema 14 50 amp). From this I've ordered a 5 plug 110 plug for he use. Shall I worry? Can this work. as back up?
Are you trying to use the generators for your house, or trying to run 110V appliances in your RV using this method? As long as you're pulling power from your generators using a plug rated for 110V or 120V then you should be fine as far as compatibility goes, but when it comes to the amount of power you're pulling that is something you'll need to figure on your end by adding up all of the power usage from your appliances.
I have a 50 amp RV and connected into a 15 amp/110 outlet over the winter to maintain my batteries. My refrigerator is a residential unit with no way to turn it off unless I disconnect it. Will the batteries still charge with the refrigerator running?
I would think so but that kind of depends on the size of the fridge and if you have any kind of charger/maintainer for the batteries that can help read things like that.
I have a 50 amp Rv. Can I use a dual 30 amp to 50 amp “Y” adaptor to two 30 amp on a 9000 w generator?
Yes, just keep in mind that you will still be limited by 50A since that's what your RV is rated for.
If you have an RV with 50 Amps service .With two legs of 120 Volts each .When you’re plugged in to a 15 amp cord how is everything in the RV still work?
What do you mean by everything? Were you still able to run your AC and appliances with a larger draw like that? The only thing I can think of is if for some reason those were pulling power from your battery bank instead of directly from that power cord. As we state in the article, using just the 15 Amp service should only be providing a maintenance charge to your battery bank.
@JonG I don’t mean that you can run everything at once .I mean all the 110 plugs are hot ,how is that possible when you’re bringing two legs in when your hooked to 50 amps? And only one leg when your hooked to 15 amps. And still all plugs are hot.
@WaltS Ah, that makes much more sense. When plugged into 15A service that means that the max you can draw is 15A without blowing any fuses/breakers. Since all you're doing is completing a circuit when you test that means that you aren't exceeding that 15A draw.
This is a good article that has a lot of very good good information but it leaves me confused about the power source. A typical house has 3 lines from the power pole that has 2 power lines and a return. Between either power line and return measures 120V. Between the two power lines measures 240V (2 phase). Does a 50 amp service from the power pedestal provide power similar to house power? That is, measuring between the 2 power lines yields 240V?
Essentially, yes. It's just important to remember that there is a 50A limiter via the RV breaker so you'll need to remain under 50A total - not just per line.
I thought 30 amp coaches were 30 amp everywhere and 50 amp were 25 one side 25 the other
The 30-Amp Service has 1 power pin while the 50-Amp Service has 2 power pins. The 30A version pin is rated for 30A alone while the 50A plug is rated for 50A together, so basically you have to remain under 50A otherwise the breaker will blow. From my understanding there isn't a denoted amount of amps to either pin.
@JonG if the 50 amp feed needs to stay under 50 amps total, that would provide a maximum of 6000 watts. The article says 12,000 watts for 50 amp, which would suggest 50 amps per leg.
@Steven The 50A service on the RV side is 50A per leg. The limiting factors are the pedestal that you connect to as well as the breaker for the 50A service on your RV. So even though the power is available you still need to be mindful of what you're using so you don't blow any fuses, very much like what happens at your home.
We just bought an RV trailer that uses 30 amp service. We want to install an RV receptacle at home. Since we may decide to upgrade to a larger 50 amp trailer at some point, does it make sense for us to install a 50 amp receptacle at home and use a converter? Is that any less safe?
As stated in the article it is completely safe to plug in your 30A trailer into a 50A service using an adapter (see linked selection). This way when you do go to a larger trailer you don't have to worry about reconfiguring your receptacle at home.
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Question. We just purchased a new trailer that has 50 amp service. The 50 amp cord is tough to handle. Not all places we go has 50 amp service. Instead of using an adapter (50 to30). Will a 30 amp cord pug into the trailer in place of the 50 amp cord?
You can, but if that's all that you carry with you then that means you'll be limited to 30A even if you're plugged into a 50A service. I'd just carry the adapter with you so that you know you're getting the most out of whatever service you're connected to.
I have a 30amp trailer. Bought a generator that has a 30amp, 4-prong 240v receptacle. Can I take my cord from the trailer, get an adapter to hook directly to the 4-prong receptacle and power my rig that way? I think that is what this article was about but I want to make sure. I've read from other locations that even with that, I should only use the 15 amp receptacle. Why the 30 amp receptacle on generators then?
You should be just fine using an adapter like part # CAM55382 . I think what they are referring to is the 240V setting on your generator, but your generator should also be rated for 120V as well so it'll be just fine. Did they give any reasons as to why you should only use the 15A?
@JonG other than because it was 240v not a 30 amp 120v receptacle. That was the conversation when the answer came back as such. I didn’t quite understand that. Thanks
@JohnC What generator do you have? I've been doing some more research and it looks like if your outlet is only rated for 240V then that isn't good for your trailer. Are there any type of switches or other outlets on it?
@JonG it is the Predator 4350 model. It has that 240v and then four 120v outlets. Perhaps I can’t use it for that then. I can run extension cords for specific things then or hooking up battery charger I guess. Sounds like I’m limited with options with this model
@JohnC I wasn't able to find that exact model but I was able to see the 4375 model which I'm guessing is similar? For the 4375 it has an AC 120/240V outlet that is rated for 15A which makes sense as to why they would recommend a 15A cord. With that being said, since your trailer will be rated for 30A I wouldn't use this generator to power your trailer. Otherwise you're probably going to be constantly tripping up those breakers.
@JonG Sorry, I did mean model 4375. You got it. Thanks.
@JohnC Anytime!
Info above very helpfull. My son inlaw purchased a generator that has a 50 amp 240 volt outlet. His house has a 30 amp 240 volt service line with 4 prongs. Is it safe to pug into this line? The house already has a set up breaker box for power failure.
I would think that's okay but you really need to speak with a technician that specializes in residential generator setups like what you have. There can be differences between residential and RV so I recommend going that route to ensure it's okay.
I used a MightyCord 14-50P to TT30-R adapter to plug my RV into a 220V 14-50 outlet at my house (used for an EV car charger), and only remembered it was 220V a few seconds later. There doesn't appear to be any damage to the RV, which really surprised me. Is it possible this is due to the adapter not using all the wires from the 14-50, and thus not transferring 220V to the RV? I'm relieved there was no damage, but is it safe to use in this way?
It could be but I'm not sure to be quite honest. When it comes to connecting an RV to an outlet at your house we always recommend consulting a professional electrician to make sure that everything is safe to use together.
Why is there no 6-50p to TT-30r adapter available? This would go from my welder outlet in the garage so I can plug my 30a trailer in.
I just don't think that there is very much of a demand for that type of an adapter which is why you're having a hard time finding it.
@JonG - OK, I was thinking there might be a compatibility issue of some sort, I'm no electrician. I have one coming tomorrow to do some work here, I'll ask if that is the issue.
@TimR Yeah the best thing to do in that instance is to have a professional come out and make sure that everything is safe.
I have been looking on your site to find a 30amp receptical and plug that are compatible for my travel trailer, and two that might be comparable the numbers are A 10-30FDT and A 10-30INBKUP. I am contacting you to verify these numbers that could be a match that would connect together. Could you help me for conformation on these items. Thank for the help.
I'm guessing you mean the parts # A10-30FDT and # A10-30INVP ? I wasn't able to find a part with the number A10-30INBKUP that you mentioned but I can confirm that the 2 part numbers I mentioned above are compatible with each other.
I have a 50 Amp receptacle on the outside of my house where I plug in my generator when I lose electricity in storms. My RV is also 50 Amp, so I am wondering if I can plug into that receptacle to power my RV? Will power run in the right direction?
You should be okay to do this (I confirmed this with my contact at Mighty Cords) but I'd double check with the company that set up your generator receptacle just to be on the safe side of things.
@JonG Chances are it won't work as the 50 Amp receptacle on the outside of your house would be connected to a transfer switch in the house that switches the house service from Hydro to the generator in a power failure. When your house has Hydro power the receptacle on the outside of your house would not have any power available for your RV.
We have a teardrop trailer that runs on 30amp. Other than connecting to charge at home we've not yet camped at sites with power. This is all new and a bit confusing so bear with me. We have a 30/15a dogbone adapter. We will be staying a a site soon that has 20A. What do we need to connect?
You'll need one of the adapters in the link here. Each one has a different male connection to the 20A so you'll need to reach out to the campsite to see what type of connection they have.
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I am storing my 50 amp fifth wheel where there is a house plug 15 amp service. I have purchased your 50 amp to 15 amp adapter to connect at the RV. From the adapter I am running my extension cord to the House outlet. Can I use a 15 amp surge protector? And what size lead cord should I be using?
You could use a 15 amp surge protector but it wouldn't really protect your 5th wheel, since it runs on 50 amp service. You technically would still want to stick with a 50 amp surge protector for this application.
I have a 2018 30-amp travel trailer, 33' long, one 15K A/C unit. I often camp at parks where both 30 and 50 amp hookups are available at my site. Would it be more beneficial to always hook up to the 50 amp service when available to take full advantage of all 30 amps of power I may need? I've stayed at some parks where the 30 amp breakers were weak and would trip before full load. Please let me know. Thanks.
I don't honestly think it would matter, either way. Assuming you're using an adapter like # A10-5030FBK you'd still be getting 30 amps when hooking up to a 50 amp outlet. If you run into issues with not getting enough power from 30 amp outlets though it's certainly a fine solution.
@ChrisR Thank you for your reply. Yes I have this 30 to 50 amp adapter. I know my rig pulls right at 28 amps at full load and sometimes I trip the 30 amp breaker, especially at state parks. If I just hooked to the 50 amp to begin with then I wouldn't have to worry about it.
Is there or can it be made, a 50 Amp plug that is divided into a 30 amp & 20 amp receptacle? That way I could use the 30 Amps to power my RV and the 20 Amp to power my added AC unit going thru a 50 Amp Power Defender/Circuit Analyzer. Also where could I get it?
The closest adapter we have to that is the Camco # CAM55025 , which lets you go from the 50 amp plug on your camper/RV to 15 amp and 30 amp outlets. I'm not away of something similar that goes to 30 amp and 20 amp outlets.
I'm actually looking for an adapter that goes from 50 Amp shore power to a 30 amp receptacle and a 15 amp receptacle and is there a way one can be constructed if there isn't one available?
@DanM I have a 30amp RV. Many campsites do not have an additional 15 amp outlet. I purchased a a big, yellow adapter that is a 50 amp male with two 30 amp females. Put the male 50 amp plug into a 50amp pedestal, then plug 30amp Rv male into one 30 amp female and use a 30amp male-to-15amp female adapter in the other for regular extension cord. I am traveling now but do not have the big adapter with me. I will be home after Sept.8th...email me then and I can give you the brand name.
@DanM Here is the info you needed: I have a MARINCO LL95531 adapter. Main plug is 50 amp male that splits to two 30 amps females, 125/250 V, na-1-2. It is bright yellow, however I have painted mine black to be less noticeable at the RV park pedestal.
Thank you. Very helpful.
@BruceB My adapter is a MARINCO LL95531; 125/250 V, NA-1-2. Male 50 amp splits into two 30 amp females.
I have a 30 RV and I use a 30 Amp surge protector. I will be camping at a park with 50 Amp service. I have a 50 to 30 amp dog bone for the connection. Is the proper way to hook up to connect the 50 to 30 dog bone to the pedestal then plug in my 30 amp surge protector and then my 30 amp cord to camper?
You are exactly right!
So, I have an RV with a 30 amp system. I purchased a 50 amp Portable RV EMS with Surge Protection EMS-PT50X by mistake. Question: With a 30 amp supply at a campground, can I plug the 50 amp surge protection into the 30 amp supply and then attach a 50 amp - 30 amp dogbane and not worry?
Physically that would work but the 50 amp surge protector won't do much good since it wouldn't protect against surges over 30 amps.
one other thought to my previous post about 50A vs. 30A : they should be more accurately described as 50 amp - 240 volt to 30 amp - 110 volt adapter, because you just cant assume anything anymore! take note manufacturers.
The 50 amp side of the adapter has 2 pins for power (black), 1 pin for common (white), and 1 pin for ground (green); the 30 amp side of the adapter needs only one black pin to be connected to one of the 30A pins to give you 110 volts. If you want to check your adapter to make sure your 240V - 50A power supply is being converted to 110V-30A, you can test one side pin or the other with a volt meter to see if its "dead". I havnt been able to find an explanation of this until I recently bought a clear plastic 50A to 30A plug style adapter that you can see the wiring inside, and one of the 50A pins is not connected, so voila! 110volts and my RV is not fried!
I’m new to home generators. I bought a Champion 3400 for power before the next Harvey or Ike hits. I want to know the type of safe extension cord I need to run from the generator into the house for the frig and portable a/c. Thanks
You'll need to use a heavy duty 240 watt extension cord from the generator to an outlet that would be installed on the outside of your house. To set your house up so that you can power things like your fridge and AC with the generator (when needed), you'll want to have an electrician come by to add a generator interlock kit to your breaker box, along with the plug outlet on the house.
I think 15-amp powered RVs are typically small, so they do not need a lot of power. They use the same power capacity as the ones that you find at home. What do you think about that. Thanks for your useful information in the article!
I agree. A trailer/RV designed for 15 amp service wouldn't have too many powered accessories and would definitely be on the smaller side.
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