Does 30 Amp to 15 Amp Adapter Plug Boost Power

Updated 10/22/2020 | Published 10/21/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter Plug - 15 Amp Female to 30 Amp Male - Round

(790)

$6.40

Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter Plug - 30 Amp Female to 15 Amp Male - Round

(790)

$6.94

Question:

Im buying a travel trailer Airstream Basecamp that hooks up to 30A for shore power. At my garage, I have a typical household 15A plug-in although the garage breaker reads 20A. When I use the adapter to plug the trailer in at home, will I be able to use all the trailers electrical functions or only the ones that Id use on a home circuit in my house? For instance, when plugging in, I should be able to use the trailers 12v lights and to keep the batteries charged by plugging in, but would I be able to use the electric heater, the tank warmers, or the air conditioner? Ive read in online comments but not verifiably from experts that Ill only be able to use low-pull electrical devices, that an adapter doesnt boost the power but only adapts the plugs for lower power intake. Is this true? I have this situation with my current tiny trailer that I own. Its wiring is for 15A shore power, so when I use appliances, I have to count watts or amps. For instance, I in this fall weather, in the morning when I turn on our electrical induction water pot for tea, I turn off our portable electric oil heater that is our campers heat. The two devices and our extension cord to the power source add up to 2400 watts, and the cord and outlet system is only rated for 1800. Is the 15A to 30A RV adapter safe, and what kind of use by RV owners would be unsafe? I see no cautions on the product listings.

asked by: Thomas L

Expert Reply:

In your scenario, since your RV hooks up to 30 amps and your household plug is the typical 15 amp what you would need is the Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter Plug - 30 Amp Female to 15 Amp Male # A10-1530ARDVP.

And in regards to the power it is accurate that when using the 15 amp adapter, and since you have a 20 amp breaker, you can pull up to 20 amps before your breaker trips. So you will be limited in the power consumption, and will need to continue to count amps - it will not boost the power.

expert reply by: Kyle S