Comparing 50-Amp RV Service to 30-Amp RV Service, 4-Prong Plug Vs. 2-Prong

Published 05/05/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter - 50 Amp Twist Lock Female to 30 Amp Male - 12" Long

(1342)

$69.37

Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter - 50 Amp Female to 30 Amp Male - 12" Long

(1342)

$35.50

Question:

If this is going from a 4-wire configuration to a 3-wire, what wire is eliminated ?? I am guessing the neutral, but that is just a guess . . . THANKS !

asked by: Jim F

Expert Reply:

The Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter, # A10-3050D90VP is used to adapt your RV's 4-prong 50-amp power inlet for use with a 30-amp 3-prong extension cord/Power Pedestal. A 50-amp plug has four prongs with two of them providing 50-amps of power each. But the 30-amp RV service with 3-prongs only has one prong of power, one power wire from the 50 amp is not used.

The big difference to note between 50-Amp RV service and 30-amp RV service is that the 30-amp RV set-up provides a nominal 3,600 watts while the jump to a 50-amp RV service increases to a much greater nominal available wattage of 12,000 watts. How this looks in application of most 50-amp RV's is that they basically have two 50-amp circuit breakers due to two of the wires supplying 50-amps of power each.

The Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter - 50 Amp Twist Lock Female to 30 Amp Male, # A10-3050D90VP is my preferred adapter for this need. It has the twist-lock female plug that locks onto the power inlet. I like this feature for creating a seal to protect against moisture and to keep it from coming loose if operating from a generator.

Use the Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter, # A10-3050FHVP if you need/want something that does not have the twist-lock ring.

I hope you find this information to be helpful. Happy Camping!