How To Get Power To Specific Circuit Breakers With A 50 Amp Panel On 30 Amp Service

Published 11/27/2023

Question:

We have a 2019 Grand Design Solitude 377MBS. Its a large camper with dual 50amp breakers. I have tried several 30amp to 50amp adapters. But they dont power both 50amp breakers. Some do not work at all. I understand a 30amp cord only has one hot. Do they make an adapter that will split the 30 amps into two hots to power both my 50 amp breakers? We wouldnt run either AC in this situation, but it would be nice to have power to all our outlets. Thank you,

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

Your 50 amp breakers should each have a single hot line running to them so there wouldn't be an adapter to send power to both lines. The output of the shore power in this case would only be 30 amps so you'd be more likely to blow the circuit if you did somehow power both lines. The # A10-3050D90VP is only going to power one line so the only real way to power all of your outlets would be to have those circuit breakers in line with the 50 amp main circuit breaker that is getting power so that they'll still receive power when on 30 amp service.

I don't know exactly how your panel is setup but you'd likely have to move a majority of the circuit breakers around to get all the outlets on the powered line while still splitting the power consumption between the two mains to prevent overloading the circuit. If you aren't comfortable with doing this kind of work then I highly recommend reaching out to a local electrician.

expert reply by: Kevin C