Community Forums

mothgrey · 11-19-2013, 06:01 AM

I'm thinking after seeing post here of wiring an electric hookup at the garage for the MH. It is a 2004 Damon 50A hookup. I'm really new to this so if I do a 30 amp will that run the furnace seeing as it's propane. Or in the summer 1 AC?
I just want to be able to have it hooked up as we get last in the season of were going to take a trip like this weekend and not worry about a freeze. Then we'll winterize it and put it away. But this may happen several years. Or leave the AC run for a day or two in the summer without running the genny for a day or two. I have 100 amps going to my out building. Is that logical?

GA Navigator · 11-19-2013, 06:07 AM

I have a 50 amp plug but wire sized for 30 amps with 30 amp breaker. It runs everything.

KSCRUDE · 11-19-2013, 06:13 AM

If you got it add a new receptacle, just do the 50A and be done with it. It will come in handy. The 100A service to the garage will cover everything easily. I put RV type boxes in our shop with 50-30-20A plugins in it. That way we can plug in anything without adapters.

And we have 7 RV boxes all over the shop which is fed by a 200 amp service.

"007" · 11-19-2013, 06:15 AM

What ever you decide make sure its an outlet for a RV and wired correctly.

buckstand · 11-19-2013, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Navigator

I have a 50 amp plug but wire sized for 30 amps with 30 amp breaker. It runs everything.

yep me 2.
A 50 amp plug, 50 amp wire but a 30 amp breaker, never had any problems. I keep the AC's set on 83 and let her go. I never see it pull over 21 to 23 or so amps. No difference on the power bill.

Gearhead383 · 11-19-2013, 06:23 AM

I use a 30amp from the shop to the coach. It will run everything except both AC's at the same time. A 30 amp service for 1 AC is no problem and I'm sure the furnace in your motor home runs off of 12 volts and propane. The hookup will keep you batteries charged so the furnace will keep on running.

Lued · 11-19-2013, 06:30 AM

We use 30 amps most of the time, my home power is 30 amps, can run 1 AC or heat pump and most everything else. If you want 2 AC running and other stuff go with the 50 amp.
I also have 100 amps to my building 50 amps for the welder , 30amps for the RV and the rest for plugs and lights works great.

Old Scout · 11-19-2013, 06:36 AM

Not sure what the "code" is on this but I am pretty sure you should not install a 50 amp plug with only 30 amp rated wiring. Even with proper signage, you may remember but someone, someday may not. If you have 100 amp power to the building, why not go with 50 amp plug and wire? This will give you max flexibility to use the RV while parked at home, eg, spare bedroom for guests, temp for house remodel, optional "dog house" [for you], etc....

Retired and Happy · 11-19-2013, 10:43 AM

We recently traded, actually bought and sold, up from a 30A to 50A rig. Last summer I had finally put in a 30A box to plug into. Now I use an adapter to connect the 50A cord to the 30A box. Just yesterday I got both cooling zones operational, and was able to run both A/C's with only about 12A showing on the EMS. Not sure what this will look like when it's 90+ degrees outside or when we have other loads in use...microwave or washer/dryer, but for sitting in the driveway, it's working. I may put in a 50A box someday, but that stuff is expensive compared to the same components for 30A....not to mention harder to work with. But I would NEVER put a 50A receptacle on a 30A wire.

96 Wideglide · 11-19-2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired and Happy

Just yesterday I got both cooling zones operational, and was able to run both A/C's with only about 12A showing on the EMS. .

Sounds like only one of your AC compressors were running when you saw 12A.

Retired and Happy · 11-19-2013, 10:56 AM

That may well be. I'll double check later today or tomorrow and report back. Does the blower normally come on before the compressor kicks in?

MRUSA14 · 11-19-2013, 11:00 AM

When I installed mine I figured what the heck, go the full 9 yards, and I installed 50A. The difference in cost was only a little over $100 as I recall. Now I can run everything in the coach, which is graet when it gets really hot outside.

96 Wideglide · 11-19-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired and Happy

That may well be. I'll double check later today or tomorrow and report back. Does the blower normally come on before the compressor kicks in?

If the fan is set to low / med, or high, yes. If set to auto, no.

TurtleKent · 11-19-2013, 11:46 AM

I would install 50amp... the additional cost is negligible, the labor the same. Continually using a dogbone adapter sets up the possibility of resistance/failure/overheating/fire in the dogbone. 30amp not worth the hassle and increased risk, IMHO.