50amp to 30amp to 50amp

[SwampTrash]

Question: RV is 50amp, I have two 30amp rv extension cords from previous rv. If I need the length, can I plug one of the 30amp extension cords to my 50amp power cord, then use an 30 to50 adapter to plug in to the 50amp power outlet?

[RV Wizard]

You can but you will not be protecting the 30 amp power cord properly due to a 50 amp over current protection device. You will be allowed to pull 50 amps (25 amps on each leg) of the coach. This is 1/2 of your normal 50 amp service the coach is desired for. I do not recommend you do this unless you have to and keep wattage usage down to less than 5000 watts.

[SwampTrash]

Okay, thanks Mike. I've used the 30amp extension cord and plugged into a 30amp plug, but thought, in case the situation ever occurred where there wasn't a working 30amp plug would this work. Now I know, not to do that. Situations tend to pop in my mind and I'd rather ask than do something and be sorry.
Vickie

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampTrash Question: RV is 50amp, I have two 30amp rv extension cords from previous rv. If I need the length, can I plug one of the 30amp extension cords to my 50amp power cord, then use an 30 to50 adapter to plug in to the 50amp power outlet?

I do not recommend it, here is why.

A 30 amp cord can carry 50 amps,, for long enough to catch fire

(The cord should never be smaller than the breaker feedign it)

I have, however, done it.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Just to be clear, you would not be getting full 50A service through that set-up, regardless of the 50A outlet. Once the 30A-->50A dogbone adapter is in place, you have only one hot lead servicing the two legs of your RV's shore power system. However, it is being fed by a single 50A circuit, which is why the others caution against it. However, if your coach has an energy management system, it will be limiting you to a max of 30A power draw anyway in this situation, so you can never actually exceed the rated capacity of the 30A extension. I've done exactly what you describe on a couple of occasions, knowing that my Intellitec EMS protects me against an accidental overload.