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Lincolnboy2 · 05-02-2012, 08:35 AM

I am traveling to my Dear Cousin's in June. We are trying to figure out a way to wire up/in a 30 amp 125v pigtail so I can plug in my coach while there.

I have no idea where to begin. The house wiring is all I am sure just 15amp 120volt as is normal. They do have an extension cord that feeds the little side barn light, but that's not gonna give me enough power.....

Any ideas?

wb7auk · 05-02-2012, 08:43 AM

Purchase a RV 30 amp to a 15/20 amp adapter at any RV retail source.
If you use a drop cord make sure it is 10 gauge type.
If you use a 12 gauge cord you will be limited in what you can use in your MH.

Lincolnboy2 · 05-02-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb7auk

Purchase a RV 30 amp to a 15/20 amp adapter at any RV retail source.
If you use a drop cord make sure it is 10 gauge type.
If you use a 12 gauge cord you will be limited in what you can use in your MH.

Yes, I didn't think I could run everything with a 30 to 15/20 adapter. I have one, but was afraid to use it because the A/C shed system may not work?

wb7auk · 05-02-2012, 09:07 AM

Not sure what a A/C Shed system is.
I can run one A/C on my home system and still use other things with two
A/C's running I am at my limits for what can be used.

clyon51 · 05-02-2012, 09:15 AM

Hopefully cousin has a 20amp circuit with 12ga wire. Then get youself a good 30/20 adapter. Then a short as possible 12ga extension cord. If the run is over 50ft, a 10ga would be better/safer. Actually, I would go 10ga and be done with it.

I litterally camped for momths on 20amp without problems or much inconvienence. Just no AC, micro or hair dryers at the the same time.

BFlinn181 · 05-02-2012, 09:22 AM

A 15 amp circuit will not allow you to use A/C.

To wire house for a 30 amp RV plug you'll need a 30 amp single pole circuit breaker that matches the type in house panel. Then use 3 conductor wire of #8 size (up to 50 feet) and a TT-30 receptacle in a weatherproof box. Of course you need to check that the house supply isn't at max already and can handle an additional 30 amp draw. In other words, you should probably hire a professional electrician who will need to get permits and have the work inspected.

This is not something to do unless you know what you're doing, and still is usually not legal without inspection and permits. A mis-wired outlet could cost thousands of $ damage to your rig.

wb7auk · 05-02-2012, 09:39 AM

If someone tries to wire in a RV 30 service they have to know that even tho the plug
looks like a common dryer plug it is not wired the same.

Lincolnboy2 · 05-02-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

A 15 amp circuit will not allow you to use A/C.

To wire house for a 30 amp RV plug you'll need a 30 amp single pole circuit breaker that matches the type in house panel. Then use 3 conductor wire of #8 size (up to 50 feet) and a TT-30 receptacle in a weatherproof box. Of course you need to check that the house supply isn't at max already and can handle an additional 30 amp draw. In other words, you should probably hire a professional electrician who will need to get permits and have the work inspected.

This is not something to do unless you know what you're doing, and still is usually not legal without inspection and permits. A mis-wired outlet could cost thousands of $ damage to your rig.

I thankfully have an EMC to keep that from happening.

It is out in a rural area, no city or county inspectors, but I would feel a lot better with an electrician taking care of it.....

clyon51 · 05-02-2012, 11:36 AM

30 amp is no different than wiring a 15/20amp curcuit. You have the common, neutral and ground. You of course need a 30amp breaker and 12 - 10ga wire to the outlet, depending on the lenght of the run.

So if you (or anyone there) can wire a 15amp circuit, you can wire a 30amp circuit. They are the same except the hardware used...just bigger to handle the extra amps.

Where the confusion can come into play is the 30amp receptical and plug is used for 240v.... 2 - 120v circuits and a neutral. A 30amp 120v circuit is unheard of in home wiring.
So your average home electrician or do it yourselfer would see that plug and automatically see 240v. So whoever does this, licensed or not, make sure they understand all this.

FlyingDiver · 05-02-2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

30 amp is no different than wiring a 15/20amp curcuit. You have the common, neutral and ground. You of course need a 30amp breaker and 12 - 10ga wire to the outlet, depending on the lenght of the run.

I don't think 12ga is ever acceptable for a 30amp circuit. 12ga is standard for 20amp circuits. The OP wants 10ga for shorter runs or 8ga for longer.

joe

clyon51 · 05-02-2012, 12:39 PM

You are absolutely right. I put 8ga in my barn because I had a 50 ft run. Dont know what I was thinking

Thanks for catching.

Wayne M · 05-02-2012, 02:36 PM

Kent,
before I put in the 50amp circuit in my driveway I used a 10ga extension cord tied into a 20amp circuit breaker in the house. I used this setup with the 5th wheel, and then the MH before getting the 50amp installed. With both RV's I was able to run the AC's. With the 5th wheel only one of the two rooftops could be run. I could run a few lights, but if I turned on the ceiling fan, or DW turned on a vacuum cleaner - lights out - trip the breaker. With the MH, I have the basement air with two compressors, but I also have the EMS (Energy Management System) that can detect that I'm on 120v and it will only run 1 compressor. So yes, it can be done, but you will have to limit any other appliances and lights that you run. My MH lights all run off the batteries, but the converter kicks in to keep them charged and it runs off 120v. If you manage what is running you can run the AC.

I have a link somewhere to wiring that I'll try to find.

Good luck.

Edited: Found it - RV Electric

Ramblin · 05-02-2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lincolnboy2

I am traveling to my Dear Cousin's in June. We are trying to figure out a way to wire up/in a 30 amp 125v pigtail so I can plug in my coach while there.

I have no idea where to begin. The house wiring is all I am sure just 15amp 120volt as is normal. They do have an extension cord that feeds the little side barn light, but that's not gonna give me enough power.....

Any ideas?

Something like this, maybe?

Walmart.com: Road Power 30/15-Amp RV Power Adapter Cord: Computers

steeleshark2 · 05-02-2012, 03:11 PM

Check your outside box with the meter to see if it has master breakers on it. If it does, are there any slots available to put a new breaker in? If so, you just need to buy some 10 gauge outdoor wire, a breaker and a rv plug box that matches your plug. I did this several years ago and still use it today. Make sure you get someone with a little electric know how to install it. It is pretty easy and only 30 minutes of work if your house has the master breaker box on the outside with extra spots for more breakers.