Community Forums

Solask · 07-25-2011, 06:00 AM

1998 Winnebago Chieftain, dual AC units...
My coach obviously has 30 amp system as indicated by the 3 prong 30 amp power cord.
Is it safe to use a 30 to 50 amp adapter and safely plug into a 50 amp campsite post? I realize the coach won't utilize 50 amps, just wondering if it will regulate itself and not smoke.

JimM68 · 07-25-2011, 06:09 AM

yes, it's perfectly safe.

Wizard · 07-25-2011, 06:13 AM

The breakers in your motorhome panel are rated at 30 amps, and won't let the unit use more than 30 amps. The cord itself would not be protected, but should not be a problem as long as the cord is fully outside your rig. Don't leave any cord coiled up inside.

AL · 07-25-2011, 06:18 AM

Hi All,

Hey RKH,

I have had my 30 amp pluged in to 50 amp post with the 30 to 50 adapter many times with no problems at all! Also for the past two winters I have it hooked up that way for more then 6 months straight so I think that saye it's ok,LOL!!!

Also

Remember All: LIVE, LAUGH & ENJOY !!!!

Solask · 07-25-2011, 06:22 AM

Good to hear...Would I buy a 30 amp surge protector wen plugged into a 50 amp post. Meaning, my SP would be plugged into the end of my coach cable, then into the 30 to 50 amp adapter, then adapter into the post?

MickBrennan · 07-25-2011, 06:32 AM

That is what the adapter is made to do. Now if you are plugging a 50 amp coach into a 30 amp pedestal, that is a different story.

Solask · 07-25-2011, 07:33 AM

Can anyone explain why it's safe? Why doesn't the 30 amp coach at least trip a breaker when plugged into 50 amp service?

hometool · 07-25-2011, 07:59 AM

why would you think it should trip a breaker the breaker only knows how much current you are trying to draw. when you use the adaptor you are realy only using 1/2 the power supplyed at the outlet. the 50 amp outlet is realy 110/220 with 2 hot legs the adaptor only connects to 1 hot leg giving you 110v your coach is set up for lee

MegaRoadie · 07-25-2011, 08:46 AM

Electricity is a wonderous tool that enabled the USA to prosper into the World Leader it is today... sadly, the education system has totally ignored even teaching our society the very basics of power usage.

Trust me... if the adapters were unsafe in any way the Tort System would be loaded with grimy slimy lawyers hawking their services to enrich the injured.

Your 30 amp unit ONLY uses the current that YOU "draw" from the system, and it has current limiting devices, (fuses, breakers, etc...) that will shutdown the electric flow if you turn on too many devices and far exceed that 30 amps. The system, cables, plugs and panels are fully capable of handling that 30 amps and are under rated in the labelling purposefully to preclude damages and lawsuits.

Common sense goes a long way with loading and the maker of your RV anticipated a lot of what you would NORMALLY be doing with it. The trouble starts when all the add-ons get thrown into the mix... look around at other's units. They have added electric grills to use campground power rather than their own propane, electric heaters, again to avoid using their own propane. Lights and outside accessories that will boggle the mind of the older RV designers. Added on slide out freezers to storage spaces, super sized and powerful microwave ovens, toaster ovens, crock pots etc... DO YOU SEE THE PICTURE HERE ??? I have even watched folks plug in ceramic or hot rod heaters to heat their feet while they sit outside in the cold, "Oh dont worry... the campground got paid for all the electricity in their huge bill" a common comment.

No magic here...common sense and courtesy should keep you safe and use those adapters wisely !

MickBrennan · 07-25-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rkh

Can anyone explain why it's safe? Why doesn't the 30 amp coach at least trip a breaker when plugged into 50 amp service?

Oversimplifying...

The adapter only uses half of the 50 amp receptacle. 30<50

doc · 07-25-2011, 05:55 PM

"The adapter only uses half of the 50 amp receptacle."

exactly~

wa8yxm · 07-25-2011, 06:33 PM

Lots of interesting mis-information above, and one bit of truth

It is safe (The true part)

The 30 amp adapter only uses half the 50 amp outelt (Also true) but then the author goes on to confuse.

Now why it's safe...

Normal 50 amp power to a motor home

L-1---Breaker 50---------- Breaker-50 branch breakers in coach---Stuff
Neutral-----------------------------------------------------
L-2---Breaker 50-----------Breaker 50 branch breakers in coach.---Stuff

Stuff is air conditioners, water heaters, converters, Refrigerators, Televisions and all teh other 120 volt "Stuff You have in your rig)

Normal 30 amp service

L-whatever---Breaker 30----------- Breaker 30-branch breakers - stuff
Neutral--------------------------------------------------------------

In this both ends of the main power cord have 30 amp breakers, the first one refers to the breaker on the pedistal, the second to the main in your coach (NOTE this applies to the 50's above too.

Now here is a 30 amp rig plugged into a 50 amp outlet

L-1 or 2---- Breaker 50 -------- Breaker 30--branch breakers---Stuff
Neutral-------------------------------------------------------------
L-2 or 1------Breaker 50--Not connected

As you can see the 30 amp main breaker in the coach protects against everything save a short in the main power cord.. And if that cord shorts, it will trip the 50 before anything bad happens.

Solask · 07-25-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Lots of interesting mis-information above, and one bit of truth

It is safe (The true part)

The 30 amp adapter only uses half the 50 amp outelt (Also true) but then the author goes on to confuse.

Now why it's safe...

Normal 50 amp power to a motor home

L-1---Breaker 50---------- Breaker-50 branch breakers in coach---Stuff
Neutral-----------------------------------------------------
L-2---Breaker 50-----------Breaker 50 branch breakers in coach.---Stuff

Stuff is air conditioners, water heaters, converters, Refrigerators, Televisions and all teh other 120 volt "Stuff You have in your rig)

Normal 30 amp service

L-whatever---Breaker 30----------- Breaker 30-branch breakers - stuff
Neutral--------------------------------------------------------------

In this both ends of the main power cord have 30 amp breakers, the first one refers to the breaker on the pedistal, the second to the main in your coach (NOTE this applies to the 50's above too.

Now here is a 30 amp rig plugged into a 50 amp outlet

L-1 or 2---- Breaker 50 -------- Breaker 30--branch breakers---Stuff
Neutral-------------------------------------------------------------
L-2 or 1------Breaker 50--Not connected

As you can see the 30 amp main breaker in the coach protects against everything save a short in the main power cord.. And if that cord shorts, it will trip the 50 before anything bad happens.

Thanks Wa8! Good info...I"ve purchased a 30amp in line TRC unit...!

rsaint · 07-26-2011, 12:56 PM

I would always say buy a 50 amp surg protector. If you have a 30amp RV now and enjoy it! You will someday need a 50amp as you move up in coach size. Learned it the hardway..... When you get a coach with 50 amp your 30 amp is no good. You can use your 50amp surge with a 30 amp coach with the simple adapter...