Community Forums

TexasTom · 07-29-2014, 08:33 AM

I have a 220 outlet in my garage that I want to convert for my RV to either a 50amp, or a 30amp. It is on a double pole 40 amp breaker.

Decided I should hire an electrician if it's not too expensive. What should I expect the cost to be? $100? $500?

Thanks

Drifter · 07-29-2014, 08:41 AM

Read up on this site.

RV Electric

TexasTom · 07-29-2014, 09:02 AM

Did, thanks, and it was very useful. Already ruled out one electrician from coming out to give me a bid because he didn't agree with the wiring protocol.

gripper · 07-29-2014, 09:22 AM

My first hookup only cost about $75.00. Several months later, the second one (I have two) was only $50.00.

wb7auk · 07-29-2014, 09:30 AM

I would install a standard 4 prong 220 outlet and use a 4 prong to a RV 30 amp adapter if one needs to hook up a 30 amp coach, the best of two worlds and no mistakes to make.

**NLOVNIT** · 07-29-2014, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasTom

..Decided I should hire an electrician if it's not too expensive....

I would hire a licensed/bonded/insured electrician even if they are expensive. It'll cost you thousands more if it's not wired correctly & you fry your electrical system/appliances. With something like this, pinching pennies is not advisable.

Cost varies on the electrician's experience & region. OH=approx $125.

Lori-

wa8yxm · 07-29-2014, 01:42 PM

Is the outlet 3 or 4 prong?

IF it is 4 prong, and the 3 wires attached to the flat slots are all the same size, I would just put in the proper outlet... IF it is 3 pong you will need to run new wire, one if it's in conduit or new 4-wire Cable if it's not.

Your RV will likely be very happy with only 40 amps.

If you must have 50, Then you have no choice but to install new wire unless the original install used bigger wire than needed.

TQ60 · 07-29-2014, 02:02 PM

What was the 220 outlet for?

If dryer it likely is l1 l2 and safety ground without a neutral.

Count the connectors inside.

3 holes bad 4 holes maybe

If it is 3 hole and 3 wires and panel close then possible to pull the additional wire.

It should be simple but as others indicated if you have someone else do the work get quote in writting and verify license with insurance.

Before plugging in check for yourself with voltmeter.

TexasTom · 07-29-2014, 02:08 PM

It is a 220 outlet wired for a welder. I'm pretty handy with this type of stuff, but since I am not 100% positive at identifying the neutral feed I am going to have an electrician do it. Looks like it's going to be about $100 which is well worth it.

adonh · 07-29-2014, 02:13 PM

Here is what I had installed at home on a brick wall beside my driveway. My electrician ran a short run of the proper wire in conduit from the panel box.

Works great
RV Hookup 50 Amp outlet from PPL - PPL Motor Homes

TQ60 · 07-29-2014, 02:15 PM

If for welder then no neutral.

hdossett · 07-29-2014, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasTom

It is a 220 outlet wired for a welder. I'm pretty handy with this type of stuff, but since I am not 100% positive at identifying the neutral feed I am going to have an electrician do it. Looks like it's going to be about $100 which is well worth it.

Just make sure the "Pro" understands RVs. Especially if it 30 Amp 120V. A lot of them don't know RVs!

H

JFXG · 07-29-2014, 08:08 PM

Talk to a couple of local RV Parks and find out who does their electrical contracting. That way you'll find someone who knows how to wire for RVs. RV plug-ins are NOT the same as residential wiring.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-30-2014, 09:45 AM

Make sure the electrician understands the RV 50A/240v requirement, i.e. that it must be a 4-wire (2 hots, a neutral and a ground) system. It is perfectly OK if you keep the present 40A/240v power source (it doesn't have to be 50A), but the neutral is absolutely required. Most likely the present welder outlet is a three slot receptacle and does not have a neutral, so one will have to be added. That could get expensive if pulling a new wire is difficult.