Community Forums

SarahW · 11-01-2011, 05:57 PM

I apologize in advance for my newbie questions.

Is it possible to "plug in" a 50 AMP motor home to a house? Is it as simple as using some sort of converter?

Say we were visiting relatives ... could the MH temporarily be "plugged in" to residential power without damaging the MH or the house? What would be required to do this, if it's possible? Thanks.

goodtime · 11-01-2011, 06:06 PM

yes u can with a adapter u can plug into 120 outlet,u will have to run 1or2 things at a time,will keep batt charged,and no damage

Wayne Pryor · 11-01-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW

I apologize in advance for my newbie questions.

Is it possible to "plug in" a 50 AMP motor home to a house? Is it as simple as using some sort of converter?

Say we were visiting relatives ... could the MH temporarily be "plugged in" to residential power without damaging the MH or the house? What would be required to do this, if it's possible? Thanks.

With the proper adapter you can plug your motorhome into a 15 or 20 amp plug in. These can be purchased at most RV stores. You will be very limited on what you can turn on. Learn how to manage your amps being used and approx. what each component draws.

Sportech · 11-01-2011, 06:34 PM

I made an adapter to plug into my in-laws 240 volt welding plug in the garage. It was wired for 50 amps so I was able to run both AC's and everything else. Your coach (and mine) is wired for a double ground (4 wires) and the welding plug was only 3 wires so that was the reason for the adapter.

Dave

slickest1 · 11-01-2011, 06:50 PM

I plug my coach in to residential power at our kids place all the time when we are visiting. We can use everything in the coach up to one air conditioner. When using that you can't use the micro wave or any other appliance. Most residential plugs are 20amp at best so will only run lights, water pump furnace fan etc. It will also keep batteries charged. If it is really hot and we want to use the air conditioners we will use the generator. Hope that helps.

WeatherTodd · 11-01-2011, 06:54 PM

just be careful of the wiring in the home. I plugged my rig into a garage outlet of my friends house built in the 70s... felt the wall before going to bed and it was pretty hot. Sure it was a 20amp curcuit but the romex wire was low grade.

"007" · 11-01-2011, 07:05 PM

Follow this thread with adapters and if you have a outlet added for 50 amp service at house have electrician follow correct wiring or you can do real damage to you coach if not followed.

SarahW · 11-01-2011, 07:09 PM

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the feedback.

SarahW · 11-01-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeatherTodd

just be careful of the wiring in the home. I plugged my rig into a garage outlet of my friends house built in the 70s... felt the wall before going to bed and it was pretty hot. Sure it was a 20amp curcuit but the romex wire was low grade.

Todd--this is my biggest concern. Thanks.

SarahW · 11-01-2011, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";998726][B][URL="http://www.rv-dreams.com/rv-electrical.html

Follow this thread[/URL][/B] with adapters and if you have a outlet added for 50 amp service at house have electrician follow correct wiring or you can do real damage to you coach if not followed.

I'll check it out; thank you for the link.

MaxTurner1 · 11-01-2011, 08:19 PM

Yes, BUT, be sure to turn off the house mains. The 100 or 200 amp breakers at the top of the panel. Then turn off most of the breakers, only leaving about 30 or 40 amps worth of breakers on. If you don't abide by these rules, when the power comes on -- your genset will be a goner. Also if someone is working to restore your power, you could electrocute them. Even down the block. Also, the house wiring can only take so much since you are back feeding it. BE CAREFUL.

Ramblin · 11-01-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportech

I made an adapter to plug into my in-laws 240 volt welding plug in the garage. It was wired for 50 amps so I was able to run both AC's and everything else. Your coach (and mine) is wired for a double ground (4 wires) and the welding plug was only 3 wires so that was the reason for the adapter.

Dave

I didn't think you could do this, because the welder plug lacks a ground (or a neutral, can't remember which). Can you wire the common to the ground for the 4th wire?

RickO · 11-01-2011, 08:56 PM

We spend a month each summer at my FIL's place in Minnesota and have to live on a 15 amp connection. There's no way we can run AC without the generator running but we've learned to manage our power draw by running the refrigerator and hot water heater on propane only and limiting the on board battery charger in 5 or 10 amp draw. If heat is required we also only run the propane heat.

Good luck

Rick

akadeadeye · 11-01-2011, 09:04 PM

You need a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter, and a 30 amp to 15/20 amp adapter. Then you can plug in to the house. Stay away from 240v plugs in a house. They are meant for a dryer, not a motorhome.

Don