30 amp vs. 50 amp

[joelm]

I have a 1996 Winnebago Adventurer with 2 ac units. I can run 1 unit on 30 amp shore power or both units with generator running. Can I adapt my 30 amp plug to a 50 amp plug and plug into 50 amp shore power without causing any damage. This should allow mw to run both ac units when pluged into shore power, right?

[RickO]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

If I understand your question correctly I believe the answer is no.

50 amp service is actually two separate 50 amp circuits delivered on two different legs. Your coach is probably wired for only one leg and protected with a 30 amp breaker.

I'm sure some of our experts will chime in with the technical details but I think it's not something you want to try.

Rick

[wb7auk]

Rich is right not a easy mod to make and not cheap either.

[Wanabee FTer]

Hello joelem,

This is a common concern with 30 amp coaches. There are many threads here concerning adding a separate 20 amp line to power the a/c.
Here is the most recent thread

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/runni...er-116139.html

There was a company called Power Solutions that made a product called a dual power adapter, but they have gone out of business. It's not difficult to fabricate your own solution.

[clyon51]

50 amp is really 100 amp. It has two 50A lines (legs) coming into the MH. Your 30A coach has one 30A line.

To change over, you need a new 120v distribution panel, much new wiring, transfer switches and the list goes on....very expensive.

[wa8yxm]

If your rig is a 30 amp, then in the generator junction box is a power line that runs to the REAR (normally) air conditioner. You need to identify this lead.

Currently it runs something like this.

Generator------Line----A/C

You will "Break" the connection in the junction box and add a short run to an outlet box. IN many rigs it may be handy to mount this right next to the generator's J-Box. (But it is not necessary)

Remove the A/C line, the one that runs directly to the air conditioner with no stops or pauses. and route it to a single breaker box (20 amp) Many ways to do this.

Now feed that with a short Appliance type power cord, they make them in 12ga, heavy duty, you can get 'em at the hardware store.

Plug into the outlet if you want "Normal"

If you are wanting to run both A/C's on a 30 amp post, plug the rig in normal, as I'm plugged in now, and unplug the A/C from it's dedicated outlet,, Plug it into a 12ga Extension cord (I like the ones from Sears or K-Mart with the lock-on outlet end)

NOTE 12 ga extension cord, NOT 16ga


Plug that into the 20 amp outlet on the pedistal.

NOTE you move all 3 wires, HOT, Neutral and Safety ground when you do this.. That way the rear A/C is like a different RV, No common anytthing with the rest of the house... Thus the GFCI on the 20 amp outlet...... Is not upset.

As I said. This is how I'm keeping cool as I type this save for one small change.

I'm in a 50 amp motor home.. So instead of breaking the circuit at the generator J-Box.. I "Broke" it at the main breaker box.

[Wanabee FTer]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

As I said. This is how I'm keeping cool as I type this save for one small change.

I'm in a 50 amp motor home.. So instead of breaking the circuit at the generator J-Box.. I "Broke" it at the main breaker box.

wa8yxm,

Can you tell us why a 50 amp rig would need this mod done

[Midniteoyl]

He's on a 30amp pedestal?

[Qwert66]

They have a single 50 (fake 50) made up of 1-30a for the coach and 1 AC and separate circuit 1-20 for #2AC fed from an extension cord apparantly from the same pedistal which has at least a 30 and 20 outlet. Thats my understanding from their comments.

[TXiceman]

If your coach is 30 amps, that is all the wiring and breakers are rated. So plugging into a 50 with an adapter,,,,,buys you nothing. Some times in the summer, running off a 50 amp will let you pick up a few volts if the park is having power problems.

Ken

[RickO]

I wonder where the OP is in this discussion?

Rick

[TXiceman]

Some post a question and never bother to thank anyone for the help.....

Ken

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by RickO

I wonder where the OP is in this discussion?

Rick

I would assume shaking his head someplace like most new OPs bombarded with technical info they don't understand. We all try to help, but many fail to properly evaluate the OPs knowledge and then get on our own tangents. The forum is great, but the written word is pretty lousey for good communication. IMHO

[joelm]

I apologize for not being more involved. I appreciate all the responses. I have been out of my office and away from a computer. I just thought that maybe since my generator is 5.5 that a 50 amp. input may work. Not the first time I have been wrong. Thanks, Again