Community Forums

MRichaud · 03-09-2023, 04:06 AM

We are likely downsizing and selling our Jayco Precept 31UL and moving on to a Sprinter model. The Precept has 50 amp service and the Sprinters 30. I have a Progressive Industries portable surge protector for the Precept. Would like to use that with a 50-30 amp adapter. Is there any reason I can't or shouldn't?

Thanks!

**Camp CA** · 03-09-2023, 06:34 AM

Suggest getting a 30 amp surge protector for your 30 amp rv https://www.rvtalk.net/30-amp-and-50...s%20irrelevant.

Old-Biscuit · 03-09-2023, 09:11 AM

I have a 50A RV ---use a 50A portable surge protector
I have a 30A to 50A adapter and used it MANY times at 30A CG sites

Plug in my 30A/50A adaptor..........50A surge protector......50A R Power cord

30A adaptor has jumper that provides AC to both legs of 50A
Surge Protector recognizes full voltage on both legs........you just have 30A total available so you must manage/limit your AC usage

50A is 6000W per Leg=12000W tota;
30A is 3600W total

The 50A Surge Protector looks at Voltage which is same be it 50A, 30A or even 20/15A

YES you can use your 50A surge protector with 30A RV....just need 30A to 50A Adaptor

MRichaud · 03-09-2023, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

I have a 50A RV ---use a 50A portable surge protector
I have a 30A to 50A adapter and used it MANY times at 30A CG sites

Plug in my 30A/50A adaptor..........50A surge protector......50A R Power cord

30A adaptor has jumper that provides AC to both legs of 50A
Surge Protector recognizes full voltage on both legs........you just have 30A total available so you must manage/limit your AC usage

50A is 6000W per Leg=12000W tota;
30A is 3600W total

The 50A Surge Protector looks at Voltage which is same be it 50A, 30A or even 20/15A

YES you can use your 50A surge protector with 30A RV....just need 30A to 50A Adaptor

As mentioned, I do have a 30 to 50 amp adapter, but it's reversed from the one in your picture - 30 amp female to 50 amp male. In my scenario, the 50 amp side of the adapter would plug into the surge protector (which would be plugged into the power pedestal) where the 50 amp cord from a coach would go, and the male plug of the 30 amp cord from the new coach would plug into the adapter. I just want to be sure I wouldn't be compromising anything by doing so.

Old-Biscuit · 03-09-2023, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRichaud

As mentioned, I do have a 30 to 50 amp adapter, but it's reversed from the one in your picture - 30 amp female to 50 amp male. In my scenario, the 50 amp side of the adapter would plug into the surge protector (which would be plugged into the power pedestal) where the 50 amp cord from a coach would go, and the male plug of the 30 amp cord from the new coach would plug into the adapter. I just want to be sure I wouldn't be compromising anything by doing so.

YES that works.

50A to 30A adaptor

50A Surge Protector>>>Power pedestal>>>>50A/30A adapter>>>30A RV Power cord

Surge protector senses L1 & L2 voltage....adapter uses only ONE Hot leg to fed the 30A RV

MRichaud · 03-09-2023, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

YES that works.

50A to 30A adaptor

50A Surge Protector>>>Power pedestal>>>>50A/30A adapter>>>30A RV Power cord

Surge protector senses L1 & L2 voltage....adapter uses only ONE Hot leg to fed the 30A RV

OK - thanks again!

Persistent · 03-10-2023, 08:36 AM

I agree, it will work. However, using many adapters and extension cords will limit voltage when high current is flowing.

If you never draw more than 20 amps, there will be no problem. But, if you get up in the range near 30 amps, the voltage loss in each set of contacts will start to cut down voltage.

One engineering source suggests no more than one adapter or extension cord in addition to the main 30 amp shore power cord is all that is allowed.

A 30 to 50 adapter plugged into the pedestal is one. The surge protector is two, the 50 to 30 adapter plugged into the surge protector is three.

At least make sure all those pins and sockets are clean and in good condition.

Old-Biscuit · 03-10-2023, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Persistent

I agree, it will work. However, using many adapters and extension cords will limit voltage when high current is flowing.

If you never draw more than 20 amps, there will be no problem. But, if you get up in the range near 30 amps, the voltage loss in each set of contacts will start to cut down voltage.

One engineering source suggests no more than one adapter or extension cord in addition to the main 30 amp shore power cord is all that is allowed.

A 30 to 50 adapter plugged into the pedestal is one. The surge protector is two, the 50 to 30 adapter plugged into the surge protector is three.

At least make sure all those pins and sockets are clean and in good condition.

OP is going to plug his 50A Surge Protector into Power Pedestal
Then 50A/30A adapter>>>>then his new 30A RV Power Cord

Simple...easy and not an issue

AllegroD · 03-10-2023, 07:33 PM

While doable, why not get a 30amp PI or Hughes WD to be used on a 30 amp pedestel.

Old-Biscuit · 03-10-2023, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllegroD

While doable, why not get a 30amp PI or Hughes WD to be used on a 30 amp pedestel.

Because OP already has the 50A Surge Protector & proper adapter

Frugal!

dons2346 · 03-10-2023, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllegroD

While doable, why not get a 30amp PI or Hughes WD to be used on a 30 amp pedestel.

Why not use the equipment the OP has? From what I have seen, the 30 amp socket is pretty beat up while the 50 amp plug is in good shape.

Elwood58 · 03-28-2023, 08:46 AM

You will be just fine using the unit you have. I have even used it a few time on 15/20 amp connections. As mentioned, keep all of those dog bones clean.

I am sure you will have lots of other things to spend your money on.

MRichaud · 03-29-2023, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elwood58

You will be just fine using the unit you have. I have even used it a few time on 15/20 amp connections. As mentioned, keep all of those dog bones clean.

I am sure you will have lots of other things to spend your money on.

Thanks!

Berryfarmer · 03-29-2023, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Because OP already has the 50A Surge Protector & proper adapter

Frugal!

Here’s my advice on why the OP should get the 30 amp surge protector. He now has a 30 amp RV. He makes reservations for 30 amp so he gets a space with only a 30 amp plug. The number of adapters goes back to where it’s not safe to use so many (or have the space to carry them). Also let’s say he reserves a 30 amp and the small CG owner notices he’s plugged into the 50 amp (with adapter for 30 of course) and now he has to explain that he’s really only using 30 amps. Why not do the right thing and use the right tool for the job?