Community Forums

RV Vagabond · 11-13-2021, 02:04 PM

For the power boxes with 20 & 30 & 50 amp outlets, is it ok to used all 3 at the same time

wolfe10 · 11-13-2021, 02:08 PM

Really depends on what you will use them for-- only one for the coach Alternating Current system.

And, may be a little dependent on the CG wiring. Older CG's may not have adequate wire size to supply all three.

To run another heater, perhaps a battery charger for toad, etc off the 20 is just fine.

Dutch Star Don · 11-13-2021, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

For the power boxes with 20 & 30 & 50 amp outlets, is it ok to used all 3 at the same time

I usually have no need to use the 30 amp when we have 50 amp, but I will occasionally use the 15/20 amp outlet for an extension cord for lighting or other items.

In years past, there is an old County campground near us that only has 30 amp and some sites with just 20amps. in a previous coach with propane heat, we found it nicer/cheaper/quieter to use small electric heaters. Running two in the coach wasn't going to work. We found we could use that 20 amp outlet with an extension cord through the window to power the second heater. Since we went there often, I later added an additional 20 amp cord, connecting the cord, via conduit and wiring to two outlets in the coach. One in the main cabin and one in the bath. They allowed us to use a second heater and power an outlet for my wife's hair dryer in the bathroom, when on 30 amps.

wingnut60 · 11-13-2021, 02:43 PM

Lot depends on age of installation--if you are on the 50amp with 2 ACs and microwave running and for some reason you want to use the 30amp...and the 20amp. Not sure it would handle all that, but I'm not an electrician. Can tell you on a 30amp/20amp pedestal, easy to overload that.

TXiceman · 11-13-2021, 02:45 PM

Most RV 50/30/20 amp pedestals are wired for a 50 amp service. The 30 and 20 amp plugs are wired off the two legs. I would not try to load up a single pedestal with all 3 services unless it has the inputs sized separately for the individual ratings.

Ken

wingnut60 · 11-13-2021, 02:47 PM

Ken,
Thanks for the clarification. Easy to understand now.

twinboat · 11-13-2021, 04:35 PM

If there are 3 circuit breakers, all 3 circuits are usable.
No one taps circuit breakers off circuit breakers unless one is a MAIN breaker. Then there will be 4 breakers.

That pedestal is likely wired for 200 or more amps and daisy chained to other pedestals.

Why would each pedestal be wired with an independent 50 amp line ? It's just not done that way.

Country Road · 11-13-2021, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

If there are 3 circuit breakers, all 3 circuits are usable.
No one taps circuit breakers off circuit breakers unless one is a MAIN breaker. Then there will be 4 breakers.

That pedestal is likely wired for 200 or more amps and daisy chained to other pedestals.

Why would each pedestal be wired with an independent 50 amp line ? It's just not done that way.

I’m not sure about your explanation although I have no proof to doubt you. However, I doubt that the campground installed a 2/0 wire or larger, depending on length of run, to each pedestal. I think the pedestals are generally set up for either/or with the exception to use 120v as an extra draw. I could be wrong.

I’m curious why the OP asked the question.

Suburbazine · 11-13-2021, 06:25 PM

Depends on the pedestal. If it's a daisy-chained triplex system (usually on poles) and your pedestal pulls multiple breakers off of it... plug all you want. Your power cord (the triplex) is already feeding a couple of dozen sites anyway at amperage far higher than you will ever pull.

Now, if it's a ground fed pedestal and has no breakers, chances are it's a homerun pedestal and everything in it is fed off a 50A breaker at the master panel. In this case any other plugs inside are usually tapped off the 50A legs (in violation of all the codes I'll add) and means you should approach with extreme caution. In rare cases I've seen some parks homerun multiple circuits but it's a ridiculously expensive option vs doing it with a local breaker panel anyway.

bigb56 · 11-13-2021, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suburbazine

Now, if it's a ground fed pedestal and has no breakers, chances are it's a homerun pedestal and everything in it is fed off a 50A breaker at the master panel. In this case any other plugs inside are usually tapped off the 50A legs (in violation of all the codes I'll add) and means you should approach with extreme caution.

How is it a code violation and why approach with caution? The panel has main lugs, fed with 50 amps, protected at the source, and 3 breakers on the bus. I see neither danger or code violations.

Unless you are saying the pedestal does not have a 50, 30 and 20 amp breaker? This I've never seen, not aware one is even made. The only ones I've seen without a breaker are single receptacle boxes only.

dabrooks · 11-14-2021, 05:09 AM

I just watched some electricians change out breakers and outlets on a couple of pedestals at Immokalee Casinos. Each pedestal was fed with 2-0 wiring.

Boogie_ · 11-14-2021, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

If there are 3 circuit breakers, all 3 circuits are usable.
No one taps circuit breakers off circuit breakers unless one is a MAIN breaker. Then there will be 4 breakers.

That pedestal is likely wired for 200 or more amps and daisy chained to other pedestals.

Why would each pedestal be wired with an independent 50 amp line ? It's just not done that way.

^^^This

Tugboat · 11-14-2021, 05:22 AM

I have 3 RV power hookups all with 50, 30, 20 amp in them and all of them have a 100amp breaker at the main power panel. I was told that by code the main breaker and wiring is required to handle the power requirements down circuit.

TXiceman · 11-14-2021, 09:22 AM

Her is how a 50/30/20 amp box is wired. It all depends on how much service is supplied to the main entry point.
http://www.rvparksupplies.com/p/503020AMPSMPOWER/

If you are going to try and use all three plugs, you need to monitor your voltage to make sure you maintain a suitable voltage. Most A/C units and such need a minimum of 108 volts.

Ken