Community Forums

Gary RVRoamer · 07-12-2022, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb56

Dryers and welders are not wired the same, dryers have neutrals, welders don't. 50 amp RV connections are wired exactly like (4 wire) dryers and ranges though with the only difference being dryers are 30 amps, RVs and ranges are both 50 amps and identical in wiring. It really wouldn't even be possible to wire them differently using standard residential voltage and standard residential equipment.

There is an exception to that, though. Prior to 1996, many homes used 3-wire dryer circuits, with two hots and no neutral. In 1996 the standard changed to 4-wire for any new construction, but there are still plenty of those old 3-prong dryer outlets around. I just sold a house (1979 vintage) that had one.

Some states and most larger cities upgraded their electrical code for dryers before 1996.

vsheetz · 07-12-2022, 10:04 AM

Yes, 25' to 30' or so is typical. Many carry extensions.

You may want to consider having an extension available to loan if a visitor doesn't have one.

bigb56 · 07-12-2022, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

There is an exception to that, though. Prior to 1996, many homes used 3-wire dryer circuits, with two hots and no neutral. In 1996 the standard changed to 4-wire for any new construction, but there are still plenty of those old 3-prong dryer outlets around.

Some states and most larger cities upgraded their electrical code for dryers before 1996.

That is why I put "4 wire" in parenthesis in my post. Also it is not exactly correct that a 3 wire range or dryer has no neutral, they all have a neutral, just that the 3 wire ones used service entrance cable per NEC where the outer stranded conductor is used for both the neutral and the ground. Dryers and ranges are 240/120 appliances and would not operate without a neutral connection.
A little more info, the 3 wire appliance hookup was only allowed using the aforementioned SE cable and was required to be connected at the service entrance, never at a sub panel, if connected at a sub panel 4 wires would have been required, although this rule was often ignored. Also, 3 wire appliance hookups were never legal in mobile homes.

PS: My cord is 25 feet.

ROUGHRIDER3 · 07-12-2022, 10:19 AM

Just have 50 feet available total and forget about it. Will be enought for 99.9% of the time.

bigb56 · 07-12-2022, 10:22 AM

I carried a 25 foot 30A extension around for 2 years and never needed it so now it's hanging on a hook in my garage. I have a smallish rig with space and payload limitations so every extra item counts. I still carry a 25' 20 amp cord.

twinboat · 07-12-2022, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I hope you do not have the plug wired for 240 volts like on a drier or welded. The RV plug is wired as a 240 Volt, split phase connection with 120 volts on each hot leg.

Our 5er has a 30-foot 50-amp cord on the street side rear corner. I carry an additional 30-foot extension cord.

Ken

All 240 volts single phase power is split phase.
Dryers, Ranges, welders, well pumps, 50 amp RVs and big air conditioners use it.

There is no special RV 50 amp power. It's 120-240 volt power, read your shore cord plug.

30 amp power is 120 volts only.

Alan_Hepburn · 07-12-2022, 10:57 AM

The length of the cord is not the only variable: if the outlet is 30 feet away it makes a difference if the 30 foot cord is attached to the front, or the rear, of the RV...

Mongobird · 07-12-2022, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I hope you do not have the plug wired for 240 volts like on a drier or welded. The RV plug is wired as a 240 Volt, split phase connection with 120 volts on each hot leg.

Our 5er has a 30-foot 50-amp cord on the street side rear corner. I carry an additional 30-foot extension cord.

Ken

I have standard 14-50 outlet. Works for RVs and for some EV chargers. I have a second outlet, and allow EV charging.

(also an "extra" ham)

Mongobird · 07-12-2022, 11:06 AM

Those with 30A campers, do you carry a 50A adapter?

I was not planning on installing a 30A outlet.

Mostly people seem to want 50A so they can run two or three AC units, which I get. I also want to make it easy on people in cool weather, like by supporting electric heaters. Most people say they will use propane, but if they want, I want it to be easy to use a heat pump or other heater.

bigb56 · 07-12-2022, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mongobird

Those with 30A campers, do you carry a 50A adapter?

I was not planning on installing a 30A outlet.

Mostly people seem to want 50A so they can run two or three AC units, which I get. I also want to make it easy on people in cool weather, like by supporting electric heaters. Most people say they will use propane, but if they want, I want it to be easy to use a heat pump or other heater.

I carry one in case I run into a sketchy 30 amp outlet, used it once. You could just keep one on hand in case someone doesn't have one.

twinboat · 07-12-2022, 12:44 PM

I have a 30 amp RV and do not carry a 50 to 30 adaptor. Never needed it so far.

I do carry 2 50ft and 2 25 ft boat power cords so I can plug into my daughter's house from the back lot.
Boat cords are the same as the twist lock plug on the side of many 30 amp RVs.

jacwjames · 07-12-2022, 01:49 PM

My original 50 amp cord was 25 ft. I carried a 50 amp 50 ft extension cord, plus a 30 amp 100 ft extension cord. I also carry a couple smaller gauge wire cords.

My original cord started to show signs of wear so I replaced it with a 40 ft cord. I leave the old cord in my garage so I don't have to pull out a cord when I park, I simply back up and plug in with the cord stretched out along the wall. Works great.