Workamping with only 30amp available.

[kcdogger]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Your statement would be correct if you tried to tie the two together with a cheater box and the second outlet was GFI protected. If you read what I wrote, I added a second power cord with separate outlets using two different circuits in the coach.

I think you will find that many 30 amp pedestals are wired as branch circuits with the box protected by a separate 30 amp breaker at the distribution panel. I have bought two parks that were wired this way, apparently it was the way to do it in the 60s and 70s. There was no loop feed of any kind, so the whole park needed to be rewired to upgrade them to 50 amp services.
Also, there are older pedestal boxes where the 30 amp breaker acts as a main breaker for the box and the 20 amp breaker feeds off the 30. In both of those cases there is only a total of 30 amps available off of that pedestal whether it is all taken from the 30 amp outlet of split between the 30 and 20.

[KanzKran]

The ANSI C84.1 voltage tolerance on nominal 120V systems that utilities are supposed to adhere to is -10 to +5%, which means 106-124V. That’s at the service equipment or meter, and that’s also essentially continuous, not counting switching transients or reaction time during voltage adjustment on the part of the utility. There will be voltage drop from there in the distribution and branch circuit wiring and equipment, of course, per the NEC.

Induction motors per the NEMA MG1 standard are designed for 115V (or 230V, 460V, 575V etc. for 240, 480, 600V, etc. systems), which means there’s a built-in allowance for voltage drop in the wiring. That doesn’t mean the compressor in a roof unit is rated 115V (though they should be, IMO), but low voltage and motors is never a good combo.

[Dutch Star Don]

Originally Posted by kcdogger

I think you will find that many 30 amp pedestals are wired as branch circuits with the box protected by a separate 30 amp breaker at the distribution panel. I have bought two parks that were wired this way, apparently it was the way to do it in the 60s and 70s. There was no loop feed of any kind, so the whole park needed to be rewired to upgrade them to 50 amp services.
Also, there are older pedestal boxes where the 30 amp breaker acts as a main breaker for the box and the 20 amp breaker feeds off the 30. In both of those cases there is only a total of 30 amps available off of that pedestal whether it is all taken from the 30 amp outlet of split between the 30 and 20.

Not what I've found.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Originally Posted by KanzKran

The ANSI C84.1 voltage tolerance on nominal 120V systems that utilities are supposed to adhere to is -10 to +5%, which means 106-124V.

I guess common core math really is different from traditional math: in my world 120V -10%/+5% works out to be 108V/126V...

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by edmck101

I have a 39-foot Bighorn fifth wheel with two 15,000 BTU roof airs. Visiting friends here in Tucson, I’m connected to their 30 amp garage connection. Last week on two occasions I ran both ACs with no problem — the voltage meter I’m using (plugged into one of the 110V galley outlets) never dropped below 109 which I am told is well within the safe range.

If your going to do this, keep a close eye on your plugs!

I melted one on a 30A extension doing this, and that was with a Hughes Autoformer hooked up, keeping the voltage at about 112V!

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by rvingwil

I am brand new to Workamping and have an electrical question. I have an '05 Monaco Diplomat 40PDQ with W/D, micro, satellite, etc. I have been offered a Workamping position in Central CA but the campground only has 30amp service. I will be onsite for 5 months. What types of limits will that put on me? I know I wouldn't be able to run everything at the same time. Can anyone offer some advice on this?? Thx Bill

Sure as long as Heavy A/C is not needed then limits the space where you spend the day.

Without getting into all the Electrical BS - just means you have conserve and only run one major appliance at a time - we do it all the time with no air and only 20 amps - just start the generator every now and then.

Seriously not a big deal if in the Mountains and the evening are Cool.

Best of Luck,

[KanzKran]

Originally Posted by Alan_Hepburn

I guess common core math really is different from traditional math: in my world 120V -10%/+5% works out to be 108V/126V...

Don't know much about common core, but it seems my K&E slide rule needs adjustment.

[kcdogger]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Not what I've found.

My apologies. I didn't realize you examined RV park wiring whenever you stay at parks. It wouldn't be apparent to most people, since the only way to know is to examine the distribution panel at the main and take the cover off of the pedestal. It isn't your everyday park guest that has the inclination and the bravado to make such investigations. I guess we are both lucky you apparently haven't visited any of my parks because we would take a dim view of a guest taking either of those actions.