Community Forums

Richard2003 · 12-15-2011, 01:12 PM

Is there a problem plugging into the house using a converter plug that allows it to be plugged into house current? It seems to be working ok.

Tallyrver · 12-15-2011, 01:32 PM

As long as you don't use more than what the house plug is rated for ,15 amp,20.30. Charging ,tv etc. Mine is in my driveway plugged into a 50 amp plug ,with the ac running. It's hot in Tallahassee today.

RustyJC · 12-15-2011, 01:33 PM

It depends. If you're trying to plug into a regular 120VAC 15 or 20 amp plug, it will work OK (assuming no GFCI problems), but you'll be limited as far as current draw by the circuit breaker protecting the circuit you're plugging into.

On the other hand, do NOT try plugging into a dryer-type plug just because it might look similar to a 30 amp RV plug. The dryer plug will feed 240VAC while the RV is wired for 120VAC. You can roast a LOT of expensive stuff in the RV!

Rusty

RickO · 12-15-2011, 03:17 PM

Welcome to the forum! As you can probably tell, many of us do just what you're asking about. I spend at least a month each summer at my FIL's place plugged in to only a 15 amp outlet. We can't run at large power hogs but by limiting the AC current the battery charger can draw, running the water heater and refrigerator on propane we're fine.

Good luck...

Rick

wa8yxm · 12-15-2011, 03:30 PM

Only Problem is what I call Eva Gabore syndrome (She played a character called Mrs. Douglass on a TV show called Green Acres who keep plugging in too many appliances and blowing up Mr. Douglas' generator)

You can run, at most, one of the following:
Air conditioner
Space heater
Microwave
Water heater

Perhaps a television on top of that

AND THEN, only if the batteries are fully charged (Else the charger draws more current)

That's the only real problem

If the plan is to run nothing but the converter and a few lights.. No problem

Steve N Sal · 12-15-2011, 03:42 PM

When at home I just plug into a 15A 120V outlet on the front of the house. Sure your limited to what you can use but it is primarily for just lights or to maybe run the vacuum. Usually two day before we leave I'll fire up the refrigerator and we're good to go. If it should get warm we just start the genny for a/c until we're done doing what needs to be done. Has always worked for us.

ronspradley · 12-15-2011, 07:30 PM

I do not believe you said how close you will be to the outlet in the stick house. If you must use an extension cord to get to your RV, line loss in that cord will also limit available electricity. Meaning if you must use an extension cord, you might want to make it a 10 or 12 gauge wire. Hope this helps.

ronspradley

RickO · 12-15-2011, 07:36 PM

Great point.

AFChap · 12-15-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

do NOT try plugging into a dryer-type plug just because it might look similar to a 30 amp RV plug. The dryer plug will feed 240VAC while the RV is wired for 120VAC

True of the older 3-wire 240v 30a outlets, but the newer 4-wire 240v 30a outlets CAN be used with the proper adapter. I made one by buying a 4-wire dryer pigtail and putting a 50a female receptacle on the loose end. We plug into our son's home every year with this adapter. It will provide two 120v 30a lines as opposed to the standarad two 120v 50a lines. But the standard warning applies ...if you don't know what you are doing, don't mess with electricity!!

wa8yxm · 12-16-2011, 10:06 AM

AFC... You are taking a serious risk doing that.. I have seen many welder/compressor outelts where the safety ground (The 3 wires are L-1 L-2 and safety ground, not neutral) is like 12 ga, .

Not nearly enough to carry a sustained high amprage load..

Since the danger here is a FIRE... I would do my very best to avoid doing that kind of thign.

kalynzoo · 12-16-2011, 10:34 AM

I have always (better than 30 years) stored my RVs by plugging them into the house to keep the frig on 24/7 and to run a small fan during the hot SoCal summers. Currently I have a 30 amp connection on the house which I use to plug in the 50 amp RV line. When visiting friends up North we often plug into their 15amp garage line, which is sufficiant to maint the frig (5amps) and a few lights.
Just a note: I have a small light always plugged in and showing through the window when I am plugged into the house. This way, if the breaker were to pop, or if someone brushes by the plug and pulls it out I can see the loss of power and fix things before all my propane is used up by the frig switching over. Yup, it did happen before.

AFChap · 12-16-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

I have seen many welder/compressor outelts where the safety ground (The 3 wires are L-1 L-2 and safety ground, not neutral) is like 12 ga, . Not nearly enough to carry a sustained high amprage load..

...which is why I said, if you don't know what you are doing ...which includes knowledge of what is required of the outlets you intend to use ...don't mess with it.