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Jimbee's avatar
Jimbee
Explorer
Jan 30, 2019

50amp to 30amp newb question

Hey all,

I'm new to 50 amp service and have a question. When using a 30 amp adapter at campgrounds that don't have 50 amp available, will I lose 1/2 of the camper's outlets/available power? 50 amp power plugs have 2-120 volt legs feeding the power panel yet 30 amp plugs have only 1-120 volt leg feeding the power panel. Is losing 1/2 power what I should expect?

Thanks!
  • I run both ACs on 30. You need an EMS that sequences the compressor startup.

    It also prevents popping the breaker if someone uses the microwave.
  • Would not recommend it, but I have had both ACs running at the same time on 30A. Was not intentional, but it did seem to work OK. I have one of the plug-in voltmeters, and use that as a guide.
  • lenr's avatar
    lenr
    Explorer III
    My list of high current devices is: AC, second AC, electric coil in water heater, microwave, toaster, iron, hair dryer (on high draws more current than anything else in the list), and battery converter for the first 10 minutes after being plugged in (draws upwards of 10 amps initially, but slows down after a few minutes to a few amps). My 15K AC draws 11 to 13 amps--second AC is usually smaller and may draw less current. I believe that 2 ACs may be run together on 30 amps if the converter has been given 10 minutes to slow down, and nothing else is run. Fridges on electric should draw about 3 amps and not be a problem. Current trailer has one AC and we have no problems just by limiting to 2 out of the high current list above. We turn the water heater electric off when on 30 to allow use of other stuff while the AC is running.