Forum Discussion

NorthwestBound's avatar
NorthwestBound
Explorer
Oct 10, 2016

Difference between 30 amp and 50 amp connections

So i have to move to another spot on the property we are leasing. It has full hookups there but theres an issue with the electrical connection.

My 5ver has the 30 amp cord and plug. The power box has a 50 amp style outlet with 40 amp breakers, and, a regular household style double outlet with a 30 amp breaker.

Can i change the 50 amp style outlet to a 30 amp style outlet so i can plug in?

The 40 amp breakers are there but connected to a breaker box in a nearby shop with 30 amp breakers, so do i need to swap the 40 amp breakers in the power box to 30 amp breakers?

And what is the wiring difference inside the camper between a 30 amp system and a 50 amp system?
  • NorthwestBound's avatar
    NorthwestBound
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2016
    Well, plugin in is all i will be doing. If 45 watts is sufficient the will probably go with the pm3-45. Can get that at a pretty good price. Anything at this point would be an improvement. Temps are starting to drop so i need the heater issue resolved soon. Thanks for all the help!
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 11, 2016
    Powermax is great for plugging in. For charging on generator it only charges fast to about 75% then just a trickle charge.

    55 is larger than you need. I would go with 35 amp.. maybe 45 amps max to replace your 40.

    35A PM $145
  • filthy_beast's avatar
    filthy_beast
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2016
    No disrespect intended, but if you do not know whether 117 volts is good you should probably not be doing electrical troubleshooting.

    The Powermax PM3-55 is a 55 amp converter, the Magnatech SF-40 is probably a 40 amp converter. The wiring size for these two converters is different and installing a 55 amp converter into wiring that is designed for 40 amps can be a safety issue.
  • NorthwestBound's avatar
    NorthwestBound
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2016
    Then it looks ok, if 117 volts is considered ok.

    On a side note...does anyone think the powermax pm3-55 converter would be a good replacement for my Magnetek SF-40?

    Because, if the power is good, then my converter is bad.

    Thanks for all your help guys.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 11, 2016
    NorthwestBound wrote:
    Its a Magnetek SF-30. I tested the pedestal with my meter. Getting 117 volts. Dont know how else to test it, ill have to check youtube. Lol


    Hot to neutral 117
    Hot to ground 117
    neutral to ground 0 or very close.
  • NorthwestBound's avatar
    NorthwestBound
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2016
    Its a Magnetek SF-30. I tested the pedestal with my meter. Getting 117 volts. Dont know how else to test it, ill have to check youtube. Lol
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 11, 2016
    Since you have a 30 amp RV just use a common outlet tester from the home store in your RV.
    Also check voltage. If it checks out you are good to go.

    If it is a WFCO converter you may as well just replace it.
    I recommend Progressive Dynamics or IOTA.
  • NorthwestBound's avatar
    NorthwestBound
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2016
    How can i test the pedestal to make sure im getting good power? Im still having converter issues and im hoping its the power before i replace it.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 10, 2016
    NEMA 14-50 on a double 40a breaker is perfectly normal and allowed by NEC.
    I would not worry about what is in the shop. Your 30 amp RV will not draw more than 30 amps.
    Although a NEMA 5-20 on a 30a breaker does not seem right.

    Still the 50-30 adapter is fine.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 10, 2016
    30A breaker in shop feeding a 40A breaker at pedestal with a 50A receptacle................:H

    Who was the 'electrician' :S

    Yes you can use that 50A to 30A adapter. I have done so on my 5th wheel many many times.

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