kokois1
Apr 02, 2014Explorer
50 amp cheater
I am considering purchasing a 50 amp cheater system to use when there is only a30 amp and 20 amp connection available at the site hookup. Have any of you used one? Any problems or issues I need to b...
wa8yxm wrote:
Save your money.. I have one, There are two places I can use it out of all the places I park and in one of those only on selected sites.
Instead.. What you need to do is install a "Break out" system. I will describe it.
Now mine is an "Advanced" model (I designed it) but here is the basic model
Original wiring in my motor home
Main breaker box branch breaker will be called "BB" for this discussion
BB-------------air conditioner (rear)
New system
BB-----Outlet/Plug-----Junction box----Air conditieonr rear
What I did: Pulled the 12ga line out of the breaker box that fed the rear A/C
Took a 12 ga extension cord that was double the length needed to reach outside the RV, cut it in half, outlet end hooked to the breaker, and plug end hooked, via the Junction box, to the A/C.
So your using the cord as part of the permanent wiring system Now?
Extension cords are listed for temporary use only not suited to permanent use. NEC violation!!!
I later added a special 20 amp outlet What's so special about this outlet? (Different plug from regular outlets) T-ed in at that same junction box. all connections in the J-box are soldered and taped (Wire nutted and taped did not work).
Believe it or not Solider is not a listed means of connection at least for the last 50 years. I've never had a problem with wire nuts and there are listed insulated crimp connectors also.
I plug a space heater into the outlet, Do not use heat and A/C at the same time.
Now.. I'm on a 50 amp site, plug is in outlet, everything works as normal
Next week on a 30 amp site, I pull plug and using a 12ga Extension cord plug into park's 20 amp.. now rear A/C is independent of rest of motor home, Does NOT trip GFCI as your cheater box will.
The original design was a bit more paranoid than I am.. Here it is
BB-----Outlet/plug-Breaker------AC
Actually the "Plug" on the original design (WWW PSRV COM NET or ORG (forget which suffex and now closed) the plug was an "inlet" (Mounted like an outlet but prongs instead of slots) The outlet on both their and my design is a pigtail.
IF YOU HAVE AN ENERGERY NAMAGEMENT SYSTEM. you will need to find a spot to "Break out" teh Rear AC that is After the EMS.. (LIkely the EMS relay deck).