First off, I know these won't work while plugged into a ground fault outlet AND it would only supply 60 amps total (as opposed to 100 amps for a regular 50 amp outlet. What I'm wondering is; how are they wired in the 50 amp side of the plug. Do they just run the 30 amp hot to one side, the other 30 amp hot to the other side then combine the two neutral wire and then combine the two ground wires.Just FYI, I have access to two 30 amp RV outlets that are not wired to ground fault outlets at my home. I am wondering if I could use one of these to run both A/C units while at home.

You have a great understanding of how they work.I would make sure your 2 30 A outlets are on opposite legs. If you measure between their hots you should see 240v. Otherwise, you could potential overload the neutral wire in your RV.

One of these Conntek RV 50-Amp Power Optimizer (2) RV 30-Amp Plug to 50-Amp 125/250-Volt 14-50R Female Connector ($49.99 AMAZON)Probably wired like this DMBRUSS drawings..This is a neat pictorial on how to measure a 50 AMP RECEPTACLE with a AC VOLTMETER. As stated above it is important that you measure the 240VAC between the two HOT connectors on the 50AMP Receptacle indicating you using a correct setup plugging in your two 30AMP PLUGS. What you also don't want to happen is to have an AC 120VAC potential on the second 30AMP MALE PLUG when you plug the first 30AMP MALE PLUG into the source. Having a 120VAC potential on the second 30AMP POWER PLUG before you plug it into the second source of power could be a shocking experience... These are normally called 'WIDOW MAKER' cheater cords for obvious reasons... Most manufacturers will not sell these dangerous items that do this.. I would measure the plugs before handling them...I personally would never do this but I guess alot of folks give it a try... I actually very seldom see two RV30AMP receptacles on a camp site pedestal... Usually all you see is RV50A-RV30A-standard 20A connections with circuit breakersAll photos from GOOGLE IMAGES...Roy Ken

KD4UPL wrote:You have a great understanding of how they work.I would make sure your 2 30 A outlets are on opposite legs. If you measure between their hots you should see 240v. Otherwise, you could potential overload the neutral wire in your RV.Electrically this is absolutely correct. If you turned on enough load, you could load the neutral to 60 amps vs a maximum of 50 amps for "real" 50 amp service. This is because with 50 amp service the neutral only carries the DIFFERENCE between the draw on L1 and L2.Reality-- it would be very rare in a CG pedestal with only 30 amp service for the two 30 amp outlets to be on "opposing" hot legs. If they pulled the extra wire, they very likely would have installed a 50 amp outlet!So, yes, some attention needs to be paid to total amp draw. Remember 50 amp is TWO 50 amp hots, so 100 amps total. This 30/30 to 50 offers 60, a single 30 offers 30. RV math.

Tinstar wrote: Do they just run the 30 amp hot to one side, the other 30 amp hot to the other side then combine the two neutral wire and then combine the two ground wires.That is exactly correct.

Just remember, IF one of the 30 amp receptacles has reverse polarity(the white and black are reversed due to incompetent install), you will supply a "220" type hit to your RV. When using these adapters it is best to make an adapter to verify polarity with a standard polarity checker. I have fixed a few RV's over the years from this happening. This is more critical when you do not have a extra 30 but adapt down to a standard 15 amp receptacle as they are easier to reverse the polarity. Doug

How are these things wired | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

RoyB
Explorer II
May 07, 2016
One of these Conntek RV 50-Amp Power Optimizer (2) RV 30-Amp Plug to 50-Amp 125/250-Volt 14-50R Female Connector ($49.99 AMAZON)

Probably wired like this DMBRUSS drawings..

This is a neat pictorial on how to measure a 50 AMP RECEPTACLE with a AC VOLTMETER. As stated above it is important that you measure the 240VAC between the two HOT connectors on the 50AMP Receptacle indicating you using a correct setup plugging in your two 30AMP PLUGS.

What you also don't want to happen is to have an AC 120VAC potential on the second 30AMP MALE PLUG when you plug the first 30AMP MALE PLUG into the source. Having a 120VAC potential on the second 30AMP POWER PLUG before you plug it into the second source of power could be a shocking experience... These are normally called 'WIDOW MAKER' cheater cords for obvious reasons... Most manufacturers will not sell these dangerous items that do this.. I would measure the plugs before handling them...

I personally would never do this but I guess alot of folks give it a try...

I actually very seldom see two RV30AMP receptacles on a camp site pedestal... Usually all you see is RV50A-RV30A-standard 20A connections with circuit breakers

All photos from GOOGLE IMAGES...

Roy Ken
KD4UPL
Explorer II
May 07, 2016
You have a great understanding of how they work.
I would make sure your 2 30 A outlets are on opposite legs. If you measure between their hots you should see 240v. Otherwise, you could potential overload the neutral wire in your RV.

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How are these things wired

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