30 Amp Question
I have a question that will probably seem idiotic, but here goes. I am booked at a campsite that offers 50 amp service. My motorhome has a 30 amp plug-in. Can I use a 50 amp to 30 amp pigtail type...
Forum Discussion
To simplify, the major difference between 30a and 50a is the amount of current that each can provide to your RV. If your RV has 30A service, it will/shouldn't draw more than 30A, and can be plugged into the 30A without fear of tripping the breaker by drawing too much current.
50A service will (should!) have thicker wiring to handle larger current loads, and so should the wiring going to a 50A trailer. Therefore, you can plug into 50A service (with the appropriate plug adapter) since you won't be needing/using the increased current capacity anyway.
The same - it should be clear by now - is not necessarily the case going the other way; i.e. a 50A RV plugging into 30A service. The 50A RV *could* try to draw more than 30A, which should cause the breaker to trip. My trailer - with 50A service - doesn't draw more than 20A with the AC on and the compressor running, so I can use 30A service if needed. That's not true for many 50A rigs, however.
50A service will (should!) have thicker wiring to handle larger current loads, and so should the wiring going to a 50A trailer. Therefore, you can plug into 50A service (with the appropriate plug adapter) since you won't be needing/using the increased current capacity anyway.
The same - it should be clear by now - is not necessarily the case going the other way; i.e. a 50A RV plugging into 30A service. The 50A RV *could* try to draw more than 30A, which should cause the breaker to trip. My trailer - with 50A service - doesn't draw more than 20A with the AC on and the compressor running, so I can use 30A service if needed. That's not true for many 50A rigs, however.
