So, I'm 65 years old and haven't electrocuted myself yet, although I've had more than one close call. So, I need some help here.I'm staying in a campground that I've stayed in many times before with no 50 amp issues. With seven years experience with the MH we know the electrical systems very well. In this campground, we've always been able to run both AC, microwave, etc. with no problems. On this trip we can't run the microwave and toaster oven at the same time. BEFORE YOU RESPOND, THIS HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE. This problem doesn't trip the circuit breaker in the MH or on the campground pedestal, but it trips the Progressive Industries surge protector making it go through it's time delay program. I have verified this problem by duplicating the issue several times.I understand enough about 50 amp to know about L1 and L2 etc. Something is not right. Don't want to offend the campground owner. There is nothing wrong with my MH. Stayed in another RV park for a week before coming here. No issues. Can a master electrician here help me help a friend?

Hi,What is the voltage on L1? L2?

What is the error code on the PI?I am thinking bad neutral in the RV or pedestal that is causing a spike/sag on the two hots.Owner should not be offended if you ask for help determining if it is the supply or your RV.With the owner's permission you could try another site.

What prior error code was displayed? And it could be your rig as no prior problem is not a guarantee of no current problem. Try a different site or park.

Well you aren't pulling more than 50 amp since neither breaker tripped. You seem to be getting voltage spikes or surges. They might not be constant which makes metering a little difficult. Watch what lights come on your surge protector. Tell the owner about it. They would want to know I'm sure. With your surge protector and the lighted diagnostics you might help them figure it out. Good chance it's the utility companies fault.

Use your old fashion digital voltmeter to verify power at the CG 50 amp outlet:Outer straights are hotInner straight is neutralInner round is ground.SO:Outer straight (either one) to inner straight or inner round= 120 VACOuter straight to outer straight= 240 VACInner straight to inner round= 0 VAC

? about 50 amp campground problem, need master electrician

34 Replies

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Oct 03, 2014
Mex, A few high end rigs have 240V appliances. An all electric rig as in electric stovetop/oven would be in that category. One poster installed a 240V WD in their 50A rig w/o a 240/120V generator.
john_bet
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2014
pianotuna wrote:
Hi Bill,

How is the generator wired to produce both 240 and 120 at the same time?
There are several leads that come out of the generator windings to be hook together how ever you need them to be to produce the required voltage.
LittleBill
Explorer
Oct 03, 2014
Clicky

Clicky 2
LittleBill
Explorer
Oct 03, 2014
same way at the house, the neutral is center tapped off the transformer, or the generator head
pianotuna
Nomad III
Oct 03, 2014
Hi Bill,

How is the generator wired to produce both 240 and 120 at the same time?
LittleBill
Explorer
Oct 03, 2014
same way its done in your house piano, there is no magic to 50 amp 240 just an extra wire
pianotuna
Nomad III
Oct 03, 2014
Hi Bill,

Yes they use 240 for a dryer. But consider that such rv's come with a generator. 240 is easy. 120 at the same time as 240 takes some "extra" parts. I do not know how that is done.

If it is an "all electric" rv then probably the stove is also 240.
LittleBill
Explorer
Oct 03, 2014
pianotuna wrote:
Hi Mex,

Yes, there are a few high end (couple of mil) coaches that use 240. I'm not privy as to how they do that.

no idea what this even means

it means they use 240v, prolly for a dryer, no different then in a house
pianotuna
Nomad III
Oct 03, 2014
Hi Mex,

Yes, there are a few high end (couple of mil) coaches that use 240. I'm not privy as to how they do that.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
Learning question for me...

Is there any type of rig that actually uses 240 vac? I know on the larger cruising sailboats they rely on the 240 for major loads and use a 100 amp center tap transformer and manufacture their own lower voltage. I am not going to touch the problems with open neutral versus earth ground versus zincs.

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? about 50 amp campground problem, need master electrician

34 Replies

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