Forum Discussion

Lspangler's avatar
Lspangler
Explorer
Mar 21, 2018

30 amp vs 50 amp question

I have a 50 amp plug on my trailer. I only have one AC and use a 30 amp cord everywhere I go with an adaptor

I’m going to buy a Victron multiplus 3000. It has 50 amp pass through. If I wire it up as a 50 amp system, it can only pass through one 50 amp leg. Only half my RV would be powered

Can I combine the 2 hot wires together and turn my trailer into a 30 amp? I would then not be able to plug into a 50 amp receptacle with out a 30 amp adaptor

Does that make sense?

Thanks

Linc

8 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I assume this Victron will be installed in the RV, so it will be AFTER the 50 amp plug/cord.

    IF so install it per instructions, Let your existing dogbone connect the two legs together BEFORE the Victron.

    On your power panel if you have only one A/C you will likely find the A/C on one leg, the water heater on the other. (if you don't someone screwed up) and likewise a division of labor as it were.. So you have no need to do anyting special with the Victron it does all the work.
  • Normally the second A/C unit and water heater 120 volt element are on the second leg.
  • The 50 amp pass through is a niffy feature. I know I have been on a 50 amp pedestal but still over taxed my current 30 amp pass through on an older 2500 watt inverter. Having just one leg of that 50 amp would still give you 20 more amps of that side of the panel. Seems you could just move your air to the side of your panel getting inverter power?
  • You should not have to move anything if the adapter is wired correctly tieing the two legs together.
    Do you have enough batteries to run inverter for coffee?
  • time2roll wrote:
    Better to move the items you want on inverter to the one side that the inverter will power. Move the items you do not want on inverter to go on the side powered direct by utility only.

    Inverter: convenience outlets, microwave.

    non-inverter: Air conditioning, water heater, converter, absorption fridge.

    If you really want to power it all get a separate 50 amp transfer switch and power both sides with the inverter. No way would I go down to 30 amp service.


    Looking at the breakers, it does look like I could switch things around and get everything in the camper to work on one leg. The Victron can use battery and solar together with my 2000 watt generator to get my AC to run on generator or run a coffee maker with out generator. It's a pretty slick unit with the power assist feature

    Linc
  • I don’t understand the problem....if you have already been doing just fine with 30A service using your adapter,, just put your 30-50 adapter ahead of the new Victron and proceed as you have been doing......
  • Better to move the items you want on inverter to the one side that the inverter will power. Move the items you do not want on inverter to go on the side powered direct by utility only.

    Inverter: convenience outlets, microwave.

    non-inverter: Air conditioning, water heater, converter, absorption fridge.

    If you really want to power it all get a separate 50 amp transfer switch and power both sides with the inverter. No way would I go down to 30 amp service.

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