Forum Discussion
myredracer
Aug 04, 2014Explorer II
I don't think many want to, or will, walk all the way inside their unit wherever the panel is and turn the breaker off. Then walk out to the where the recept. is and plug it in, and then traipse all the way back in again to turn the breaker back on. And then traipse all the way outside again to continue setting up camp. I know it's technically within the realm of being possible, but I've never read about anyone actually doing that. I'd much rather be able to turn the power off right where I am plugging in. They do make switching duty (SWD) breakers but AFIK, not in 30 amps.
You can get away without shutting the power for a while, but you are setting yourself up for eventually having overheating plugs/receptacles to the point where they go up in smoke, potentially causing lots of damage.
Standard breakers are not rated specifically for switching duty, but they do take a lot more "abuse" from live make/break operations. A cord and plug will not last very long in comparison. Breakers in CG pedestals are standard thermal magnetic type, are switched all the time yet are not rated for switching duty, but the pedestals are safety approved (UL, CSA). I saw a brand new pedestal last year that had a factory label on it to shut power off before energizing.
I used a 30 amp motor rated disconnect switch at our dedicated RV outlet. These are designed for thousands of make/break operations which for motors is up to around 6 times running current. A dedicated breaker at your home for an RV is perfectly fine for the infrequent use it gets compared to a CG pedestal.
KOA says you should turn the breaker off before plugging in and unplugging. KOA and pedestals
You can get away without shutting the power for a while, but you are setting yourself up for eventually having overheating plugs/receptacles to the point where they go up in smoke, potentially causing lots of damage.
Standard breakers are not rated specifically for switching duty, but they do take a lot more "abuse" from live make/break operations. A cord and plug will not last very long in comparison. Breakers in CG pedestals are standard thermal magnetic type, are switched all the time yet are not rated for switching duty, but the pedestals are safety approved (UL, CSA). I saw a brand new pedestal last year that had a factory label on it to shut power off before energizing.
I used a 30 amp motor rated disconnect switch at our dedicated RV outlet. These are designed for thousands of make/break operations which for motors is up to around 6 times running current. A dedicated breaker at your home for an RV is perfectly fine for the infrequent use it gets compared to a CG pedestal.
KOA says you should turn the breaker off before plugging in and unplugging. KOA and pedestals
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