Newbie! 30 amp to 20 amp converter
HI folks, I'm brand spanking new to RVing. The trailer I am attempting to make "usable" is a 1988 Companion Classic. Needs work. My question: when using a 30 amp to 20 amp plug converter do...
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Just how big is your rig? 35'? 30'?
I have a 35' 10-wheel school bus that I manage with a pitiful 15-amp service.
If your duplex outlet has 12-gauge wire you can use a different plug. Called a SPECIFICATION GRADE, like it or not I have never had an issue with consuming 17 or even 20-amps through a 15-amp rated spec receptacle AND plug (Look for Hubbell brand. Go to the hardware store and buy a six inch piece of 12 AWG house wire and use it as a guide. By no means try and use a smaller wire in your receptacle box to feed twenty amps.
DON'T
You have to be very frugal with with wattage appliances.
You absolutely must get an accurate digital voltage gauge (plug in) and look at it when plugging it or switching on a new load. The maximum load is determined by voltage. When voltage drops to 105 volts that's it. Period. Turn something else off before starting the new load.
Life would be a lot easier if you could arrange to have a 50-amp 240 volt service drop installed. If that's impossible you must plan on major concessions by maxing out on 1/4th the power. You also need to use a bridge wire to connect both incoming L1 and L2 phases together. Get a 100 lb cylinder for gas or even a 250 gallon LPG tank set.
This is a lot of info packed into a tiny space so please re-read it,
I have a 35' 10-wheel school bus that I manage with a pitiful 15-amp service.
If your duplex outlet has 12-gauge wire you can use a different plug. Called a SPECIFICATION GRADE, like it or not I have never had an issue with consuming 17 or even 20-amps through a 15-amp rated spec receptacle AND plug (Look for Hubbell brand. Go to the hardware store and buy a six inch piece of 12 AWG house wire and use it as a guide. By no means try and use a smaller wire in your receptacle box to feed twenty amps.
DON'T
- Try to use a roof air conditioner
- Use an electric hot water heater
- Use more than a single electric heater
- Use a microwave in conjunction with say a coffeemaker, or other high wattage appliance
You have to be very frugal with with wattage appliances.
You absolutely must get an accurate digital voltage gauge (plug in) and look at it when plugging it or switching on a new load. The maximum load is determined by voltage. When voltage drops to 105 volts that's it. Period. Turn something else off before starting the new load.
Life would be a lot easier if you could arrange to have a 50-amp 240 volt service drop installed. If that's impossible you must plan on major concessions by maxing out on 1/4th the power. You also need to use a bridge wire to connect both incoming L1 and L2 phases together. Get a 100 lb cylinder for gas or even a 250 gallon LPG tank set.
This is a lot of info packed into a tiny space so please re-read it,
