Power Protection Device, Do you?
Do you use a Power Protection Device when you hookup to power (anywhere, not just in a campground)? And what type? Thanks, rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Forum Discussion
Hi,
I do use one of those 3 LED voltage detectors to make sure that the polarity is correct before plugging in my RV to the campground power.
I plugged in once to a reversed polarity campground site (30 amps) and it shorted out my inverter/charger. This might not happen with every inverter/charger, as mine is special with a ground to neutral bond that is not in most inverters.
I do not have undervoltage protection, but also have a digital volt meter plugged into my kitchen receptacle, where I can watch the voltage. Look for a Kill-A-Watt, a modern version of what I have that can also measure wattage being used by the receptacle that is built into the device.
When I am under 105 volts, I will either shut off my A/C or plug in my voltage booster transformer.
When visiting friends, it is best to plug in to the laundry room receptacles. They have dedicated 20 amp circuits (required by NEC code since the 60's) that run to the washer and dryer. Those two circuits are not shared by the house loads, such as any exterior receptacles, that might have all the bedroom loads on it, or other loads.
It is also possible to build a 30 amp 4 wire dryer adapter to a 50 amp RV receptacle. You only need the 30 amp dryer cord, and a 50 amp surface mount stove receptacle, both sold at Home Depot or any hardware store. Then you can visit friends homes, and have a full 7,000 watts available to run two A/C units, or many other things all at once!
Fred.
I do use one of those 3 LED voltage detectors to make sure that the polarity is correct before plugging in my RV to the campground power.
I plugged in once to a reversed polarity campground site (30 amps) and it shorted out my inverter/charger. This might not happen with every inverter/charger, as mine is special with a ground to neutral bond that is not in most inverters.
I do not have undervoltage protection, but also have a digital volt meter plugged into my kitchen receptacle, where I can watch the voltage. Look for a Kill-A-Watt, a modern version of what I have that can also measure wattage being used by the receptacle that is built into the device.
When I am under 105 volts, I will either shut off my A/C or plug in my voltage booster transformer.
When visiting friends, it is best to plug in to the laundry room receptacles. They have dedicated 20 amp circuits (required by NEC code since the 60's) that run to the washer and dryer. Those two circuits are not shared by the house loads, such as any exterior receptacles, that might have all the bedroom loads on it, or other loads.
It is also possible to build a 30 amp 4 wire dryer adapter to a 50 amp RV receptacle. You only need the 30 amp dryer cord, and a 50 amp surface mount stove receptacle, both sold at Home Depot or any hardware store. Then you can visit friends homes, and have a full 7,000 watts available to run two A/C units, or many other things all at once!
Fred.
