Pulling more than 50 amps ?
Our park electrician says that some of the big rigs with 3 ACs and electric everything can sometimes draw more than 50A from a 50A pedestal. Truth or BS?
Forum Discussion
TechWriter wrote:Bobbo wrote:wa8yxm wrote:dougrainer wrote:
I read this again. It is worded POORLY. The answer is, YES, THEY CAN DRAW MORE THAN 50 AMPS. But, the 50 amp pedestal handles a TOTAL of 100 amps. Doug
Which wire has the 100 amps on it Doug?
It is 50 amps on L1 and 50 amps on L2. Voila, 100 amps used in the RV. Sheesh, I thought you, of all people, knew this wa8yxm.
Ok, but wouldn’t Neutral wire have to be rated at 100A or higher?
No. The Neutral wire carries the DIFFERENCE between the two legs, not the sum of the two legs. That is the beauty of the 50 amp pole being 120v/240v. If one leg is carrying 50 amps and the second leg is carrying 0 amps, the Neutral is carrying 50 amps. If both legs are carrying 50 amps, the Neutral is carrying 0 amps. I know it doesn't make sense, but that is the way it works.
Of course, that assumes a proper 120v/240v outlet. If both sides are fed off of the same leg so it is just 2 circuits of 120v, with 0v between the two legs, then yes, the Neutral can carry 100 amps. However, that is an improperly wired pedestal.
