voltage meter or how to ck 50 amp at rv site
I was told I need to check my elect connection before I plug into the RV campsite electricity. I have 50 amp and sometimes use a 50/30 2 foot converter (50 amp one end 30 amp other end) from Camping ...
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This Wikipedia link leads to an extremely simple explanation of what a receptacle tester is and from there on down the page gets more and more technical. Stop when you have been fed enough info. The basics are enough.
Colored lights and an easy to use diagram sticker tell you when things are right. and when they are wrong. These gizmos are common and cheap in the the USA. Get 2 and give one away to a special new friend RV'er who doesn't yet know about them.
So this means using two gizmos. Both with plug-in prongs. The first should be the one above, because if it says danger it matters not the voltage is correct.
Then the voltage gauge is plugged in. Give it a minute, walk around your rig kick the tires then return and see if the voltage has changed.
Something that is never discussed is the effect of low voltage on the ability of your refrigerator to cool on AC power. At 100 volts or less the cooling ability gets sad. Food spoils. Plug in the volt meter where you spend your afternoons (highest demand period for power) and give it a glance once it awhile. If power dips, switch to gas for the time being. Beats a refrigerator full of spoiled food.
There is a CHEAP booster that is totally plug in. It raises power from 100 to 115 volts and is good for 750 watts. I'll send you the link if you like. Would not travel Mexico without one.
The ground stake I mentioned is important. Anything that plugs in your rig that has three wires RELIES on having a good ground. For safety and to protect electronics. This gizmo will cost you about five dollars to make yourself.
Outlet Tester
Colored lights and an easy to use diagram sticker tell you when things are right. and when they are wrong. These gizmos are common and cheap in the the USA. Get 2 and give one away to a special new friend RV'er who doesn't yet know about them.
So this means using two gizmos. Both with plug-in prongs. The first should be the one above, because if it says danger it matters not the voltage is correct.
Then the voltage gauge is plugged in. Give it a minute, walk around your rig kick the tires then return and see if the voltage has changed.
Something that is never discussed is the effect of low voltage on the ability of your refrigerator to cool on AC power. At 100 volts or less the cooling ability gets sad. Food spoils. Plug in the volt meter where you spend your afternoons (highest demand period for power) and give it a glance once it awhile. If power dips, switch to gas for the time being. Beats a refrigerator full of spoiled food.
There is a CHEAP booster that is totally plug in. It raises power from 100 to 115 volts and is good for 750 watts. I'll send you the link if you like. Would not travel Mexico without one.
The ground stake I mentioned is important. Anything that plugs in your rig that has three wires RELIES on having a good ground. For safety and to protect electronics. This gizmo will cost you about five dollars to make yourself.
Outlet Tester
