Install 30A on a Cable

[DanKirk]

I had considered installing a 30A RV plug on my house and using an extension cable to connect it to my trailer while parked on the street. But then I had the idea to install a 30A breaker in my power box, and connect it directly to a 30-foot long 3 conductor 6/3 SOOW cable with a box with a 30A RV outlet. I can keep the cabled coiled and hung inside my garage and run to the street when my trailer is there.

Is there an issue with running SOOW cable directly to a breaker in a power box?

[PastorCharlie]

I have used a 50" 10/2 with ground with a 30 AMP RV receptacle on the end for years when visiting my BIL. It is hard wired into his electrical panel in his basement and rolled up to the outside of his house behind hedges during non use. Does great for 30 AMP. Runs one AC/Heat pump, microwave, etc..

[DutchmenSport]

Do as BurbMan said. Install a true 30 amp RV outlet and run a true RV 30 amp extension cord from the outlet to your camper.

I ran my camper at home on a 20 amp receptacle for years (plug outside the house). And even ran an orange construction style 100 foot electric cord from the receptacle to the camper and it worked fine for years that way. I could even run the air conditioner, but the orange cord would get warm after a while.

In time, I finally installed a 30 amp RV receptacle and a few years later decided to park the camper a different direction, so installed the second one at a different location, along with replacing a 20 am receptacle that use to exist on a basket ball hoop pole. With options now, I never have to drive over the RV extension cord, wherever it's parked. And I can run the air conditioner any time, and actually live in the camper (which we do most of the summer months).

Install a real RV receptacle with a dedicated line to your breaker box and dedicated breaker for that one line only. Then you have all kinds of options what you plug into it, and you're not breaking any building codes or raising alarms when neighbors see wires laying in your yard.







If you look under the window of the garage, this was my first attempt at putting a receptical on the outside of the garage. We use to park the camper right here. I just tapped into a 20 amp plug on the other side of the wall. Worked OK for a long time that way.

Then, decided to do it right and installed a true 30 amp box (between the door and the front) of the garage, as that was the easiest way to run the wire from the breaker box inside the garage.

A couple years later, I added the box on the electric panel beside the garage. Total length of wire from the splitter box (200 amp, 100 to the house and 100 to the garage), it took about 3 feet of wire to install the RV box. I now have the outside 20 amp, and 2 outside 30 amp boxes. It all works well together. I actually can run a mini-campground now if I want!

[BurbMan]

Do not run SOOW into a breaker box or connect it directly to a breaker, big code violation there.

Run 10/2 romex to a box with an RV outlet, inside or outside the garage, your choice. Buy an RV extension cord to get the power to your rig when you need it. I've found that it's cheaper to buy a 30a RV extension cord with the molded connectors than it is to buy SOOW, male and female ends, and make your own. Unless you are going for a custom length like 35' or such. If you want to make your own, 10/3 SOOW (white, black, green) is fine unless you are going longer than 50', in which case 8/3 SOOW would minimize voltage drop.

I wouldn't worry about running it across the sidewalk, nobody is going to get electrocuted. It's more of a trip hazard than anything.

As others have said, what are you planning to run? If you want to run the a/c to cool it off and have the fridge on, you should be able to do that with a 20a cord. maybe try that first.

[troubledwaters]

DrewE wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
Do you absolutely have to have 30A. If all your going to do is run the refer for cool down prior to trips a 20A circuit is more than enough. Stringing a 30A line across the lawn and sidewalk is just asking for someone to get electrocuted.

A 30A 120V circuit poses no greater (or lesser) risk of electrocution than a 20A 120V circuit.

Now c'mon, it is really rude to inject common sense on this forum. You need a self imposed 20 minute time out.

[ScottG]

I have a 30A outlet wired with 125' of 10 awg Romex to the back of my house. From there I have a 50', 10awg extension cord with appropriate ends (no adapters) connected to my 50A RV.
This combo works great! I lose a few volts but it easily runs the AC with voltage to spare.

[Matt_Colie]

I had a problem with the SOOW that I had on my dock years ago. After a few years in the sun, the rubber jacket broke up. So, if you can't get by with a heavy duty extension cord and what to do this, I suggest that your 30A receptacle be either a TT30 like your trailer has or better yet, a L5-30 twist lock.

Matt

[Lynnmor]

You only need #10 wire. The only issue (besides code), is the flexing where the cable enters the box. You should have a strain relief to prevent cable damage and a possible short.

[azrving]

This comes with 30 amp plug

One way to connect box to panel or pvc

[DrewE]

donn0128 wrote:
Do you absolutely have to have 30A. If all your going to do is run the refer for cool down prior to trips a 20A circuit is more than enough. Stringing a 30A line across the lawn and sidewalk is just asking for someone to get electrocuted.

A 30A 120V circuit poses no greater (or lesser) risk of electrocution than a 20A 120V circuit.

[time2roll]

10/3 is fine. I don't think a flexible cord is a permanent solution connected direct to the breaker. At least check the breaker is rated for stranded wire. I would install an outlet and get a standard 30 amp RV extension cord.

Likewise I would not drape a cord across a public walkway unless I was outside tending to the RV. Roll it up when not in the immediate area.

[Lwiddis]

What do you an anticipate using in your RV while parked in front of your home that would require 30 amp service? Do you plan on the electric cord laying across a sidewalk used by the public? If so, the purchase of an umbrella insurance policy would be wise.

[azrving]

As donn0128 said. I dont think you need 6/3. Probably 10/2 with ground or maybe 8/2 w ground. You could come out of your panel into a 30 amp rv box with a twist lock and make a cord that plugs in when needed. $30 at depot for the box

[donn0128]

Do you absolutely have to have 30A. If all your going to do is run the refer for cool down prior to trips a 20A circuit is more than enough. Stringing a 30A line across the lawn and sidewalk is just asking for someone to get electrocuted.