โMar-28-2013 09:25 PM
โMar-29-2013 09:56 PM
โMar-29-2013 09:49 PM
smkettner wrote:
One of the easiest ways to install is to replace the entry J-box with the EMS Surge Protector.
The entry J-box often connects the flexible cord to the romex that continues to the main panel.
Other common option is behind the main panel or in a compartment where the main power feed passes through.
โMar-29-2013 02:21 PM
Denny & Jami wrote:Good to clarify your post. Any rig that is not maintained in good condition is subject to various problems. But I contend that a 30A rig drawing 30A and it's cord drawing an additional 20A due to a partial short in the cord to CB wiring is a remote possibility. But should it happen the 30A wiring would be overloaded when on a 50A pedestal plug.smkettner wrote:Denny & Jami wrote:My initial connection is in a metal J-box.
CA Traveler before you start saying it's safe to hook to a 30 to 50 I suggest you look at the way some of the 30 amp cords are connected to the inside the trailer.
You may have a metal J-box but how are the wires connected inside of that box, are they just wire nuts that came come loose over time or never tight to begin with. Loose connections cause heat that raises the temp in the wires causing more resistance causing more amp draw and more heat. Eventually the wire outside the box will start to melt causing a fire hazard. If you are on a 30 and breaker like your system is designed to have you have a better chance of the breaker tripping. You don't have to have a short for a breaker to trip, if you draw over 80% of a breakers rated value for a long period of time it will trip on internal heat just like its designed to do, it's a built in safety factor. I'm not guessing on this stuff, my business was located in a town next to a COE lake and I did a lot of service calls on trailers for just this kind problem. Do what ever you want but remember there are other RVs parked close to you don't make your problem their problem.
As far as EMS or surge protectors I don't use one but they came be useful and helpful if you aren't sure of your incoming power, I always check ours before I plug in if it looks a little less than ideal. I do use a 20amp surge receptacle for the entertainment center to protect our electronic equipment from lightning. They are a one time protection so you have to check them to make sure the green light is still on, if it's not it did its job and will have to be replaced. It will still work but you will no longer be protected.
Denny
โMar-29-2013 11:38 AM
ZZSPIRAL1 wrote:
In reading these posts and what I'm trying to accomplish, it appears the best option is a hardwired surge protector. I don't know if that's an option for my FunFinder 210 UDS, but I'm going to check.
โMar-29-2013 11:06 AM
โMar-29-2013 10:58 AM
โMar-29-2013 10:38 AM
beemerphile1 wrote:smkettner wrote:
Using a standard adapter to plug a 30 amp RV into a 50 amp pedestal is perfectly safe in all conditions...
I have to disagree with the "safe in all conditions". Some RVs especially some pop ups do not have a main breaker! Most RVs do have a main breaker which would be either 30 amp or tandem 50 amp.
If the RV has a 30 amp main breaker the only thing exposed to 50 amp would be the cord. Even then it would only receive 50 amp if there was a dead short like cutting with a lawn mower or something.
However without a main breaker the panel in the RV could potentially be subjected to the full 50 amps and could smoke things if the panel was only rated for 30.
It is crazy that some manufacturers don't use a main breaker, but it is true.
โMar-29-2013 10:25 AM
Denny & Jami wrote:smkettner wrote:Denny & Jami wrote:My initial connection is in a metal J-box.
CA Traveler before you start saying it's safe to hook to a 30 to 50 I suggest you look at the way some of the 30 amp cords are connected to the inside the trailer.
You may have a metal J-box but how are the wires connected inside of that box, are they just wire nuts that came come loose over time or never tight to begin with. Loose connections cause heat that raises the temp in the wires causing more resistance causing more amp draw and more heat. Eventually the wire outside the box will start to melt causing a fire hazard. If you are on a 30 and breaker like your system is designed to have you have a better chance of the breaker tripping. You don't have to have a short for a breaker to trip, if you draw over 80% of a breakers rated value for a long period of time it will trip on internal heat just like its designed to do, it's a built in safety factor. I'm not guessing on this stuff, my business was located in a town next to a COE lake and I did a lot of service calls on trailers for just this kind problem. Do what ever you want but remember there are other RVs parked close to you don't make your problem their problem.
โMar-29-2013 10:23 AM
smkettner wrote:
Using a standard adapter to plug a 30 amp RV into a 50 amp pedestal is perfectly safe in all conditions.
For a 30 amp RV I have and recommend the Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C.
No display or portable is fine also.
โMar-29-2013 10:12 AM
smkettner wrote:Denny & Jami wrote:My initial connection is in a metal J-box.
CA Traveler before you start saying it's safe to hook to a 30 to 50 I suggest you look at the way some of the 30 amp cords are connected to the inside the trailer.
โMar-29-2013 09:32 AM
beemerphile1 wrote:smkettner wrote:
Using a standard adapter to plug a 30 amp RV into a 50 amp pedestal is perfectly safe in all conditions...
I have to disagree with the "safe in all conditions". Some RVs especially some pop ups do not have a main breaker! Most RVs do have a main breaker which would be either 30 amp or tandem 50 amp.
โMar-29-2013 09:29 AM
โMar-29-2013 09:25 AM
beemerphile1 wrote:If there is no main breaker, then is it a reasonable assumption that the coach would not have devices which could draw power to even approach 30a?
However without a main breaker the panel in the RV could potentially be subjected to the full 50 amps and could smoke things if the panel was only rated for 30.
โMar-29-2013 09:21 AM
smkettner wrote:
Using a standard adapter to plug a 30 amp RV into a 50 amp pedestal is perfectly safe in all conditions...
โMar-29-2013 09:07 AM