30amp surge protector on 50amp line

[cmarkj]

Quick search here turned up nothing.
Am getting a new trailer. It’s set up for 50amp but doesn’t have the 2nd AC unit installed. Has the 50amp cord. Without the 2nd AC, I wouldn’t think that the RV would routinely pull more than 30 amps. My question is, can I use my 30amp surge suppressor or do I need to get a 50amp?

[Lantley]

You can use a 30 amp protector, but that limits you to 30 amp. Sort of defeats the point of having a 50 amp rig
Set yourself up for 50 amps. There is more to having 50 amps than just a 2nd A/C.

[pianotuna]

Better to check if there is a ems in the new digs first.

You can use the 30 amp surge but it needs to feed both legs. Otherwise some circuits may not work.

The RV you had before was 30 amp--the new one will have the same constraints. Microwave (13 amps) and water heater (12 amps) and roof air (16 amps) = overload the pedestal breaker

One other work around is possible--and that would be an inverter charger that has load support.

My choice would be to get a 50 amp ems, not just a surge device.

[CA_Traveler]

cmarkj wrote:
Without the 2nd AC, I wouldn’t think that the RV would routinely pull more than 30 amps.

All it takes is 3 higher draw devices like: A/C, HW, charger, toaster, coffee pot, hair dryer etc to exceed 30A. Get a 50A EMS.

[time2roll]

Perfectly OK to use a 30 amp protector with 30 amp supply and 50 amp RV.
Not OK to use 30amp protector with adapter to 50 amp supply to power a 50 amp RV. Protector becomes the fuse.

Get the 50 amp protector. And yes the 50 amp protector can be used on 30 amp supply.

[Boon_Docker]

Try the 30 amp suppressor for now and see if it will do the job for you.
I see no reason why it should not.

[Michelle_S]

Simple if on 30 amps, running 1 AC, heating something in the Microwave, and the Hot Water Heater kicks on in the AC or Coffee Maker is turned on. You'll pop the 30 amp pole breaker.

[fj12ryder]

Due to the differences in wiring between a 30 amp cord/plug and a 50 amp cord/plug, you'd best be served getting a 50 amp EMS.