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electrical:shore_power [2017/10/11 12:52] frater_secessus [30A shore power] |
electrical:shore_power [2022/06/23 10:43] frater_secessus [Shore power] |
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====== Shore power ====== | ====== Shore power ====== | ||
- | Shore power is AC power derived from the electric grid. The most common places RVers use shore power is when plugged in at someone' | + | |
+ | Note: this section is presently US-centric. | ||
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+ | Shore power ("grid power", | ||
+ | |||
+ | The most common places RVers use shore power is when plugged in at someone' | ||
{{ https:// | {{ https:// | ||
The most **common types of campsite hookups** are: | The most **common types of campsite hookups** are: | ||
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===== 15A/20A shore power ===== | ===== 15A/20A shore power ===== | ||
{{ http:// | {{ http:// | ||
- | **15A** power receptacles are the familiar ones found in a residence.((NEMA 5-15, https:// | + | **15A** power receptacles are the familiar ones found in a residence.((NEMA 5-15, https:// |
**20A** power receptacles are similar but the " | **20A** power receptacles are similar but the " | ||
Boondockers and vandwellers will likely set up their shore power to run on the 15A. Because of the backward-compatible 20A socket they will be able to use their 15A plugs at both 15A and 20A hookups. | Boondockers and vandwellers will likely set up their shore power to run on the 15A. Because of the backward-compatible 20A socket they will be able to use their 15A plugs at both 15A and 20A hookups. | ||
- | Note: using a 10A circuit breaker on the RVs AC breaker box will prevent tripping a residential circuit breaker | + | The 20A outlet is rated for 2400W.((http:// |
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+ | Note: using a 10A circuit breaker on the RVs AC breaker box will prevent tripping a residential circuit breaker when the RVer might not have access to reset it. A 15A breaker might or might not, depending on whether the RV or residential breaker trips first. | ||
A ' | A ' | ||
15A Extension cords should be 12-14ga for 50' cords and 10-12ga for 100' cords. | 15A Extension cords should be 12-14ga for 50' cords and 10-12ga for 100' cords. | ||
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+ | Mike Sokol of RV electrical fame, says: | ||
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+ | > if there’s a 20-amp circuit breaker and 12-gauge wire feeding a 15-amp outlet, it’s actually rated for 20-amps of current. There’s an exception in the code as well as UL allowing this, so don’t worry. If you’re on a 20-amp breaker with 12-gauge wiring, then you have a 20-amp circuit, even if it’s using a NEMA 5-15 outlet.((https:// | ||
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===== 30A shore power ===== | ===== 30A shore power ===== | ||
{{ http:// | {{ http:// | ||
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If the 30A circuit on a 30A/50A pedestal is broken or malfunctioning the camper can use [[http:// | If the 30A circuit on a 30A/50A pedestal is broken or malfunctioning the camper can use [[http:// | ||
- | The RV can also run off a 15A/20A outlet but would have to be careful about loads (heavy loads like a single A/C unit, electric cooktop, or microwave would have to be run one at a time). | + | The RV can also run off a 15A/20A outlet |
===== 50A shore power ===== | ===== 50A shore power ===== | ||
- | 50A systems are most common in large, luxury RVs with two or more A/C units.((NEMA 14-50, http:// | + | {{ https:// |
- | + | ||
- | Althought it is called | + | |
- | **IMPORTANT: | + | 50A to 30A adapters will use one leg of the outlet to feed the RV with 50A. |
+ | ===== ports ===== | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | A //shore power port// is designed to let you plug power cables into the side of your van or RV. As discussed above, RVs typically use 30A/50A service -- they use [[https:// | ||
+ | Vans typically use [[https:// | ||
+ | - use a [[https:// | ||
+ | - sand the edges to remove sharp edges | ||
+ | - treat edges with paint, primer, rust preventive, etc to prevent rust. The edges will not be visible once the port is installed | ||
===== power testers ===== | ===== power testers ===== | ||
Before plugging into shore power the RVer may want to test the receptacle for "good ground, open circuits, reversed polarity and safe voltage." | Before plugging into shore power the RVer may want to test the receptacle for "good ground, open circuits, reversed polarity and safe voltage." |