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electrical:shore_power [2022/06/23 10:43] frater_secessus [Shore power] |
electrical:shore_power [2024/02/02 12:01] frater_secessus split out US |
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The most common places RVers use shore power is when plugged in at someone's house or at an RV park with full hookups (FHU). | The most common places RVers use shore power is when plugged in at someone's house or at an RV park with full hookups (FHU). |
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| ===== United States ===== |
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{{ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wVYBei5BZmw/maxresdefault.jpg?200}} | {{ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wVYBei5BZmw/maxresdefault.jpg?200}} |
The most **common types of campsite hookups** are: | The most **common types of campsite hookups** are: |
* 15A/20A only | * 15A/20A only |
* 30A only | * 30A only |
===== 15A/20A shore power ===== | ==== 15A/20A shore power ==== |
{{ http://www.diycontrols.com/images/15amp_20amp.JPG?150|20A vs. 15A sockets}} | {{ http://www.diycontrols.com/images/15amp_20amp.JPG?150|20A vs. 15A sockets}} |
**15A** power receptacles are the familiar ones found in a residence.((NEMA 5-15, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_5)) They can carry 1800W((http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformation/rvmaintenance/rv-electrical-101.asp)) and are the type of shore power many DIY RVs and vans are built around.((assuming they have shore power receptacles at all)). | **15A** power receptacles are the familiar ones found in a residence.((NEMA 5-15, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_5)) They can carry 1800W((http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformation/rvmaintenance/rv-electrical-101.asp)) and are the type of shore power many DIY RVs and vans are built around.((assuming they have shore power receptacles at all)). |
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**20A** power receptacles are similar but the "hot" leg has an additional spur.((NEMA 5-20, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_5)) This arrangement **allows 15A plugs to go into 20A receptacles** but **prevents the heavier duty 20A plugs from being used in a 15A circuit**. | **20A** power receptacles are rated for 2400W((http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformation/rvmaintenance/rv-electrical-101.asp)). They look like 15A outlets but the "hot" leg has an additional spur.((NEMA 5-20, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_5)) This arrangement **allows 15A plugs to go into 20A receptacles** but **prevents the heavier duty 20A plugs from being used in a less-powerful 15A circuit**.((which might overload the 15A circuit)) |
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. | Because of the backward-compatible 20A socket **folks with 15A rigs can safely plug in at both 15A and 20A hookups**. |
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The 20A outlet is rated for 2400W.((http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformation/rvmaintenance/rv-electrical-101.asp)) | |
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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. | Note: If "driveway surfing" on an extension cord, 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. |
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A 'dweller can safely power a 15A RV from a 30A outlet with [[http://amzn.to/2irQhRV|an adapter]]. | A 'dweller can safely power a 15A RV from a 30A outlet with [[http://amzn.to/2irQhRV|an adapter]]. |
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===== 30A shore power ===== | ==== 30A shore power ==== |
{{ http://www.generatorsforhomeuse.us/wp-content/uploads/tt-30r.png?200}} | {{ http://www.generatorsforhomeuse.us/wp-content/uploads/tt-30r.png?200}} |
30A is the standard setup for small-to-medium RVs.((NEMA TT-30, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#Nomenclature)) It can supply 3600W,((http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformation/rvmaintenance/rv-electrical-101.asp)) ypically sufficient to run an air conditioner and other items in the RV. | 30A is the standard setup for small-to-medium RVs.((NEMA TT-30, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#Nomenclature)) It can supply 3600W,((http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformation/rvmaintenance/rv-electrical-101.asp)) typically sufficient to run an air conditioner and other items in the RV. The [[https://amzn.to/3U8HhCQ|NEMA TT-30R plug]] is common. There is also a [[https://amzn.to/3QFlMGM|L5-30R twist-lock]] style. |
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If the 30A circuit on a 30A/50A pedestal is broken or malfunctioning the camper can use [[http://amzn.to/2hGJNzH|an adapter]] to get power from the 50A circuit.((http://rvbasics.com/techtips/50-to-30-amp-adapter.html)) Note this may incur a price increase from the park. | If the 30A circuit on a 30A/50A pedestal is broken or malfunctioning the camper can use [[http://amzn.to/2hGJNzH|an adapter]] to get power from the 50A circuit.((http://rvbasics.com/techtips/50-to-30-amp-adapter.html)) Note this may incur a price increase from the park. |
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The RV can also run off a 15A/20A outlet with an adapter 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 30A-equipped RV can also run off a 15A/20A outlet with an adapter but would have to be careful not to exceed the 15A/20A limit. |
===== 50A shore power ===== | |
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| ==== 50A shore power ==== |
{{ https://greentransportation.info/ev-charging/range-confidence/chap8-tech/img/nema-14-50-wiring-diagram.png?200}} 50A systems are most common in large, luxury RVs with two or more A/C units.((NEMA 14-50, http://www.rv-project.com/resources/nemaconn.php)) The 50A RV power pedestal has //two// 50A 120V legs((http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm)) ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-phase_electric_power|split-phase]]) and can deliver 6,000W of power on each leg.((http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm)) | {{ https://greentransportation.info/ev-charging/range-confidence/chap8-tech/img/nema-14-50-wiring-diagram.png?200}} 50A systems are most common in large, luxury RVs with two or more A/C units.((NEMA 14-50, http://www.rv-project.com/resources/nemaconn.php)) The 50A RV power pedestal has //two// 50A 120V legs((http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm)) ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-phase_electric_power|split-phase]]) and can deliver 6,000W of power on each leg.((http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm)) |
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===== ports ===== | ==== constant-duty rating ==== |
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| The constant-duty((continuous load)) rating of each is 0.8 of the normal rating: |
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| * 50A is rated to 6,000w on each leg (4,800w constant duty) |
| * 30A is rated to 3,600w (2,880w constant duty) |
| * 20A is rated to 2,400w (1,920w constant duty) |
| * 15A is rated to 1,800w (1,440w constant duty) |
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| ==== ports ==== |
[[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|{{https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81HoORya9rL._AC_UL436_.jpg?75 }}]] | [[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|{{https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81HoORya9rL._AC_UL436_.jpg?75 }}]] |
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://amzn.to/2TCV4WJ|this kind of port]]. | 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://amzn.to/2TCV4WJ|this kind of port]]. |
- sand the edges to remove sharp edges | - 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 | - treat edges with paint, primer, rust preventive, etc to prevent rust. The edges will not be visible once the port is installed |
===== power testers ===== | |
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| ==== 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."((http://50amppowerpal.com/pages/faq)) | Before plugging into shore power the RVer may want to test the receptacle for "good ground, open circuits, reversed polarity and safe voltage."((http://50amppowerpal.com/pages/faq)) |
Note that the tester reports conditions at the time of testing; it might tell you if voltage is too high right now but not protect the RV if the voltage spikes later on. | Note that the tester reports conditions at the time of testing; it might tell you if voltage is too high right now but not protect the RV if the voltage spikes later on. |
===== surge protectors ===== | |
| ==== surge protectors ==== |
[[http://amzn.to/2iE3CWR|Dogbone surge protectors]] are inexpensive, but they are generally only good for one surge (or maybe several small ones). | [[http://amzn.to/2iE3CWR|Dogbone surge protectors]] are inexpensive, but they are generally only good for one surge (or maybe several small ones). |
More [[http://amzn.to/2iwu7Ra|full-featured surge protectors]] will disconnect power to the RV in over/undervolt conditions and will reconnect after a certain period of stability. | More [[http://amzn.to/2iwu7Ra|full-featured surge protectors]] will disconnect power to the RV in over/undervolt conditions and will reconnect after a certain period of stability. |
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| ===== Europe ===== |
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