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--- electrical:shore_power [2023/10/30 15:00]
frater_secessus [30A shore power]
+++ electrical:shore_power [2024/09/08 15:11] (current)
frater_secessus [power testers]
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 ====== Shore power ======
-Note:  this section is presently US-centric.
-Shore power ("grid power", "mains", "wall outlet power") is AC power derived from the electric grid.  Shore power can run AC loads directly in campers so equipped, but more commonly it powers a [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] that runs the [[electrical:12v:intro|12v house system]].
+Shore power ("grid power", "mains", "wall outlet power") is AC power derived from the electric grid.  Shore power can run AC loads directly in campers so equipped and/or power a [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] that runs the [[electrical:12v:intro|12v house system]] and charges the battery bank.
 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).
+===== United States =====
+The US power grid is 120VAC at 60Hz.
 {{ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wVYBei5BZmw/maxresdefault.jpg?200}}
 The most **common types of campsite hookups** are:
@@ Line 14: / Line 19: @@
   * 15A/20A only
   * 30A only
-===== 15A/20A shore power =====
+==== 15A/20A shore power ====
 {{ 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)).
@@ Line 32: / Line 37: @@
-===== 30A shore power =====
+==== 30A shore power ====
 {{ http://www.generatorsforhomeuse.us/wp-content/uploads/tt-30r.png?200}}
 A 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.
@@ Line 41: / Line 46: @@
-===== 50A shore power =====
+==== 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))
@@ Line 47: / Line 52: @@
-===== constant-duty rating =====
+==== constant-duty rating ====
 The constant-duty((continuous load)) rating of each is 0.8 of the normal rating:
@@ Line 58: / Line 63: @@
-===== ports =====
+==== ports ====
 [[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.
-Vans typically use [[https://amzn.to/2VUwDAI|15A ports]].   [[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|Some are pre-cabled]] so you can plug the inside cable to a [[https://amzn.to/2F7sZxI|power strip]], [[https://amzn.to/2VWXHPQ|breaker box]], or other distribution device.  A [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] can then be wired to the distribution point.
+Vans typically use [[https://amzn.to/2VUwDAI|15A ports]].   Smaller RVs and some vans use 30A service -- they use [[https://amzn.to/2TCV4WJ|this kind of port]].
+[[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|Some are pre-cabled]] so you can plug the inside cable to a [[https://amzn.to/2F7sZxI|power strip]], [[https://amzn.to/2VWXHPQ|breaker box]], or other distribution device.  A [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] can then be wired to the distribution point.
   - use a [[https://amzn.to/2EZka7E|hole saw]] to bore the hole in the van wall to the port's specification
@@ Line 69: / Line 76: @@
-===== 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))
+=== adapters ===
-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 =====
+There are adapters you can use to adapt RV pedestal outlets so you can plug them into your shore power port.  Examples:
+  * [[https://amzn.to/4blMoY9|30A shore power outlets to 15A]]
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3wiP3CX|50A to 15A]]
+==== power testers ====
+[[https://amzn.to/47kk73h|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61uvkjHKLvL._AC_UL320_.jpg?125}}]]
+A power tester can check for the presence of power, "good ground, open circuits, reversed polarity and safe voltage."((http://50amppowerpal.com/pages/faq))
+The one shown here is for 120vac outlets but others are available [[https://amzn.to/3zeRJTx|for 30A outlets]] and [[https://amzn.to/4e03XPe|for 50A outlets]].
+==== 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).
 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.
+==== transfer switches ====
+A //transfer switch// allows you to run AC loads off the inverter, but switch to shore or generator power instead when that source is available.
+  * inverter output -> transfer switch AC source 1 (default)
+  * shore power -> transfer switch AC source 2 (use grid power when you have it)
+and
+  * transfer switch output -> AC loads
+Since RVs spend more time on pedestal power than campervans such devices are more common on RVs.
+The switches can be manual or automatic.  On the latter, the switchover time is measured in milliseconds.
+[[https://amzn.to/3SmFYk6|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71K2Jip49DL._AC_UY218_.jpg?100}}]]
+examples:
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3SmFYk6|15A automatic transfer switch]]
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3LFDqKp|15A manual transfer switch]]
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3LEuG7o|30A automatic transfer switch]]
+===== Europe =====
+The grid standard on the European continent is 230Vac at 50Hz.
+RV outlets are reported to be mainly [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#CEE_7/16_Alternative_II_%22Europlug%22_(Type_C)|type C]], 16A (3,680w).((https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/1aftvas/question_renology_2000w_12v_pure_sine_wave/koi39g9/))
+===== United Kingdom =====
+The grid standard on the European continent is 230Vac at 50Hz.
+RVs connect with [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#BS_1363_(Type_G)|type G]], 13A (2,990w). FIXME

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