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electrical:shore_power [2022/09/13 18:45]
frater_secessus [30A shore power]
electrical:shore_power [2024/02/02 12:20] (current)
frater_secessus [Europe]
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 ====== Shore power ====== ====== 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, but more commonly it powers a [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] that runs the [[electrical:12v:intro|12v house system]].
  
 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).
 +
 +===== United States =====
 +
 +The US power grid is 120VAC at 60Hz.
 +
 {{ 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:
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   * 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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-===== 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.  The [[https://amzn.to/3U8HhCQ|NEMA TT-30R plug]] is common. +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.
  
 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. 
  
-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
  
-Some 30A plugs are the [[https://amzn.to/3QFlMGM|L5-30R twist-lock]] style. 
  
-===== 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)) {{ 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 ==== 
 + 
 +The constant-duty((continuous load)) rating of each is 0.8 of the normal rating: 
 + 
 +  * 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) 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +==== 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]].
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   - 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 =====+ 
 + 
 +==== 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.  
  
 +
 +===== 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
electrical/shore_power.1663109144.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/09/13 18:45 by frater_secessus