Sunday, February 12, 2012

Wondering about RV power plugs.

I had previously installed an outside receptacle box for 120 volt that had two 20 amp receptacles and one 30 amp receptacle. This gave me access out beside the area where I park my vehicles to electrical power. The 20 amp service came in handy for running power tools when needed and the 30 amp plug was used for my RV. Since I got the class-A, I had been using an adapter for the class-C and plugged it into the 20 amp receptacle. Bought another adaptor for the class-A which allowed it to be used in the 30 amp receptacle. They needed power to run some heat on cold nights, the arctic pack on the class-C if needed, and to keep the refrigerators from using up all the propane. Since summer is coming, (couldn’t prove it this morning) I figured that I may want to run both air conditioners in the class-A. So, I decided to install a 50 amp receptacle in its own box on the same pole. This has been the plan for quite some time now, but guess what, I did it yesterday.



I had been thinking about it for some time and purchased the receptacle and box and some 4 conductor number six wire. I forgot that I purchased the wire and went to Low’s and bought some more. I didn’t like the wire that they sold me and they didn’t have anything better. I figured it would have to be put in conduit. The other day I went to Home Depot and bought some really good 4 conductor #6 cable that had a thick, tough outer insulating weatherproof cover. (Home Depot has the best wire selection) It was perfectly round and measured seven eighths of an inch in diameter which perfectly matched a punch out in the box. That eliminated a need for a fitting. It took me awhile but got it installed along with a new double pole circuit breaker in the main box. I plugged the class-C into the 30 amp receptacle and the class-A into the 50 amp one. Everything worked fine and no sparks flew nor did I see any smoke. That told me that I did a passable job. Now, when I get rid of the class-C, I will have an extra outlet for anyone visiting with an RV. The visitor of course would have his choice of 30 or 50 amp.


Cold front moved in and it got down to 31 degrees this morning. Suppose to be in the 70’s by the middle of the week. I just love winter in this area (grin). You all have a great day and keep warm, you hear?

8 comments:

  1. Don't you love it when the wiring job passes the smoke test?

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    1. Yeaa Dizzy. Like 6bears said, not letting the smoke out is always a good thing. And it sounds like you got the right size wire as well should keep you nice and cool in the summer time.

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  2. No smoke, no loud bang, no fire? Sounds like a good job to me!

    Decided what you are going to ask for the class C? Are you going to list it on Craigslist?

    So, when is the next road trip?

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  3. I bought a new circuit breaker box and a 220 wall socket for the bicycle shop 6 years ago. That was step one. Step two was to install it but that has been moved to step three. Step two is now to find it.

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  4. Sixbears, yes it sure makes for a better day.

    Ben, the wire is only 6 feet long so should be capable of carrying a lot more load than the breaker will allow.

    HJ, I will ask a little under book price. Don't want to ask too little at first, it wouldn't leave any room for dickering. No plans yet for a road trip.

    Oldfool, you sound just like me and most of my projects.

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  5. That's good to know DD, TFT and I will be there soon...

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  6. Kieth, you are welcome any time. Put a sail on it and come visit.

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  7. smoke checks only count under full load dizzy. it is possible with 2 rvs plugged in you could have 2 a/c units on the same 110v leg. that won't work for long. thought I should say something.

    the rat

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