Quote:
Originally Posted by rynosback
I wonder why they call it a 45 amp adapter? I would think that the smaller connection would be a 20amp plug. Did the use a smaller gage wire just to only accommodate 15amps vs 20amp?
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because the nomenclature for 'regular household outlets' is a 15amp circuit, and which uses the 3-prong male end that we are all accustomed to seeing.
Campgrounds, RV parks, and many 'outside' and garage outlets at homes are 20amp outlets, since they may power tools and such.
While 'technically' a dedicated 20amp outlet, with 12/2 wire cable, and a 20amp breaker, will have a 'special' 3-prong male outlet, with one of the slots turned horizontal, most who install 20amp breakers and 12/2 wiring aren't trying to limit the usage to only tools or appliances with this special plug, but to allow simply MORE amperage to be used.
The only real difference between a 'normal' 15amp outlet and a 20amp outlet is the wire size and the breaker size - the outlet is typically exactly the same.
When the factories design and build these adapters, they can't use the term '20amp', since that is 'technically' relegated to only 'special' outlets, so they default to 15amps, which we all know and love.
You'll find though, when you arrive at most any rv park or campground, that the outlet's breaker is shown as a 20amp size, which gives you the greater amperage usage, but with the same male prong plug end.
So, yes, 'technically' it's a 15amp adapter, but for practical purposes it's able to handle the 20amp outlet you will be plugging it into.
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