What is voltage of 50 amp service?

Eat a Snicker Bar...you'll feel better. I will directly address the OP based on what he said. If he's wrong...so what...it's his issue. Quite dissecting fleas. It's just a forum.
 
I don't use the elaborate 'campground' box for the outlets just for my simple hookup at home, I use 6/3UFB direct burial stranded wire run from the home's own electrical panel to a plain 50amp receptacle box outside near the motorcoach...
 

Attachments

  • _southwire UFB.jpg
    _southwire UFB.jpg
    74.4 KB · Views: 105
  • 50amp box.jpg
    50amp box.jpg
    50.2 KB · Views: 83
Unless you intend to run both A/C units at home, you can also install a 30A RV receptacle and get an adapter if that is an easier option for you.

I installed a 30A receptacle for my last coach. When I moved up to a Super C I just bought an adapter because I really only need it for charging and to run aim A/C when we are preparing for a trip.
 
Unless you intend to run both A/C units at home, you can also install a 30A RV receptacle and get an adapter if that is an easier option for you.

I installed a 30A receptacle for my last coach. When I moved up to a Super C I just bought an adapter because I really only need it for charging and to run aim A/C when we are preparing for a trip.

Nothing easier about it. Both require the exact amount of work. OP WANTS a 50 amp receptical.

Maybe it's a B&B for family during the holidays. He may live in TEXAS or FLORIDA.:rolleyes:
 
How is he supposed to know if he never has hooked one up? It's really not a popular item. I owned my business for 30 years before I wired my 1st RV outlet. He would probably know when he look at the RV he was installing a receptical for. :thumb:

He's supposed to know because he has the license. He is supposed to have the knowledge to support his license.
 
He's supposed to know because he has the license. He is supposed to have the knowledge to support his license.

That's where you are wrong.:nonono: I am the owner of 2 business and 8 employees and nobody but me has any kind of license. Not even a Journeyman. It all depends on what State you live in and how the laws are written.

Like I said before, it was 30 years (20 with a Master license ) before I saw my first RV service.:censored:
 
Last edited:
Here is a link I gave to my electrician because we wanted to both be on the same page. I only needed 30A but wanted 50A installed... I like it because I need pictues.....

The 50-amp 120/240-volt 3 pole 4


Good link...the key statement here:




"Almost ALL 50-amp wired RV's use both sides of the service separately as 120 volt on each leg. Only a few mostly high-end coaches utilize the 240-volt from this same service."
 
I’ve never had a 50A rig and hadn’t ever thought about that particular point. Of course it makes no difference to the wiring of the shore plug but it it’s an interesting bit of knowledge. Never fail to learn things from your posts, Gritz!
 
Nothing easier about it. Both require the exact amount of work. OP WANTS a 50 amp receptical.

Maybe it's a B&B for family during the holidays. He may live in TEXAS or FLORIDA.:rolleyes:

There is a little more work, you have to connect one more wire. :hide:
So about 1 minute more labor. Just busting your chops. But if there is space and capability in the main panel, I would run 50 over 30 amp receptical.
 
Nothing easier about it. Both require the exact amount of work. OP WANTS a 50 amp receptical.

Maybe it's a B&B for family during the holidays. He may live in TEXAS or FLORIDA.:rolleyes:


Maybe easier was a poor choice of words...... but with 30A service you only need a single 30A breaker and 10-2 wiring.... which ends up being a little less expensive in terms of 8-3 or 6-3 depending on the length of the run. You also take up an extra space for a breaker so depending on the panel that may or may not be an issue.

Also pulling 10-2 can be much easier than pulling 8-3 or 6-3... depending on the length of the run and how it is being run.

Again... all depends on specific needs but 30A is all I need for my 50A rig at home. A 50A outlet would be overkill for my needs at home.
 
Last edited:
Since this thread is still alive and well I use my 50 amp welder receptacle in the shop. It is a new style and is the exact same plug as the 50 amp RV

If I were to install any new panel and receptacle I would definitely go 50/60 amp as it will also work as and EV charger station down the road
 
50a 220v

The quotes 30A or 50A on US RVs is based on the 120v single phase US system.

Electricians will be familiar with the simple equation P=VxI (Power = Volts x Amps).

So 120v at 50A gives a max power of 6Kw. 110V at 50A gives 5.5Kw

Using UK 220 v and the same power demand then current draw max would be around 27.2 Amps, single phase or at 240v around 25A.

You will find cables supplied with US RVs are much thicker than the equivalent EU cables as the total amperage is higher is the US.

But its not just out voltage and amps, the frequency supply in the US is 60Hz whilst in EU and many 220-240v systems the frequency is 50Hz. This can affect some AC and other systems in your RV that are designed for 60Hz (microwaves, etc). So using a straight forward step up transformer (120v - 220v) may be question as the frequency is still 60Hz. Some AC units simply don't like 50Hz.

I dont know the reason behind the question but if your importing an RV from the USA for the EU (eg to the UK) you must also comply with the 18th Edition of the EU electrical regulations.

This is just my view, no liability. Always consult a competent qualified electrician relevant to your country of registration of the RV.
 
The quotes 30A or 50A on US RVs is based on the 120v single phase US system.

Electricians will be familiar with the simple equation P=VxI (Power = Volts x Amps).

So 120v at 50A gives a max power of 6Kw. 110V at 50A gives 5.5Kw

Using UK 220 v and the same power demand then current draw max would be around 27.2 Amps, single phase or at 240v around 25A.

You will find cables supplied with US RVs are much thicker than the equivalent EU cables as the total amperage is higher is the US.

But its not just out voltage and amps, the frequency supply in the US is 60Hz whilst in EU and many 220-240v systems the frequency is 50Hz. This can affect some AC and other systems in your RV that are designed for 60Hz (microwaves, etc). So using a straight forward step up transformer (120v - 220v) may be question as the frequency is still 60Hz. Some AC units simply don't like 50Hz.

I dont know the reason behind the question but if your importing an RV from the USA for the EU (eg to the UK) you must also comply with the 18th Edition of the EU electrical regulations.

This is just my view, no liability. Always consult a competent qualified electrician relevant to your country of registration of the RV.

The US system is 120/240. 110/220 went the way of the pay phone years ago.
RV 30 amp 120 volts = 3600 watts. RV 50 amp 240 volt = 12,000 watts.

50 amp RV service has 240 volts delivered to the RV via 2 hot 120 volt legs.
 
Last edited:
Also another reason I have an online built in Another reason to always use a surge protector...no matter how bad things could get screwed up I'm never blowing up anything in the coach.
 

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top