30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
Written By: Amber S
Last Updated: 5/15/2024
Est. Read Time: 13 mins.
The appeal of camping in an RV lies in its creature comforts, such as modern appliances and convenient electronics. Of course, for these items to work, you need to connect to a power source. If you're lucky, you'll be able to plug your RV cord right into a power pedestal or generator at the campground. However, as most RVers know, electrical connections aren't always so simple. Sometimes only a 30-amp outlet is available, but you have a 50-amp cord. Or maybe you want to hook up to a home outlet to store your RV for the winter.Fortunately, adapters make it easy to hook your 30-amp cord to a 50-amp outlet (or vice versa), plug into a generator, or connect to a home outlet. Learn more about choosing the right adapter for your application below. Then read on to learn more about useful electrical accessories, such as extension cords and surge protectors, that make RV life easier.
30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
Before you can select the right adapter for your cord, it helps to have a bit of background knowledge about the electrical system you're dealing with. For RVs, you'll mainly be dealing with 30-amp or 50-amp service. Your RV will require one or the other, and fortunately, there's a simple way to check which type of plug your RV has: 30-amp plugs have three pins, and 50-amp plugs have four.30-amp service is more common in smaller RVs with fewer power-hungry appliances. For instance, you will typically find only single AC units in 30-amp service RVs. 30-amp RV plugs have a single 120-volt hot pin, a flat neutral, and a round ground pin. On the other hand, large RVs usually have 50-amp service to power their more lavish setups (think double AC units, washer/dryers, etc.). 50-amp plugs have two 120-volt hot pins, a flat neutral pin, and a round ground. A 30-amp RV can handle up to 3,600 watts; a 50-amp RV puts you up to 12,000 watts, so the increase in power is quite substantial.Once you know what type of power your RV requires, it's just a matter of making sure your plugs are the correct size to fit into a given power source. The power pedestals at campgrounds often provide both 30-amp and 50-amp outlets, although some only provide 30-amp outlets. An adapter will allow you to be prepared for whatever the campground offers.
Can I Plug My 30-Amp RV Cord into a 50-Amp Power Pedestal?
Yes!
Some worry that the additional power provided by a 50-amp receptacle will fry their RV's electrical system, but this isn't so. You can plug a 30-amp RV cord into a 50-amp power receptacle, such as a power pedestal at a campground, by using an adapter. The female end of the adapter will plug into your RV cord, and the male end will plug into the power pedestal. Adapters come in two main styles: dogbone-style and plug-style, as seen below.With this type of setup, you'll enjoy the full benefits of your RV's 30 amps of power. However, note that with a 30-amp RV, the maximum power you can use is 30 amps, regardless of the receptacle you plug into—in other words, even if you plug into a 50-amp receptacle, you'll still be limited to 30 amps of power.
Can I Plug My 50-Amp RV Cord into a 30-Amp Power Pedestal?
Yes!
With an adapter, you can plug a 50-amp RV cord into a 30-amp power pedestal at a campground. The female end of the adapter will plug into your RV cord, and the male end will plug into the power pedestal. However, note that without a 50-amp receptacle, you won't be operating at full power, so there will likely be some limitations on how many appliances you can run at once. For instance, if you have a large RV with two air conditioners, you will probably be limited to running one at a time, and other power-hungry appliances (such as microwaves) must be run with caution. Still, 50-amp receptacles aren't available at every campsite, so in these cases, it's best to have a 30-amp adapter with you. Adapters come in two main styles: dogbone-style and plug-style, as seen below.
Can I Plug My RV into a 15-Amp Home Electric Outlet?
Yes!
When it comes time to store your RV, it's often a good idea to hook the motorhome to a power source at home to keep the battery charged. For this, you may wish to plug into a 15-amp socket. Note that this type of connection will only provide a light charge—you won't be able to run your RV at full power the way you can at the campground. However, plugging into a home outlet will ensure your battery is charged and ready to go when RV season rolls back around. Adapters come in two main styles: dogbone-style and plug-style, as seen below.
To plug your 30-amp or 50-amp RV cord into a generator, you will want to use an adapter made specifically for this purpose. Generator plugs come in 3-prong and 4-prong styles, so you'll need to make sure your adapter fits your generator's plug style. Note that these styles have nothing to do with whether the RV cord is 30 or 50 amps—30-amp cords can be adapted to fit both 3-prong and 4-prong generator plugs, as can 50-amp cords.When choosing a generator, you will want to make sure it offers enough power for your camper. Check out this article for help on choosing the right generator for your needs. Also consider reducing your motorhome's power requirements, such as by installing LED bulbs in place of standard bulbs.
While the outlets for 30-amp RVs look quite similar to dryer outlets, you should not attempt to connect your RV this way. RV and dryer outlets are not of the same NEMA configuration: 30-amp RV plugs are NEMA TT-30, whereas 30-amp dryer receptacles are NEMA 10-30. These configurations are not interchangeable. In fact, plugging your RV into your dryer outlet can cause major damage to your RV's electrical system.The best way to keep your RV juiced at home is to plug into an ordinary 15-amp outlet, or, for a more powerful alternative, a qualified electrician can install an electrical hookup for your RV at home. The inlets below can be installed along with the proper wiring for a home RV hookup.
Pictured: 30-amp RV outlet (left) and household dryer outlet (right)
What Wire Gauge Can My RV Use? Should I Use a Household Extension Cord?
No!...well kinda...
Power cord extensions are there for you when the electric box is just out of reach. It's important to use a wire gauge designed to handle your RV's current—keep in mind that most ordinary household cords will not be sufficient for use with an RV. Using a household extension cord with an improperly small wire gauge can damage the cord and/or your RV's electrical system.Instead, there are a variety of extension cords available that are designed for RV use. 30-amp RV extension cords typically feature 10-gauge wire, and 50-amp cords usually feature 6-gauge hot and neutral wires with an 8-gauge ground.Most RV extension cords range from 10 to 50 feet long. Keep in mind, however, that the longer the extension cord, the more voltage drop you'll experience. If the drop is too severe, large appliances like AC units and refrigerators may not be able to draw their required voltage and may not function properly. For this reason, it's best to go with the shortest possible extension that will suit your needs.
The last thing you want to do is damage your RV's electrical system at the campsite. Fortunately, electrical protection devices such as surge protectors and voltage analyzers/monitors can offer you peace of mind. Both will help protect your RV from improperly wired electrical boxes and power surges.A surge protector does just what its name suggests — it triggers when it detects a power surge and prevents the current from wreaking havoc on your RV. Voltage analyzers and voltage monitors take the protection a step further by detecting faults with the electrical box and indicating any issues. Voltage analyzers disconnect when they detect surges and must be manually reset. Voltage monitors protect against surges as well as low voltage; they disconnect and reconnect automatically.You should use a surge protector that matches your RV power type. For instance, use a 50-amp surge protector with your 50-amp RV, and use a 30-amp surge protector with your 30-amp RV. Use an adapter if you have to use a power pedestal that doesn't match up with what you have.
Can I use a 50-amp surge protector with a 30-amp outlet?
In this case, your RV is 50 amps and your power pedestal is 30 amps. You can use your 50-amp surge protectoras long as you use the right adapter (a 50-amp to 30-amp adapter, where the 50-amp side plugs into the surge protector).
Can I use a 30-amp surge protector with a 50-amp outlet?
Here again, you can use your 30-amp surge protector with your 30-amp RV provided you're also using the right adapter (30-amp to 50-amp adapter, where the 30-amp side plugs into the surge protector).
Hey David, from previous customers of ours who have the same 2020 Keystone Raptor 424 we have determined that your pin box style is the Lippert 1621 which means for a Gen-Y gooseneck adapter you'd want the #GY58GR that you referenced.
While the Rack'Em Fitz-All Enclosed Trailer Ladder Rack #RA-28 was designed to fit on trailer with a rain gutter, we have had several install it on their trailer without rain gutters. I have also included our review video below where you can…
Hey Nick, the Trimax Trailer Wheel Chock and Lock #TMX75FR you're looking at will work with your 175/80r13 trailer tires. This lock has measures 6" wide when closed and 10 1/2" when opened all the way, so with your tires…
The puck feet on the Gen-Y Hitch Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Dodge Ram OEM Puck Systems #GY83XR is just to help stabilize the ball mount and does not lock into place in the puck. The locking mechanism on top will lock the shank into the gooseneck…
To add a in-bed 7-way to your 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 to make towing with a 5th wheel easier, I recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long item #C58FV. This harness puts a 4-way and 7-way…
Kenny, those bolts for the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #BWRVK3500-5W should be torqued to 40 ft. lbs. Also, the pivot arms would need to be torqued to 80 ft. lbs, the draw down bolt should be tighten to 60 ft.lbs and the arms should be…
Between the two 30 amp surge protectors you are looking at the #HU97FR and the #HU67FR the difference is tha the #HU67FR has an emergency shut off for the power to the RV that will stop any power from getting to the RV if the power falls above or…
I do have a solution for you but there have actually never been any custom towing mirrors made for a Nissan Frontier and so I would be surprised if any ever come out for your 2019 Nissan Frontier. Since this is the case I recommend using the K-Source…
I took a look online, the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13105 you have on your Sienna is rated to be used with a weight distribution system. The best one for your 2,100 lbs pop up camper is going to be the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System item…
The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control item #EQ37040ET will work great with your MAC 206 LTD pop up. It looks like your folding camper has a maximum capacity when fully loaded of 2,300 lbs. That would put your tongue…
For your 2003 Nissan Xterra and Forest River Tent Trailer, I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part #EQ37060ET which is rated for up to 600 lbs. The 400 lb system part #EQ37040ET would not be a good choice as this will be at the…
The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…