Stupid electrical question about shore power

[Jas]

I have a SV 291 surveyor, and I want to install a shore power plug at the house for full service. The connector at the trailer says 30 amp 115v but the plug looks like my dryer outlet. Before I fry something can someone verify whether or not the shore power is 115v or 240v? It might just be that they use the 240 plug as a single phase plug simply due to the size of the wire involved.

[Emptypockets]

If it says 30 amp it is 110 V not 240 V Do not plug into a drier outlet!

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by Jas

I have a SV 291 surveyor, and I want to install a shore power plug at the house for full service. The connector at the trailer says 30 amp 115v but the plug looks like my dryer outlet. Before I fry something can someone verify whether or not the shore power is 115v or 240v? It might just be that they use the 240 plug as a single phase plug simply due to the size of the wire involved.

Yes they look similar, yes it is 115V 30amp. Install just like a normal outlet. Use a single 30 amp breaker and use an appropriate size wire for the run you are making. 10/2 should work fine for normal run. As long as you are doing that you may just consider putting in 50amp service though as you can always adapt down but if you should upgrade your rig in the future to one that has 50amp then you will already have the power in place. The 50amp outlet is a 4-prong so you would use a double breaker for that but it is still just two 115V legs. Do a Google search online and you should find a wiring guide to tell you how to hook it up. Home Depot should have the sockets for both the 30amp and 50amp RV plugs.

[milzat]

Jas,

Check out this page. It will answer any questions you may have.

I installed three(3) 30 amp, 120 volt RV receptacles at home. It's a fairly simple process.

More info here

Here's an outlet box you can purchase from Camping World.

Also, from Home Depot.


More info HERE.

[Jas]

thanks, that's why I asked.

[Palomino_G210]

Even though the plug body is similar aren't the pin orientations different????? I don't have my trailer here so I can't check.

[MtnGuy]

Save yourself a possible shocking experience, and spend the extra bucks on a 30 amp GFI breaker.

[Jas]

good tip. I actually have a 30A gfci breaker laying around, it's a double pole but you don't have to hook up both sides in the box. I only wired my garage for a 50A service as a slave box off of the main house. The wiring is good for higher service but the main box is getting tight for spare amps. I'm going to put in the 30A service outlet as the rest of the garage needs some power to be useable.

Thanks again for posting those links, I was wondering what the campground outlets looked like too.

I think I will also buy a couple of plug ends and make up another 20' cord for those just in case moments. I have some #6 stranded outdoor service wiring laying around too.

[08flagvlite]

If you are just wanting simple power for lights and maybe the refrigerator, all you need is a simple 30 amp RV to 115v 20 amp adapter available at your local Wal mart for about 10 bucks. Then, use a good heavy duty extension cord to your garage or house, and plug it into a non-GFI plug known to be at least a 20 amp circuit, and you can run most anything your camper has, except the AC and microwave, which really draw a lot of amps. I've been doing this for a few years now, with no issues. You can operate the slide outs, power tongue jack, water heater, TV and radio system, no problem. Even the AC will work, BUT yoy risk blowing the compressor, because of the power surge being too much for the amps, and heating up your extension cord. Good luck!!

[acadianbob]

08flagvlite is right on the money. I just run mine off of a 20 amp house circuit with an adaptor. Works fine. Runs the air too. Might not be able to run the microwave at the same time as the air though. You really don't need to do anything special IMO.

[tmmar]

I keep my motor home plugged into a 20 amp outlet just to keep the house batteries charged and I have a battery tender jr plugged in to keep the coach batteries charged. I can also turn the fridge on to get that cold when I am prepping to go on a trip. I find that there is enough power as long as the house batteries are aren't low.

[Herk7769]

I have my exterior socket on a dedicated 20 amp breaker as well. Plenty of power available for my 15,000 BTU airconditioner, TV, concertone, and desktop computer; all on at the same time.