50 amp distribution panels (pics wanted)

[wmtire]

As a site team member, I probably read more threads than I should.

I keep reading in many threads, comments from many members that 50 amp RV's usually just ONLY have the second air conditioner wired on the L2 side, thus everything else is on the L1 side by default.

From all the pics I have posted of 50 amp distribution panels inside the RV's in helping members, I haven't seen this to ever really be the case....especially since you want load balancing. I usually see the electric loads split pretty evenly between the L1 and L2 sides...... but not having a 50 amp service, would like to confirm this. Can/would members with 50 amp RV's please post pics of their distribution panels. This should show really what is on each side like this empty one below:



I just want to confirm that the breakers/loads are pretty well split between the L1 and L2......and not just a second air-conditioner only on the L2 side as I am reading from members postings..... or if the RV's are more heavily loaded on one leg.

Thank You for your time.

[Oakman]

Here's a pic of the one in my 2013 CC Silverback 29RL.

[CHICKDOE]

I don't know how to get a picture uploaded but mine are balanced
leg 1:
receptacles in dining room slide out and outside (rarely used)
rear a/c
water heater
washer prep (do not use)
refrigerator
dryer prep (do not use)


leg 2:
stereo / dvd / satellite receiver and controls
microwave
kitchen GFI outlets (used for Keurig)
front a/c
converter
fireplace (not used when a/c running and vice versa)

[wmtire]

Thanks so much for that pic Bob. That's what I am used to seeing, with the loads being split pretty even between the legs. 4 circuit breakers on one leg, and 5 circuit breakers on the other leg in your case.

Can everyone please post more to verify?

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

I don't know how to get a picture uploaded but mine are balanced
leg 1:
receptacles in dining room slide out and outside (rarely used)
rear a/c
water heater
washer prep (do not use)
refrigerator
dryer prep (do not use)


leg 2:
stereo / dvd / satellite receiver and controls
microwave
kitchen GFI outlets (used for Keurig)
front a/c
converter
fireplace (not used when a/c running and vice versa)

Thank You so much, CHICKDOE. It's greatly appreciated.

[RubyDually]

Interesting question wmtire... I'll be looking at mine this weekend when I bring it home from the storage lot.

I see Oakman's panel some devices one leg that could all be in use at the same time and none on the other leg?!?!

If your usage (added to the others in the campground) causes an imbalance shouldn't the neutral even things out????

This also reinforces my opinion the importance of a quality EMS.

[TURBS]

2 curcuit breaker over from the second a/c breaker is another 20 labeled fp
Help me on that one.

Never mind "fire place"

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[ependydad]

Two pics of the same thing. One dark and one light. We don't have a "gen".

[wmtire]

Thanks for this, as it reinforces that there is more than just the second air conditioner on the other leg in these 50 amp RV's.

[Mr. Dan]

2015 Wildcat




Sent (I think)

[pmsherman]

You can't determine what breakers are attached to which leg of the incoming power in a 50A distribution panel from a picture like Oakman's. You can assume that the breakers are distributed to both sides of the power line.

The disttribution of power is controlled by the design of the buss bars that the breakers plug in to. Most breaker boxes are designed with adjacent breakers connected to different legs of the power line which facilitates installing a double breaker for a 220V appliance. RV boxes may not be designed this way to decrease costs.

If you want to see how the power is distributed, you'll need to remove the individual breakers and examine the structure of the buss bars behind them.

Phil

[RubyDually]

2015 Sabre

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by pmsherman

You can't determine what breakers are attached to which leg of the incoming power in a 50A distribution panel from a picture like Oakman's. You can assume that the breakers are distributed to both sides of the power line.

The disttribution of power is controlled by the design of the buss bars that the breakers plug in to. Most breaker boxes are designed with adjacent breakers connected to different legs of the power line which facilitates installing a double breaker for a 220V appliance. RV boxes may not be designed this way to decrease costs.

If you want to see how the power is distributed, you'll need to remove the individual breakers and examine the structure of the buss bars behind them.

Phil

I can understand that pmsherman, but from what I have observed they seem to be set up like the very first pic I posted in the opening post. The label on that 50 amp distribution panel clearly shows the L1 and L2 sides (it shows line 1 and line 2) and which side of the main breaker they are on.

I guess I should not assume they are all like that one pic though. I will go to progressives and wfco websites and see if they have distribution panels set up different than the pic. Will post after I find out.

[gashog]

2015 windjammer

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[ben31]

Just like at your house, it is best to try to balance the loads. That means about the same amount of amps drawn on both sides.

[RubyDually]

Wired in the EMS today so I took the opportunity to remove the main breaker.

It's wired L1 to one side and L2 to the other breakers.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by pmsherman

The disttribution of power is controlled by the design of the buss bars that the breakers plug in to. Most breaker boxes are designed with adjacent breakers connected to different legs of the power line which facilitates installing a double breaker for a 220V appliance. RV boxes may not be designed this way to decrease costs.

OK Phil, you had me curious. It appears that we are both correct. From what I have been able to see/read from the WFCO, Progressive Dynamics, and Parralax sites is that the horizontal 50 amp distribution panels (with a dual 50 amp breaker in the center) are indeed setup with the left side being L1 out from the center of the main 50 amp breaker(s) and the right side is a separate L2.

As you stated, this is for cost savings and dual purposes. These 50 amp panels can be also be used as 30 amp panels, which then only the left L1 side is used as per this from WFCO.

http://wfcoelectronics.com/wp-conten...ion-Manual.pdf

I can't find as something as near detailed from Progressive Dynamics or Parallax but will keep searching. This was interesting and I learned something, and may can help members with it.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by RubyDually

Wired in the EMS today so I took the opportunity to remove the main breaker.

It's wired L1 to one side and L2 to the other breakers.

Thanks for that information, RubyDually. It does help.

[wmtire]

I want to thanks everyone that is posting pics again, as it is extremely helpful and informative.

I have noticed something so far. It appears every 50 amp distribution panel, no matter what RV model, is a WFCO.

I wonder now if Forest River is only using that brand?

[gashog]

If you blow up my picture there's a breaker labled CONV for the life of me I can't figure out what that stands for...

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