Simple tester for electrical boxes???

[rogerkathy]

Is there a simple item you can just plug into the campground electrical boxes to test if they are good or bad without using a meter or an expensive surge protector?

[youroo]

Yes a little LED tester that you can plug into the 20 A or the 30A or 50A with the Adapters you will need in the Future anyway! Youroo!!

[Ford Idaho]

I plug that in, there is a 60-90 second delay if there is an issue it will flash, no problems the flash is green.

[boondocking]

Outlet Tester

[youroo]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Outlet Tester

Yep thats it! Youroo!!

[itat]

I have one of these.
Prime Products 12-4058 AC Power Line Monitor

Edit: With an adapter for 30A to 15A

[rogerkathy]

Except for the surge guard, will the outlet testers mentioned above be ok to use with an adapter for a 50 amp outlet?

[Rich5117]

I use this from power pal. Can be used on 50 amp or with 30 amp adapter to check campground power.

[westom]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Outlet Tester

That outlet tester cannot report only report a few anomalies. It can even imply a good receptacle power when some defects exist. It cannot report defective earthing, excessive voltages, or other more common problems in a campground. In some cases, it cannot even report a floating neutral.

Even a digital meter for $5 or $14 provides more useful information.

[ependydad]

I am thinking of having one of these built for me.

50-amp Tester

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I am thinking of having one of these built for me.

50-amp Tester

Doug, I built the 30 amp plug-n-play version of that from the RV Electric site, and it works great. However, I like that power pal that Rich posted above, and depending on cost, could be a cheaper alternative to the one on the myrv.us site.

Rich, do you mind sharing where you got that? A google search turned up a defunct website.

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by westom

That outlet tester cannot report only report a few anomalies. It can even imply a good receptacle power when some defects exist. It cannot report defective earthing, excessive voltages, or other more common problems in a campground. In some cases, it cannot even report a floating neutral.

Even a digital meter for $5 or $14 provides more useful information.

I didn't know a digital meter could provide all that massive amount of information.

[rogerkathy]

I, also, would like to find out where to get the Power Pal. Could only find the same defunct website. I wonder if they are still made or if the company went out of business.

[rogerkathy]

I have also noticed most of the testers are for regular 110/ 15 or 20 amp outlets. I am not (yet) convinced that just adding a 50 amp adapter would allow the tester to accurately test the outlet. Comments?

[V-Lite Fun]

I made my own with an outlet tester. Bought a 30 amp plug and a receptacle for the tester to plug into and a piece of wire to put it all together. Works great. It's in the RV or I would post a photo of it.

[rogerkathy]

Just saw this at Lowes. It appears to light up at the 120v or 240 volt depending on how I test the 50 amp circuit. Any reason I would need a meter to read if I am only making a quick check at the box before I hook up? I will have a built in Progressive EMS when I pick up my new 5th wheel next week for use during camping. I just don't want to waste time hooking up then finding out the campground box is badly wired.

Southwire Analog Voltage Detector
Item #: 464300 | Model #: 40140S

[rogerkathy]

Here's the link to the Lowes voltage tester. Cost is $5.98

Shop Southwire Analog Voltage Detector at Lowes.com

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by rogerkathy

I have also noticed most of the testers are for regular 110/ 15 or 20 amp outlets. I am not (yet) convinced that just adding a 50 amp adapter would allow the tester to accurately test the outlet. Comments?

With a 50 amp service you have 1 (common) neutral, 1 (common) ground and two hot legs. An adapter will tap into one hot leg plus use the common neutral and ground. That tester should work properly.

The tester you looked at from Lowes will get a voltage reading only.

[Rich5117]

Sorry all, I purchased mine directly from Power Pal in Boulder City NV. I also looked at the web site and even tried to call the 800 number, it appears they are no longer in business. It is ashamed as the unit does really work well, at least mine has.

The number is 1-800-354-9262
They also had a second web site www.got50amps.com (shows domain not in use)

[Strigflag]

You can ocassionally get a digital multimeter free at hHarbor Freight with a coupon available in the sunday paper or the monthly AARP . Or you could spend the $7.00 for it. Good to have in your toolbox in any event.