Proper procedure for plugging camper into house 110 outlet

[ArkansasGreyWolf]

When I plug in my trailer at home to keep the battery charged, i get the typical “spark” when plugging in a live outlet. I use a 30/15 amp pigtail and run a 12 gauge extension cord to the outlet.

Is this ok or do I need to shut off house or trailer breaker then plug in and flip the house/ trailer breaker back on? Seems to me a breaker is not supposed to be used as a “switch” since it will weaken it.

 

[ependydad]

I’d guess that it’s less bad to use the breaker as a switch vs having a spark.

 

[tom2t]

I always make it a habit to never plug or unplug anything under load ie. drawing current.Simple matter to flip the main breaker off, plug in, then turn breaker back on. The greater the load the bigger the spark!Imagine it like unscrewing your hose with the water on.

 

[ArkansasGreyWolf]

Nothing is under load on the trailer. Everything is off. I know the detectors are battery powered and active even the battery itself.

So use the main breaker in the trailer or the breaker for the house outlet?

 

[wmtire]

Nothing is under load on the trailer. Everything is off. I know the detectors are battery powered and active even the battery itself.

So use the main breaker in the trailer or the breaker for the house outlet?

We have discussed this before. When you plug into 120 volt AC power, your converter immediately comes on, so there is a load present. Depending on the converter/DC load initially presented to it, can also depend on how much AC load is initially present.


Many people forget about the converter, since it's usually out of sight/out of mind.


RV Converters and Amp Draw - RV Information (RV Maintenance)

 

[ArkansasGreyWolf]

We have discussed this before. When you plug into 120 volt AC power, your converter immediately comes on, so there is a load present. Depending on the converter/DC load initially presented to it, can also depend on how much AC load is initially present.


Many people forget about the converter, since it's usually out of sight/out of mind.


RV Converters and Amp Draw - RV Information (RV Maintenance)

Thanks. I will get an outlet on/off switch adapter to use for this purpose since the House breaker to this outlet is inconvenient to get to. I only plug the trailer up on weekends (when I am home) as to not leave it unattended.

 

[tom2t]

I just shut off the main breaker in the trailer. Much easier to get to.

 

[KenandCarol]

I used to switch off the main breaker in my MH before connecting to my 20A garage outlet. Now I have the Progressive EMS in line, it has a 2 minute delay when power is applied before it switches to the MH load. I just plug and let the EMS do its thing!

 

[youroo]

When I plug in my trailer at home to keep the battery charged, i get the typical “spark” when plugging in a live outlet. I use a 30/15 amp pigtail and run a 12 gauge extension cord to the outlet.

Is this ok or do I need to shut off house or trailer breaker then plug in and flip the house/ trailer breaker back on? Seems to me a breaker is not supposed to be used as a “switch” since it will weaken it.

At 99.9% of the Campgrounds "Power Pedestals" have Breakers that "Should be OFF" before plugging in! I have never seen a Pedestal with a "Main Disconnect Lever"! Use your Breakers! Youroo!!

 

[JohnD10]

When I still had my house and parked my RV next to the garage, I had a dedicated high-end power strip that I plugged my 5'ver into.

I would turn the power strip off when I plugged in...then turn it on and got no spark.

As for the pedistals at campgrounds and RV parks, I almost always find them still turned on from whomever was in the spot before me.

I, of course, flip them off (as well as give them the mental middle finger ) before I plug in!

 

[ArkansasGreyWolf]

At 99.9% of the Campgrounds "Power Pedestals" have Breakers that "Should be OFF" before plugging in! I have never seen a Pedestal with a "Main Disconnect Lever"! Use your Breakers! Youroo!!

Yes , I always check/use the breakers at campgrounds before I plug in.

 

[Michael Standley]

I agree.

 

[Villagerjjm]

Hi there!!!
Just a simple question here...
When you go to a campground and get ready to plug the trailer into the electrical outlet on the post.... what position is the post breaker in? I know I always check first... but what is the recommendation? Why would plugging into your home outlet be any different?? C'mon....

 

[DTordoff]

Black to Gold. White to silver and make sure green is actually connected to a ground. There are a bazillion duplex receptacles wired wrong. Could be a part of the problem. However earlier post is right about a possible load.

 

[ron045]

I used to switch off the main breaker in my MH before connecting to my 20A garage outlet. Now I have the Progressive EMS in line, it has a 2 minute delay when power is applied before it switches to the MH load. I just plug and let the EMS do its thing!

X2 - 2 minute delay is a beautiful thing. No sparks and everything protected.
Ron

 

[sailorsam20500]

My departure routine for power is:

1. trip camper main breaker
2. turn off water heater outside switch
2. trip pedestal breaker
3. disconnect and store.

Arrival:

1. test power pedestal for proper wiring (3 light tester)
2. turn off pedestal
3. wire up
4. turn on pedestal
5. check status of Progressive EMS
6. turn on camper main breaker
7. verify water heater is full
8. turn on water heater outside switch.

 

[DTordoff]

Well said sir

 

[ron045]

My departure routine for power is:

1. trip camper main breaker
2. turn off water heater outside switch
2. trip pedestal breaker
3. disconnect and store.

Arrival:

1. test power pedestal for proper wiring (3 light tester)
2. turn off pedestal
3. wire up
4. turn on pedestal
5. check status of Progressive EMS
6. turn on camper main breaker
7. verify water heater is full
8. turn on water heater outside switch.

SailorSam,
Can you explain further the need to shut off the external Water Heater switch? I believe I may have missed that step all last season until winterizing. I have an internal switch and an external switch. If the internal if OFF (As well as your main breaker), what is the external still powering when in the ON position?

Thanks!
Ron

 

[kenandterry]

Me too with the Progressive delay connection.

 

[Zoom1950]

SailorSam,
Can you explain further the need to shut off the external Water Heater switch? I believe I may have missed that step all last season until winterizing. I have an internal switch and an external switch. If the internal if OFF (As well as your main breaker), what is the external still powering when in the ON position?

Thanks!
Ron

I'm not Sam but my reason for turning off the outside switch is my HW tank right now is empty. I have not used the camper since I winterized it in April and just in case someone flips the breaker inside for any reason the element will not get burned out.