Electrical Power Circuit For An RV

How do I go about connecting wire to the service panel and also to the RV? Electrical Circuit Power Requirements for an RV Circuit. RV units have either a 30 amp or 50 amp electrical hookup connection. © By: Dave Rongey

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Planning The Power Requirements for an RV Circuit
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How do I go about connecting wire to the service panel and also to the RV?

• I am trying to connect my 1995 Coachmen RV, located at a remote hunting camp, to a 100 amp service box that is approximately 120 ft. from the RV.
• I need approximately 30 amps to power the A/C + water pump, lights, microwave, and etc.
• I have read that in order to carry 30 amps over 120feet I would need to utilize #6 AWG copper wire.
• My question is how do I go about connecting this heavy wire to the service panel and also to the RV?
• The RV currently has a 3-prong cord that is used to connect to a power source outlet.

This electrical wiring question came from: Tom, a Homeowner from Eatonton, Georgia.

Additional Comments: I am very thankful that there is someone like you to help with electrical questions as electrician resources in my area are extremely limited.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Tom.

Electrical Circuit Power Requirements for an RV

• • 30 amp 125Volt RV Cord
    A 30 amp 125Volt RV cord is typically #10 Copper Wire, 3 wires total. One hot, one neutral, one ground.
  • 50 amp 240Volt RV Cord
    A 50 amp 240Volt RV cord is typically #6 Copper Wire, 4 wires total. Two hots, one neutral, one ground.
  • RV Pedestal Outlet
    The typical power connection at the RV location should be a 30 or 50 amp RV pedestal outlet.

Increasing the Length of a RV Cord, Making an RV Cord Longer

• Due to the distance involved, the dedicated circuit should should be designed after making a complete listing of the electrical loads that will be connected and the required electrical power for all of these electrical devices that will be used in the RV.
• Once the total connected load for all of these devices has been determined the wire size may be calculated based upon the length of the cord.

Increasing the Electrical Service to an RV

• Keep in mind that the RV electrical capacity is limited to the amperage of the main breaker in the RV panel. Sizing the cable properly prevents voltage drop, it does not increase the amperage.
• The limitation of the RV power is always based upon the size of the electrical panel in the RV Even if an adapter is used to connect a 30amp cord to a 50 amp RV outlet source the RV is still limited to 30 amps.
• NOTE: The original question explains the limitation: “The RV currently has a 3-prong cord that is used to connect to a power source outlet.” The original electrical service is the limitation.
• IMPORTANT: The main circuit breaker cannot be up-sized (or exchanged with a larger circuit breaker), doing so would cause a potential fire hazard. The whole electrical panel service wiring and cord must be properly sized and upgraded in order to expand to a larger amperage.

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