A safer 50-amp to 20-amp adapter

Just because you can buy something on eBay doesn't make it safe!

Don’t overload your extension cords with the wrong adapter

I’m not 100% comfortable using a 50-amp to 30-amp dogbone adapter to plug a 30-amp RV into a 50-amp pedestal outlet. Yes, I know there’s dozens of manufacturers who make them. And yes, the 50-amp outlet on a pedestal is often in much better shape than the worn out 30-amp outlet. But technically it’s a code violation since this is a 10-gauge shore power cord rated for 30-amps of current that’s plugged into a 50-amp circuit breaker.

However, the 30-amp main circuit breaker in your RV should be able to limit the current flow in the shore power cord to 30-amps and prevent overheating and a possible fire. So while it’s technically a code violation, it’s probably safe for your RV shore power cord.

Danger, Will Robinson…

But I’m seeing more people using a 50-amp to 15-amp adapter to power things like picnic tables full of slow cookers and electric griddles. And in this case, with a few adapters you can easily create conditions where small extension cords rated for less than 15 amperes can be connected to carry up to 50 amps. That’s a guaranteed meltdown and possible fire!

A safer solution!

A better and safer solution is a 50-amp adapter cord that includes a pair of 20-amp circuit breakers for the Edison outlets. That way if you accidentally overload it with an air fryer or electric griddle it will just trip the 20-amp circuit breaker, not start a fire. But you still need to use 12-gauge extension cords for your air fryer and griddle.

I found this adapter on Amazon HERE.

Let’s play (and stay) safe out there…. Mike