5 Comments

Along the same idea that Brian mentioned in his comment why is it no different than plugging in a 16 or 18 gauge extension cord into a 15 or 20 amp outlet. Or plugging in a light or small appliance or such that has an 18 gauge cord. In those examples I believe the thought process is that the connected load won't overload the cord and the ocp device protects the cord in case of a fault.

Expand full comment

Those are also exceptions in the National Electric Code which allow this. But it’s the main reason why there’s around 1,200 electric space heater fires in the US every year. Extension cord overloads are more common than one might think.

Expand full comment

Thanks for giving a safe option. If I had a 50 amp rv, I would have one of these in my "tool" drawer

Expand full comment

Mike, as far as code wouln't the 50 to 30 dogbone be no different than a motor or compressor that is supplied with conductors that are smaller than the supply circuit breaker would normally allow but protected at the motor with overload protection sized for the conductors? So the circuit breaker is your short circuit protection for the undersized conductors and the overload protection protects them against, well, overload? I don't see a scenario where the dogbone could see more than 30 amps except for cord damage which would create a short circuit well over 50 amps.

Expand full comment

Sort of, but the code exception is for motors with their own thermal overloads (heaters in the relay/contactor). I don’t see any such exception for RVs at campgrounds.

Expand full comment