Mike, the Amazon listing for that 10' Valterra cord specifies just 1625 watts! It does also specify 30 amps, which is a neat trick at 125 VAC. Is this a safe to use accessory?
I ran a bunch of lab tests for Valterra on their shore power cords and adapters a few years ago. All their products I tested were well made and passed all UL and NEC specifications. Plus the Valterra site specifically states this has 10 gauge conductors rated for 30-amps of current, which would be 3,600 watts. That must be a misprint on Amazon. Here’s thd Valterra site: https://www.valterra.com/product/mighty-cord-30amp-extension-cord-handle-10%E2%80%B2-red-boxed/
I just confirmed with Hughes that their 30-amp Power Watchdog EPO does indeed shut off power to the RV if the current exceeds 30 amperes. So this seems like an extra safe solution when plugging your 30-amp RV into a 50-amp pedestal using a dogbone adapter.
Mike, I had to google RPBG because I didn’t recognize it. Does it mean Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground? What exactly is that? May I suggest that when you use an acronym that may be unfamiliar to many RVers that you define it in parentheses. And if you have previously written an article(s) about it, include a link to the article(s). Thanks for writing this series.
That was a teaser, and yes I’ve not only invented the name and acronym for Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground, I’ve written dozens of articles on it for the RV industry. I also invented the term Reflected Hot Skin Voltage.
I keep a 10’ male-to-female 30-amp extension cord in my road kit. If the pedestal outlet is oriented incorrectly or too close to the ground I can plug in this extender cord and loop it over the top of the box. I’ll secure it with tie line, then plug in my surge protector properly.
I ran into the same situation with a 50 amp plug. Also way too many times the plug was almost on the ground. I made up a 4 foot 50 & 30 amp extension cord just for this purpose and carry 3 pieces of 1/2” water pipe 3’ long screwed together at the top to make a tripod to support the cable and surge guard. Necessity is the mother of invention.
Mike, the Amazon listing for that 10' Valterra cord specifies just 1625 watts! It does also specify 30 amps, which is a neat trick at 125 VAC. Is this a safe to use accessory?
I ran a bunch of lab tests for Valterra on their shore power cords and adapters a few years ago. All their products I tested were well made and passed all UL and NEC specifications. Plus the Valterra site specifically states this has 10 gauge conductors rated for 30-amps of current, which would be 3,600 watts. That must be a misprint on Amazon. Here’s thd Valterra site: https://www.valterra.com/product/mighty-cord-30amp-extension-cord-handle-10%E2%80%B2-red-boxed/
I thought as much, but appreciate your professional confirmation. Thanks!
Wow! I’ll investigate and let you know what I find out…
Mike I don't believe the Hughes Watchdog provides over current protection. It only provides a notification if you exceed 30 amps.
I just confirmed with Hughes that their 30-amp Power Watchdog EPO does indeed shut off power to the RV if the current exceeds 30 amperes. So this seems like an extra safe solution when plugging your 30-amp RV into a 50-amp pedestal using a dogbone adapter.
I see that it shows that now on the specs. They need to update their manuals as it still says that it only provides indication of a problem.
I’ll have my GeoPro trailer out at a campground next week, and I already have a 30-amp Watchdog EPO, so I can try an overload test!
I’m pretty sure it trips off with currents over 30 amps, but I’ll confirm.
Mike, I had to google RPBG because I didn’t recognize it. Does it mean Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground? What exactly is that? May I suggest that when you use an acronym that may be unfamiliar to many RVers that you define it in parentheses. And if you have previously written an article(s) about it, include a link to the article(s). Thanks for writing this series.
That was a teaser, and yes I’ve not only invented the name and acronym for Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground, I’ve written dozens of articles on it for the RV industry. I also invented the term Reflected Hot Skin Voltage.
I was at a site with a tiny 50 amp only box, the dogbone wouldn't even plug in all the way but the CG owner had one of these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-WORKS-RV-Adapter-50-Amp-14-50P-RV-50-Amp-to-30-Amp-TT-30R-Adapter-RV1450TT/305439317 Which fortunately fit the 50 amp tightly and I was able to plug in my 30. I have a hard wired EMS so I plug directly into the pedestals.
I keep a 10’ male-to-female 30-amp extension cord in my road kit. If the pedestal outlet is oriented incorrectly or too close to the ground I can plug in this extender cord and loop it over the top of the box. I’ll secure it with tie line, then plug in my surge protector properly.
Valterra A10-3010EH Mighty Cord 30 Amp Extension Cord w/Handle - 10', Red https://a.co/d/09ydClH
I ran into the same situation with a 50 amp plug. Also way too many times the plug was almost on the ground. I made up a 4 foot 50 & 30 amp extension cord just for this purpose and carry 3 pieces of 1/2” water pipe 3’ long screwed together at the top to make a tripod to support the cable and surge guard. Necessity is the mother of invention.