Reusing a generator inlet for shore power

This has to be done 100% correctly or bad things can happen to your RV’s electrical system…

Hi Mike,

A friend who follows your column suggested I contact you.

I have a 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2860DS . I live in a manufactured home. Can I plug my RV 30 amp cord into a 50 amp receptacle attached to the house using a 50 to 30 adaptor ? The 50 amp receptacle was added to the house 4 years ago to run a generator in case of a future need. I don’t want to jeopardize the RV or house electrical system.

Thanks, Rich

Richard, 

If that house receptacle was correctly wired as a 14-50 female outlet, then it could work with a 30-amp dogbone adapter. But if it was intended to be a EV charger many electricians were told they didn’t have to run a neutral conductor, which is an RV killer. However, if it was indeed installed as a generator inlet, then not only does it have a twist-lock male inlet, there should be a generator lockout on the service panel. Please send pictures.

Hey Mike,

Here’s pictures:

Richard,

To make this work you would have to install a weatherproof female TT-30 or 14-50 receptacle and remove the generator circuit breaker interlock.

Don’t try to do this yourself…

You really need to get a licensed electrician to take a look at this and do your installation. And have him read these articles first. 

https://rvelectricity.substack.com/p/pedestal-power-principles-part-2

READ THIS BEFORE INSTALLING A TT-30 OUTLET!