Why two 30's don't make a 50!

Did you know that a 50-amp pedestals is actually 100 amps?

Everyone,

I found this post on the RV Hacking Camping group. And while it’s not dangerous (or shouldn’t be if wired correctly) it’s certainly not equal to a 50-amp outlet. And here’s why…

What is happening here?

You can buy a double TT-30 Male to RV-50 (NEMA 14-50) Y cable most anywhere. And if the pedestal is wired properly (without a reverse polarity on one of the outlets) it should be safe. But be aware that the campground didn’t plan for you to use it that way, and you’re using more electricity than was built into your campsite rate.

But is it 50-amps?

Not really, because a 50-amp pedestal outlet is actually 100 amps at 120 volts (50 amps for hot leg-1 plus 50 amps for hot leg 2 equals 100 amperes).

But the double 30 amp adapter is actually 60 amps at 120 volts (30 amps for hot leg-1 plus 30 amps for hot leg-2 equals 60 amperes). So it’s close, but not exactly the same thing. Still, it should work as long as the pedestal is wired properly and the campground allows it.

Here’s how a 50-amp outlet is actually wired

Much more on this later

Let’s Play safe out there… Mike