Adding a dedicated RV power plug. What would you do?

[TurnThePage]

I'm finally adding central air to my house, which affords me an opportunity to also wire in dedicated RV power.

Their price for a basic 30 amp wall plug install is very reasonable, but I'm considering going for the gusto and getting a box with 50/30/20 and breakers. I don't need 50 amp service, but it might be good to have for possible but doubtful upgrades, and maybe it will add a little value to the homestead when I get around to selling.

I'm assuming those boxes, which are expensive, must be already internally wired and simply need to be connected to a source. Is that correct? Does anybody ever NEED 50 amp to their RV when at home? And does anybody know if the 30 amp and 20 amp are on the same leg (in phase)?

[allen8106]

I don't "need" 50 amps but I did install a 50 amp outlet just in case. It's much nicer mucking around inside the 5ver when I can turn on the AC and sty cool. I rather have and not need than need it and not have it!

[TurnThePage]

Thanks all!

[wolfe10]

TurnThePage wrote:
It's my understanding that 240v is simply two 120v legs that are 180 degrees out of phase.

This is correct. Don't let semantics confuse you.

The 50 amp outlet will be exactly like a house-type stove/oven outlet: 2 hots to the outer straights, neutral to center straight and ground to center round.

The 30 will NOT be the same as a house-type 30 amp. It will have ONE hot, a neutral and a ground.

The 20 amp will be the same as the house-type with one hot, one neutral and a ground.

[time2roll]

No. Power in the USA is either single phase or 3-phase. You do not have 3-phase at home.

Transformer that produces 240 volts has a center tap. Each hot has 120v to the center tap (neutral) and 240 volts to each other. A better term is 'split phase'. Still it is single phase power.

The word 'phase' has two different meanings that get crossed up with alternating current. The two meanings have to do with phase shift and frequency. wiki explains it better than I will here.

[TurnThePage]

I'm leaning toward the 20/30/50 install. I'm not an electrician but know enough to be dangerous. And, no I'm not doing my own install but really want to understand the one thing that keeps popping up in the descriptions, "single phase". It's my understanding that 240v is simply two 120v legs that are 180 degrees out of phase. Doesn't that mean "2 phase"?

[2manytoyz]

I installed a 30A outlet on my house when I moved in, and already owned a 25' TT. I've since purchased a 35' Class A, which uses 50A. I'm currently using a 30A to 50A adapter.

I recently purchased a 50A breaker from my local Home Depot. Took an old breaker with me to make sure I got the right kind to fit. Bought the fat feed wire, and a 50A RV outlet too: https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-50-Amp-Temporary-RV-Power-Outlet-U054P/100193650

I didn't bother with the outside breaker. Didn't see much need for it since I power down the RV electrical appliances before connecting or disconnecting.

I wish I would have put in the 50A to begin with. At least I can use the old wire in the wall to pull the newer (larger gauge) wire.

[Tom_Barb]

Our M/H requires 50 AMP, so that is what we installed. 1 small box on the side of the house.

[js218]

Have full hook ups with 50 amp service installed at 3 properties in 3 different states all installed by licensed electricians, all work as they should. If unable to do it yourself hire a professional.

[Halmfamily]

I have a 50amp receptacle installed for our RV. We use our RV as a guest house when company is here and they can run whatever they need. For the little extra in money go 50amp.

[Cummins12V98]

"I think I'll keep it simple and get a basic 50 amp install"

Good call!!!

No need for a outdoor disconnect. Use the 50A breaker for your disconnect.

[STBRetired]

I installed the 50A connection so that I don't have to use a dogbone adapter with the 50A plug on my MH. The 50/30/20 lets any of my friends "camp" in my driveway if they come for a visit. I also use the 20A for various power tools when working outside on that side of the house. I ran the #6 wire to support the 50A, but only have a 40A breaker in the main panel as I had one laying around.

[DrewE]

What I did (note: actually did) was install a 30A receptacle for my RV, and a switch inside the garage dedicated to it. There are readily-available heavy-duty light switches rated for 30A, though normal light switches are not.

Since the RV box would not be the same circuit as the house A/C, you need to run separate wires for it anyhow from the electric panel, so I don't see where you're really saving much by combining the two jobs, at least in terms of materials. It may well be some savings in labor to do both at the same time.

[pianotuna]

I would install a 50 amp single outlet box.

[philh]

Real simple, how much to run and install the 50 wire and pedestal, how much to run 30a. I think you'll find, the cost to be only slightly higher. Will you ever need it, highly unlikely... but I'll bet for the cost difference... you have to make that decision.