50 Amp questions

[traviswinningham16]

Hey guys,

Sorry if this is a repeat, I did a quick search and didn't find anything. I'm new to having a travel trailer, I came from a pop up. I now have a imagine 2800BH.

So, my question is, I got a 50amp outlet installed at my house yesterday. I told the electrician it was for my RV. I had the trailer out front and he wanted to plug it in to make sure it worked but the cable wouldn't reach. He tested it with his tool and it was reading 242. Am I safe? I was under the impression it should be 120.

Sorry again if this is a repeat I'm new to the forum and TT's. Thanks for any help!

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[Buckaroo]

It depends where he measured it (see attachment). If the female receptacle looks like the male plug (i.e. you don't need an adapter), you are likely good. It's not rocket science - see the following quote from the attachment, "The difference (and improvement) of the 14-50R receptacle over the 10-50R is the addition of the ground wire and note that it is not special or unique for RVs." So if he is a competent electrician and wired the receptacle correctly, it should work for your RV. I installed my own outlet in the garage (although originally for a welder) and it is straightforward as long as you are working with a supply line having 4-wires and the correct gauge to carry the load. Again, things any competent electrician knows.

Buckaroo

[el Rojo]

You need to confirm the voltage before you plug it in. Many electricians miss wire RV plugs.

[Steven@147]

agreed, I would make absolutely sure the electrician wired it correctly before I would ever plug my RV into it.

[traviswinningham16]

Sorry, I know nothing about electrical things. How would I confirm the voltage or if it's correctly wired?

[traviswinningham16]

Just opened the attachment I think I understand how to test it properly.

[Jerryr]

If your know nothing electrical have a friend help you. It's simple for someone with an inexpensive multimeter to verity it’s wired correctly.

Print this out for your friend to follow. Hopefully the electrician mounted the receptacle so that the round ground is at the top so your cable hangs properly when plugged in if not it’s easily turned around.

[Buckaroo]

Just opened the attachment I think I understand how to test it properly.

If you don't have a multimeter, something like this is inexpensive and provides a lot of capability. Buy one and learn to use it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

[Jerryr]

If you don't have a multimeter, something like this is inexpensive and provides a lot of capability. Buy one and learn to use it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

I have several of these inexpensive $12 multimeters. Keep one in each car and one in the RV. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9QW620/

In my tool box I have a $35 AC/DC voltmeter with AC/DC clamp meter, can check capacitors one AC units.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C4LX8LP/

[Buckaroo]

I have several of these inexpensive $12 multimeters. Keep one in each car and one in the RV. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9QW620/

Those are very nice for the price. The multimeter I referenced is auto ranging which I think is a little easier for new users. I bought several on an Amazon Lightning deal and gave them out as gifts. I wish I'd bought more.