50a adapter

Jsully

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Joined
Oct 23, 2021
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1
Location
So Cal
Is there an adapter for my 50a plug in that can connect to my house without doing the heavy cable to a dogbone to an extension cord?
 
I'm having a 50amp plug installed on my house but in the meantime will need to use something like this (for low level power draw stuff only):


Whether or not you will need an extension cord is dependent on how long your 50amp cable is I suppose.
 
Depends what you’re running, but before we stored at home I would plug into a standard 120v plug at the storage facility, which was enough for the fridge and one AC to run. That’s plenty for basics, but it’s sure nice having a full 50a plug if you’re able to get one installed.
 
Is there an adapter for my 50a plug in that can connect to my house without doing the heavy cable to a dogbone to an extension cord?

Get yourself one of these and make your own cord... Use 12AWG, 10AWG or what ever you need. I made a 20' cord for when I boondock to plug into my generator.
If you're only plugging into 120V you'll need to put a jumper between terminals X & Y inside the plug when you wire it up.


Kohree 50 AMP RV Power Cord Cover Twist Lock Plug with Boot Inlet Locking Plug Protector Locking Shore Connector Replacement, 50A 125/250VAC Amazon.com
 
I have an adapter I use most of the time at home. I have also built my own 50-amp cord using smaller 30-amp wire. I now leave the heavy cord at home. We only have one AC unit so really only need 30A service. This is my 120v connector. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V59B19Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
Why would you go backwards and use the 30 Amp service when the 50 is available? It's not only about the AC units, using the 50A service the total wattage available is approximately 12,000 Watts compared to 3,600 Watts on the 30A. Basic rule of thumb is you can only use 2 heavy current drawing items simultaneously on the 30A but not 3 items. With the 50A you can pretty much run any appliances you want simultaneously while leaving the AC running and the water heater on electric.
 
Why would you go backwards and use the 30 Amp service when the 50 is available? It's not only about the AC units, using the 50A service the total wattage available is approximately 12,000 Watts compared to 3,600 Watts on the 30A. Basic rule of thumb is you can only use 2 heavy current drawing items simultaneously on the 30A but not 3 items. With the 50A you can pretty much run any appliances you want simultaneously while leaving the AC running and the water heater on electric.
Hmmm, I think he said he built a 50amp cord using, smaller, 30amp wire... So, for a newbie like me, isn't the real question whether that smaller wire can carry the (full 50amp) load safely ?
 
I got 120 feet of good #6 stranded copper wire. Not all wire is created equal as far as resistance goes, as there are cheaper copper wires than others.
I made most my 50 amp stuff for the new to me camper.
I did buy a 30-50 adapter. I made my wall outlet style 120/20 amp plug so it plugs into both outlet ports to divide the load of said 15 or 20 amps instead of just heating up one port/plug/receptacle, to the 50 amp female plug.
I used the rest of the wire to make my own 50 amp extension cord.
 
Hmmm, I think he said he built a 50amp cord using, smaller, 30amp wire... So, for a newbie like me, isn't the real question whether that smaller wire can carry the (full 50amp) load safely ?
Here's part of his statement....
"We only have one AC unit so really only need 30A service."
That tells me he made his own cord and is utilizing the 30amp service on the pedestal....3600 Watts. The 30amp is determined by the breaker size not the cord size.
So in answer to your question, no the smaller wire can not safely handle the full load on a 50Amp breaker.
 
I got 120 feet of good #6 stranded copper wire. Not all wire is created equal as far as resistance goes, as there are cheaper copper wires than others.
I made most my 50 amp stuff for the new to me camper.
I did buy a 30-50 adapter. I made my wall outlet style 120/20 amp plug so it plugs into both outlet ports to divide the load of said 15 or 20 amps instead of just heating up one port/plug/receptacle, to the 50 amp female plug.
I used the rest of the wire to make my own 50 amp extension cord.
Making up a cord to plug into both receptacles on a wall outlet does nothing to increase your available load, or wattage. ..its actually pretty dangerous.
 
Here's part of his statement....
"We only have one AC unit so really only need 30A service."
That tells me he made his own cord and is utilizing the 30amp service on the pedestal....3600 Watts. The 30amp is determined by the breaker size not the cord size.
So in answer to your question, no the smaller wire can not safely handle the full load on a 50Amp breaker.
Yeah, and I read that to mean that, since he'll only use one AC, he thinks that he's not drawing the full capability of a 50amp service and so could get by with a smaller, lighter weight, cable/wire while using the 50amp connection on the pedestal.

To each his own I guess.
 
Yeah, and I read that to mean that, since he'll only use one AC, he thinks that he's not drawing the full capability of a 50amp service and so could get by with a smaller, lighter weight, cable/wire while using the 50amp connection on the pedestal.

To each his own I guess.
The pedestal usually has 3 services available to the user...
20A/120V, 30A/120V, and 50A/120/240V either way he's limited by which breaker he plugs into and going with a smaller AWG wire. If you have a 50A RV it's best to use the 50A service with the 50A cord when camping. It allows the user to run the AC unit while also using the water heater, microwave, coffee maker, electric griddle, and toaster all at the same time. Going with a smaller AWG cord even if it's wired to the 50A configuration limits the users ability to use multiple devices together. Now if you're just stopping overnight and not planning on doing much use whatever you like.
 
Making up a cord to plug into both receptacles on a wall outlet does nothing to increase your available load, or wattage. ..its actually pretty dangerous.
I never said it would suck more power. And its way, way, way, less dangerous than one plug sucking from the dual plug/outlet, as the one heats up and damages the said one plug vs dividing it up. Less heating.
I have seen multiple overheated outlets from the one plug adapter, and have never seen a heated plug from my double adapter.
 
I never said it would suck more power. And its way, way, way, less dangerous than one plug sucking from the dual plug/outlet, as the one heats up and damages the said one plug vs dividing it up. Less heating.
I have seen multiple overheated outlets from the one plug adapter, and have never seen a heated plug from my double adapter.
Less dangerous? I don't think so. Will it work, sure it will until you or someone else that makes something like this and plugs it into a residential duplex receptacle that has the the tab removed and contains a separate circuit for each half of the duplex receptacle. That's when the fireworks begin.
 
Less dangerous? I don't think so. Will it work, sure it will until you or someone else that makes something like this and plugs it into a residential duplex receptacle that has the the tab removed and contains a separate circuit for each half of the duplex receptacle. That's when the fireworks begin.
Why do electrical things on an RV forum always seem to turn into an argument?????
I am not telling ( anyone ) to make one, or use one. Just I, and a few knowledgeable friends do on rare occasions.

Its not made for sale, by me. But,,, i have made a couple for friends, and they are happy.

There is NO way i would plug in my double plug without knowing, nor would any of the few i have made one for.
( NO way )

If one can build one or wants to, one would know to check before plugging, and or know where its safe to use.
Like a single phase generator that has only 2 plugs, so why not divide the load by both plugs to a 30 or 50 adapter.

(( a person can also,,, buy one on the internet, amizon...))
So, if its sold on the net, its legal and safeishish.

The only problem is if its another circuit with a different phase. ( you didnt mention that ) just said circuit.
I have never come across a top and bottom of a regular home/garage with a different phase top and bottom, different breaker, same phase, yes, but very, rare on that as well.

Isnt it ( against code? ) to run 2 different phases to top and or bottom of a residential dual outlet????? That would make it 240 top to bottom or vise versa.
I think it is.
Is it NOT also a big no no, and not rated for any voltage over 120? So running lets say, 120 on the top and a different phase 120 on the bottom, makes it 240, not meant to be rated for such a thing in a normal residential dual outlet plug??
 
Why do electrical things on an RV forum always seem to turn into an argument?????
I am not telling ( anyone ) to make one, or use one. Just I, and a few knowledgeable friends do on rare occasions.

Its not made for sale, by me. But,,, i have made a couple for friends, and they are happy.

There is NO way i would plug in my double plug without knowing, nor would any of the few i have made one for.
( NO way )

If one can build one or wants to, one would know to check before plugging, and or know where its safe to use.
Like a single phase generator that has only 2 plugs, so why not divide the load by both plugs to a 30 or 50 adapter.

(( a person can also,,, buy one on the internet, amizon...))
So, if its sold on the net, its legal and safeishish.

The only problem is if its another circuit with a different phase. ( you didnt mention that ) just said circuit.
I have never come across a top and bottom of a regular home/garage with a different phase top and bottom, different breaker, same phase, yes, but very, rare on that as well.

Isnt it ( against code? ) to run 2 different phases to top and or bottom of a residential dual outlet????? That would make it 240 top to bottom or vise versa.
I think it is.
Is it NOT also a big no no, and not rated for any voltage over 120? So running lets say, 120 on the top and a different phase 120 on the bottom, makes it 240, not meant to be rated for such a thing in a normal residential dual outlet plug??
I'm not arguing with you I'm simply here to say it's not the safest method. Two separate breakers on the same phase would also require two separate dedicated neutrals in the same cable.... you can't share neutrals for separate breakers on the same phase. For years before separate neutrals were required shared neutrals were used by running a 14/3 or 12/3 RX or BX to a duplex receptacle with a hot wire from both a A & B phases. Removing the tab on the hot side of the receptacle gave you two separate dedicated circuits sharing one neutral. And yes it was legal and code compliant. This gave the user the capability to plug in two "separate" items at one location with just a duplex receptacle. Two cords attached to two devices, not two cords tied together to feed a single drvice. Anything can be made and used correctly if one has the knowledge to do so. Many people I know use a generator to backfeed their entire house from a 50A/240V receptacle in their garage without using a transfer switch.... Does it work? Sure it does...but it's not legal and there are certain safety precautions that need to be done to get it accomplished correctly.
 
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Why would you go backwards and use the 30 Amp service when the 50 is available? It's not only about the AC units, using the 50A service the total wattage available is approximately 12,000 Watts compared to 3,600 Watts on the 30A. Basic rule of thumb is you can only use 2 heavy current drawing items simultaneously on the 30A but not 3 items. With the 50A you can pretty much run any appliances you want simultaneously while leaving the AC running and the water heater on electric.
First, most places we camp are either only 30 amp or nothing. So, per your statement, we should not be camping in such places? If you camp and place a dogbone on your heavy 50 amp cord, are you "safe"? I have been camping for a long time and have an AC gauge that I use to monitor amps/watts. I have absolutely no issue using a 30 amp connection. My AC unit in the heat of the summer draws 1730 watts max and I do still use my water heater on electric. For me lugging around the heavy 50 amp cord for no real reason, makes no sense. {Just my opinion)
 

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