Shore power cord size ?

[rustytoolss]

What size shore power cord are most of you guys using ? My electrical system is from an old RV, that had a 30amp power system(it was a 30' RV with all the bells and whistles) so it has this huge RV power cord , with the typical RV 30amp connector. I'm installing a 5000btu AC unit (4.8amps, and a 700watt microwave 9.5amps). and some outlets . Just using the RV power box because it was free.
Few more questions..do I really need an "outdoor" power supply cord $$ ??
Also What size wire should I be using for my internal trailer 120volt systems?

[dancam]

What size shore power cord are most of you guys using ? My electrical system is from an old RV, that had a 30amp power system(it was a 30' RV with all the bells and whistles) so it has this huge RV power cord , with the typical RV 30amp connector. I'm installing a 5000btu AC unit (4.8amps, and a 700watt microwave 9.5amps). and some outlets . Just using the RV power box because it was free.
Few more questions..do I really need an "outdoor" power supply cord $$ ??
Also What size wire should I be using for my internal trailer 120volt systems?

Internal would be standard code. 14awg for 15 amp circuts and 12awg for 20 amp.
For the outdoor cord how long is it going to be? (Longer needs to be thicker) And whats the most power at once that will ever go through it? If max is 30 amp then 3 wire 10awg should work for up to 40ft. You should be able to get away with 12awg for max 25ft but i probly wouldnt do it. One size Bigger wire isnt much more money. Buy the length of wire you want and the ends and make your own cord. Quite often cheaper.
http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop- ... &x=92&y=12

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[rustytoolss]

I'm quite sure that I will never be using 30 amps of power all at the same time. AC 4.8amps/ microwave 9.5amps would be the most all at one time. So would I really need a 10 gauge shore power cord size ?
Just because the RV circuit panel was a 30amp unit. (after-all it was from a real RV) would I still need to match the shore power cord to the RV power supply box ?
And all of the wall outlets from the RV are rated at 15amp/125volt. (got those from the RV also)
As for shore power cord length. What's the most common length most of you guys carry with you ? 25'-50' ?????

[les45]

I use a 25' cord with #12 wires. My primary power draws are a space heater and coffee pot (we use propane camp stove for most cooking). However, I don't use the heater and coffee pot at the same time. Most of my power needs are for low amp items like phone chargers, computer charger, vent fan, and cabin lights.

[mustangcats]

Maybe your power requirements are limited today, but you never know what you'll need for the future. I always use 12/3 wire with 20 amp receptacles...the cost isn't much more. In my camper almost every outlet is on its own circuit. For the shore power cord I have 2-30 amp 25 ft. cords. Some will say you don't need that much cord but it's better to be prepared for the unexpected. For the 30 amp shore cord, be sure to have an adapter that will plug into a standard 15 or 20 amp outlet in case 30 amp power is not available.

[bc toys]

I have a #10AWG cord its 25ft long and I don't have any big appliances the biggest thing I use is computer charger or cell phone charger but I would rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it

[Shadow Catcher]

Always plan for more than you think you need, 30A may be a bit much but surge current for the AC and unanticipated, I never thought of doing thats, can add up. As an example we use an electric fry pan when we have shore power.

[dancam]

I have never camped with shore power. What do their outlets put out? Never thought of that.

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[troubleScottie]

Typically:
50 AMP typically 14-50R receptacle ( hot - neutral - hot - ground ) similar to home dryer. Trailer typically is wired to have two 120V/50A banks of circuit breakers. Seldom does an RV have any 240 V devices (in the US). Special extension cord.
30 AMP typically TT-30P (plug) / TT-30R (receptacle) ( hot - neutral - ground ) Trailer is wired for 1 bank of circuit breakers sharing the 30A power. Special extension cord
20 AMP slightly different outlet ( one prong is a "T" ). Could use standard extension cord
15 AMP typically your standard household 2 outlet receptacle. Newer pedestal may or may not have this. Standard extension cord.

Each has its own plugs/receptacles. Often 50/30 amp inlets at the trailer have weatherproof couplings.

Ideally every outlet has its own breaker at the power pedestal.

You should test your outlet before using. Campground often have poor electrical quality, bad outlets and/or brown outs due to usage.

[working on it]

I use the 120v outlet shorepower for my A/C assembly (the A/C unit+chassis cooling casefan+inline exhaust fan), and possibly my 400 watt inverter (for battery charging) while inside the trailer. Total amperage is never above 12 amps, so the 14 gauge extension cord (rated for 15 amps) I use for connecting to the pedestal is sufficient. However, I also carry a 12 gauge extension, just in case I have to use one of the other outlets (30 or 50 amps) if the 120v plug-in tests bad (I use a GFCI outlet tester);

gfci outlet tester.jpg (16.95 KiB) Viewed 361 times

in that case, I have adapters.

adapters for input line.jpg (13.36 KiB) Viewed 361 times

I run the extension cord thru a sealed access port to a GFCI protected outlet base in the trailer, then to a surge protector,http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=60587#p1088735 then to the 120v outlet plugs in the cabin (for A/C and inverter). I haven't needed the larger gauge adapters or extension yet, but I have them ready.

[lrrowe]

I use this 30 amp cord with a 120v adapter.
I run my battery charger, AC and refrigerator in the trailer.
Given it's size, it also serves double duty when I need generator work away from the trailer.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Q ... PDKIKX0DER