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Topic: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power (Read 692 times) previous topic - next topic
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How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Hi everyone! 

This will be one of my silly questions but, in my defense, I read everything I could find, but couldn't locate the answer.  I want to plug into my house using an extension cord, but it definitely looks like I need an adapter.  Can someone chime in and let me know what I need to buy to make this work?

Much gratitude, as always.

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
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1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #2 –
Thank you Duro!  That's going to make things -much- more pleasant while living in the driveway. 😊
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #3 –
Just to be clear.  That adapter mentioned above is the connection from the 30 amp power cord (connected to the LD) to the 15 amp house plug.  The 30 amp cord is connected to your LD.  You'll not be using an extension cord.  If you want to use an extension cord, then you'll need a different adapter, like a short 30 amp plug for connecting to the LD and a 15 amp male plug on the other end for the extension cord.  NOW ... the extension cord should be 12 gauge and not a thin, cheap extension cord.   I'd also check the fuse box at the house to find the amp rating for the chosen socket.

With this connection, you'll have lights, charge the house batteries, run the refrigerator, and have 110V power from the wall sockets.  You might not be able to run the microwave or air condition without some risk.  Hope this helps.
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Opuntia  - 
Thank you Duro!  That's going to make things -much- more pleasant while living on the driveway. 😊
Just remember, Mimi, that even though your LD is rated for 30 amps, you will only have as many amps available to you as what the outlet you plug into (in the house) is rated for. It probably will be 15 amps or maybe 20. You can go to your breaker box and check the amperage for the breaker that controls whichever outlet you use. You probably already know this, but you will have to monitor the amperage of whichever appliances you use in the LD while parked in the driveway. Trying to use a space heater, a coffee maker and a hair dryer at the same time will surely trip the breaker at your house.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #5 –
I guess I need this too?

US Wire 74050 12/3 50-Foot SJTW Yellow Heavy Duty Lighted Plug Extension...

I don't know what amps my ext cord can handle, but it's a very long, skinny cord.
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #6 –

I think I understand.  I need something like this that I can plug my extension cord into. http://amzn.to/2n0hTDj

In my house, if I ran the microwave, vacuum and toaster oven all at the same time, it would trip the circuit breaker.  In the RV, I just want to charge the house battery and test the outlets and appliances, one at a time. 

Thanks😊

Mimi


Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #7 –
You don't want a "very long, skinny" extension cord. If you have to use an extension cord, get a 30A (10 ga.) cord rated for RVs with 30A systems; this is an example:

http://tweetys.com/30a-rv-extension-cords.aspx

You may find one at Walmart or even Home Depot or at an RV supply store if you don't want to order online. The cords usually come in 25' lengths; if you can find a shorter 30A that (connects to the power cord on the RV and) reaches the outlet, get that to avoid as much voltage drop as possible.

For an adapter, I suggest not using a "puck" type; either of these linked will work (conflicting descriptions, but same product type; one is a dogbone shape.) Again, try the above stores or order online.

http://tweetys.com/arcon-14240-temporary-pigtail-adapter-30a-female-to-15a-male-18-long.aspx

http://tweetys.com/dogbone-adapter---15-amp-male-to-30-amp-female.aspx



2003 TK has a new home
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #8 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
You don't want a "very long, skinny" extension cord. If you have to use an extension cord, get a 30A (10 ga.) cord rated for RVs with 30A systems; this is an example:

http://tweetys.com/30a-rv-extension-cords.aspx

You may find one at Walmart or even Home Depot or at an RV supply store if you don't want to order online. The cords usually come in 25' lengths; if you can find a shorter 30A that (connects to the power cord on the RV and) reaches the outlet, get that to avoid as much voltage drop as possible.

For an adapter, I suggest not using a "puck" type; either of these linked will work (conflicting descriptions, but same product type; one is a dogbone shape.) Again, try the above stores or order online.

http://tweetys.com/arcon-14240-temporary-pigtail-adapter-30a-female-to-15a-male-18-long.aspx

http://tweetys.com/dogbone-adapter---15-amp-male-to-30-amp-female.aspx
http://tweetys.com/30a-rv-extension-cords.aspx

Mimi, your LD should have a 25' cord similar to this one. If so, all you need is the 30 amp to 15 amp adaptor like the ones Joan mentions. I'm not familiar with the older models but seems to me there is a cord that self stores in a compartment at the side of the LD??? If the run to your house is longer than whatever cord came with the LD, then you would need a 30 amp rated extension cord.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #9 –
Here is a link from Camping World - Pigtail  Adapters.   May I suggest buying a few different types.   I.E. 50 Amp to 30 Amp and a 30 Amp to 15 Amp.  This will come in handy when you get to a RV parks that only has 50 Amp service or the 30 Amp service is hooked up wrong.  

One more bit of advice - please check the Campground electric service before you plug in.    They look expensive but it cheaper then replacing all you electronic gear from plugging in a 'bad' power box.  

 Review of difference RV Surge Protectors
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2014 Twin King
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
I'm not familiar with the older models but seems to me there is a cord that self stores in a compartment at the side of the LD???
Chris

Chris I believe you are correct. 2002 was the first year with a detachable shore power cord. So all she should need is an adapter between the extension cord and the shore power cord.
Lynn and Lori
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #11 –
"please check the Campground electric service before you plug in.  They look expensive but it cheaper then replacing all you electronic gear from plugging in a 'bad' power box."
----
This is good advice. Consider getting a robust EMS (Electrical Management System); this product provides much more protection to the rig's electrical system and appliances than a "surge protector". I have an older version of the Progressive Industries 30A portable; the new incarnation is shown in the link. There is also a hardwired version; many prefer that. One advantage to the hardwired unit is that it also protects the rig's wiring and appliances from "dirty power" from the generator; the portable doesn't (obviously).

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

As ever, YMMV; some people use an EMS any time they hook up to shore power, some don't. Some people are lucky; some are not.  ;)

P.S. Yes, all Mimi would need would be the appropriate adapter IF the power cord on her rig is long enough to reach an outlet; if not, she will need a 30A extension cord.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #12 –
"In my house, if I ran the microwave, vacuum and toaster oven all at the same time, it would trip the circuit breaker.  In the RV, I just want to charge the house battery and test the outlets and appliances, one at a time."

Mimi,

IF the above is all you intend to do, a 12\2 w Ground extension cord (rated for 20 amps) is perfectly adequate for the job.  If a 25' cord is long enough, I'd do that rather than a 50'.  And, for that matter, even if you do need more than 25', I'd buy two 25' cords for those times when 25' is enough.  With regard to an adapter, again, for your purposes, a puck type can be used to do what you want to do.  I agree with others that for long term service, the dogbone type adapter is a better choice. 

A 30 amp cord is not necessary for your testing.  None of the appliances on their own will draw more than 15 or 16 amps, so if you're testing one at a time, a 20 amp rated cord is fine.
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #13 –
It looks like the exterior power cord (stored inside an outside port on the RV) is 25' long.  I'll need a 25' extension cord to reach the outlet on the house.

If I understand all this correctly...
I need to buy a 30 to 15 amp adapter (18" long) (should buy different amperes to keep onhand), plug it into the 25' external 30 amp power cord that is attached to the RV, then plug a heavy duty extension cord into the adapter and plug that into my house outlet.

Or, do I just buy a 25', 30 to 15 amp extension cord which, when attached to the existing external power cord on the rig, will be long enough to reach the outlet?

Mimi

Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #14 –
Quote from: krmugn  - 
In the RV, I just want to charge the house battery and test the outlets and appliances, one at a time."

Mimi,

IF the above is all you intend to do, a 12\2 w Ground extension cord (rated for 20 amps) is perfectly adequate for.... I'd buy two 25' cords for those times when 25' is enough.

A 30 amp cord is not necessary for your testing.  None of the appliances on their own will draw more than 15 or 16 amps, so if you're testing one at a time, a 20 amp rated cord is fine.

Okay, that's perfect.  I do plan to run a couple of lights while running the exhaust fan. How many amps does a fluorescent light use?   What is a "12\2" w Ground extension cord?
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #15 –
A fluorescent lamp 12" long with two lamp tubes uses less than 1/4 amp on 120 vac. It will draw approximately 2 amps from the coach battery.

12/2 with a ground is a three prong 12 ga. Extension cord with a 14 ga ground wire. The plug will have a round gor "U" shaped ground prong and two flat blades.  Two blades parallel is for 15 amps. Blades at right angles to each other for a 20 amps. 
 A wall plug with two parallel slots is rated 15 amps. A wall plug with one straight slot and a "T" slot is rated for 20 amps.  Assume you have 15 amp plugs.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #16 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
"please check the Campground electric service before you plug in.  They look expensive but it cheaper then replacing all you electronic gear from plugging in a 'bad' power box."
----
This is good advice. Consider getting a robust EMS (Electrical Management System); this product provides much more protection to the rig's electrical system and appliances than a "surge protector".
This is information I was not aware of. Thank you.  I will likely have it hardwired.

I'm about 15' from my outlet so, I'm going to buy a 30 to 15 amp adapter and plug a 30 amp extension cord into it.

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #17 –
Quote from: krmugn  - 

Mimi,

IF the above is all you intend to do, a 12\2 w Ground extension cord (rated for 20 amps) is perfectly adequate for the job. 

12/2 seems difficult to find.  Would 12/3 work?  I know it's 12 gauge, but I can't locate what the /2 or /3 is or if it matters. 

Thanks.
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
 
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #18 –

If it were my LD,  I would first install a hardwired surge protector, with a remote readout that shows the amount of 120-VAC power used, in amps.
Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

For the extension cord, I would buy a 25' or 50' 10-gauge 30-amp cord, for use with any plug.
A 10-gauge cord will be appropriate for any circuit 15 to 30-amps.

For the 30-15 amp adaptor, I suggest using a dog bone-type adaptor, to prevent over heating of the adaptor.
Amazon.com: Camco 55165 15M/30F 12" PowerGrip Dogbone Electrical Adapter...
Try not to use an adaptor like this.
Amazon.com: Camco 55223 15M/30F AMP PowerGrip Adapter: Automotive
The small adaptors do not have enough length or surface area to dissipate the heat that builds up in each plug.
Every plug has slight amount of resistance, which produces heat. Many small adaptors, with the two plugs close together, become extremely hot when running the A/C or other high power appliances.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Surge Protectors
Reply #19 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
"Review of difference RV Surge Protectors"

I was about to post asking for recommendations for surge protectors and then saw Colddog's post with "Review of difference RV Surge Protectors."  RV Surge Protector Comparison  This comparison guide is very helpful.  Thank you.  I have a question now about hard-wired surge protectors.  Is this something that needs to be installed?  If so, where does one get this done?  I'm trying to decide what kind of surge protector to get for my 2017 Mid-Bath, which I hope to get delivery of very soon.  Any suggestions or recommendations are welcomed.

Monica
Monica
2017 MB
Re: Surge Protectors
Reply #20 –
Quote from: rvhiker22  - 
Quote from: colddog  - 
"Review of difference RV Surge Protectors"

I was about to post asking for recommendations for surge protectors and then saw Colddog's post with "Review of difference RV Surge Protectors."  RV Surge Protector Comparison  This comparison guide is very helpful.  Thank you.  I have a question now about hard-wired surge protectors.  Is this something that needs to be installed?  If so, where does one get this done?  I'm trying to decide what kind of surge protector to get for my 2017 Mid-Bath, which I hope to get delivery of very soon.  Any suggestions or recommendations are welcomed.

Monica
Unless you are super handy and know a lot about RV electricity/wiring, you will want to have this installed by a professional. Any qualified, reputable RV shop should be able to do it. Call around and check their credentials.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
If it were my LD,  I would first install a hardwired surge protector...

A 10-gauge cord will be appropriate for any circuit 15 to 30-amps.

Larry

Would you have the surge protector installed before plugging into a house? 

I was thinking I might as well buy an extension cord rated for 50 amps for use with a 50 amp adapter in case I run into that at a campground.  As advised, I planned to buy both 30 and 50 amp adapters, but was hoping I could buy one extension cord that could be used for both.

I bought the dogbone adapter.

Thanks Larry...
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #22 –
I bought my LD used and the previous owner took me by the MotherShip while I was learning to drive a RV, it was not that far from his home and where I was going to camp the first night.  I purchased a plug in surge protector from them because we have a lot of thunder storms here (VA) and where my family live in FL.  I am glad I have it, but wished I waited and had a hardwired protector installed.  

Mimi, you should be fine plugged into the your home.   If you can't get the whole house done soon get a plug in unit.  There are problem with the plug in units, according to RV.net they have been known to walk away at night.  I don't know if they are rated as being as good as a whole house unit.  And the biggest issue is once you have the plug in kind you may be less prone to get a hardwired one.  Still it is much better than not having one.

As a precaution when in a thunder storm is near I unplug from power poles.  I don't think that will help if my RV gets a lighting strike, but if something that is plugged into that system gets hit I am isolated by being unplugged.  
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #23 –
I have had a PI portable EMS unit for several years; it has never walked anywhere. Not to say that, like anything else that may be vulnerable to theft or damage, that it couldn't be "liberated" one day, but it hasn't been so far. I do chain (and lock) it to the power pedestal; a cable is a better deterrent against casual rip-off, and that is on my "upgrade" list.

IMO, an EMS is essential piece of equipment for anyone who hooks up to shore power, whenever and wherever. Reversed polarity, improper ground, power supply overload, and several other "mis-wiring" issues are far more common than many RVers realize, and an EMS, portable or wired in, offers front line protection against "wire fry". An EMS is expensive, but it's a lot less so than replacing damaged appliances and/or rig wiring; why risk it? And, yes, some say that they've always hooked up without an EMS and never had a problem; they have been very lucky.

If people choose to plug in without an EMS (even being aware of the potential for damage), that's their choice. I suggest that those who are interested read and compare the specs and features of the portable and the hard-wired PI units (factor in the cost of installation of the hard-wired EMS) and get the unit that they feel will work best for their purposes.  Or not. YMMV.

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

2003 TK has a new home
Re: How to plug into stick's & bricks for power
Reply #24 –
Joan, I still have our plug in unit.  I was just pointing out the down sides of the plug in unit vs the hardwired.  I agree that a surge protector is a must have.  

Now that I have a plug in type, I just happen to like the hardwired type better.  In part that is because there is a warning on the side about it's designed use.  I have come across many power posts that are to short for our unit, TRC Surge Guard, model 34730, to hang truly vertical.  I really like the Progressive Industries surge guard you linked to.   I am just trying to save Mimi from getting something like what I have and then wishing she had done something else. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath