FTC Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this article for more information, visit our Advertising Disclosure Page.

Can I Plug My 30 Amp RV Into A 50 Amp Plug Without Damage?

by John
(FT..Myers, FL..)

How to plug a 30 Amp RV into a 50 Amp Receptacle

How to plug a 30 Amp RV into a 50 Amp Receptacle

Can I with an adapter plug my 30amp unit into a 50 amp plug without damage?

John

ANSWER: Hi John if you are talking about plugging your 30 Amp RV into a 50 Amp plug at an RV campground, then yes you can safely do it. All you need is a 30 Amp To 50 Amp Adaptor which has a 120-volt 50 Amp male end and a 120-volt 30 Amp female end. You just plug your 30 Amp RV cord into the female end of the adaptor and plug the male end into the campground's 50-amp service plug.


Surge Protector


IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a Surge Protector like the one pictured above, you need to plug your RV's power cord into the Surge Protector and then plug your Surge Protector into the 30 Amp To 50 Amp Adaptor.

If you are talking about plugging your 30-amp RV into a 220-volt 50-amp Welder plug, then no that will not work. Read the answer I gave to Can I Plug My RV Into The 50 Amp Service for A Welder?.


Camping World
Up to 70% off Clearance - While Supplies Last!


The video below gives some more valuable information on what you should consider before plugging your RV into a power source.


Here are some of the items mentioned in the video:

Electrical Adapters

30 Amp RV Extension Cords

Voltage Meters

LEARN HOW TO PLUG A 50 AMP RV INTO A 30 AMP CONNECTION


I would suggest that you also read Why You Need a Surge Protector on Your RV.

I hope that this information is helpful to you.

Comments for Can I Plug My 30 Amp RV Into A 50 Amp Plug Without Damage?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Additional Protection
by: Anonymous

The only other thing I would mention is the use of a good Surge Protector when plugging into any receptacle.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		30 amp RV on 50 amp Outlet
by: Anonymous

Because you have breakers in the RV, it is safe. A 50 amp RV on a 30 amp outlet would likely trip the breaker before overheating the connection, but I wouldn't trust the breaker. They can go bad, like anything. I'm not sure if it would stay on, if it did go bad, or just stay off.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I just bought an RV to live in
by: Dorothy

I just bought a 1999 Forest River Sierra fifth wheel to live in while I'm gutting & re-building my house in southern Nevada (think SUPER HOT & high temps). I have a regular dryer plug, and I was told that I woulb be able to plug my RV into that. Since I'm not going to be more than 10ft from my house, would it be a better idea to have a 50AMP plug installed so that I can run everything at once? By everything I mean: Both A/C units (Bedroom & living area), TVs, Fridge & Freezer, Fans, CD/Boom box, Lighting & Micowave?

I'm expecting to be in the RV for 2 years. I'll be able to hook the potable water directly from the house & black/gray lines directly to my septic system.

Any help is appreciated, I've camped in a rented RV before, but never installed one like this before!

Many thanks,
Dorothy
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		fridge trips GFCI
by: Anonymous

If the fridge trips your 50 amp GFCI, the the AC doesn't, the fridge has a bad ground connection behind it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Surge Protector
by: Marilyn

Thank-you so much. It is definitely something we will consider.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Question about amperage
by: Marilyn

We have a 21 foot camper trailer that has 30 amp service. We were told in order to run air, microwave, lights, etc., we would need an adapter for 50 amp. We just camped at another campground and used everything with no problem. What is the reason for this? We are confused. Is this for bigger RV's, etc.?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sugre protection
by: Anonymous


Progressive Industries Surge protectorsicon

I would highly recommend considering getting a Progressive Industries Surge protectoricon of the same amperage as your RV/plug. This will protect you from both over voltage and under voltage, amperage over draw, and improperly wired outlet. it is also available for inline and hardwired application as well and comes with a lifetime warranty
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Where do I put surge protector?
by: Anonymous

I have a 30 amp RV, need a 50amp adapter for park, where in that do I put the surge protector?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Question
by: Anonymous

My rv is a 50amp but plugged into a 30amp plug in. Is this safe
Rating
starstarstar 		Understanding AMPerage
by: Anonymous

Let's make this simple to understand: Amperage ratings are about how much the circuit can handle on its end, not about pushing power to your end.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To the person with the blown GFCI
by: Anonymous

Check outdoor plugins. I had my GFCI blow, and it took me several hours to figure out why. Then for some reason, the outdoor plugin was full of crud. When I cleaned it out, everything was fine again. Go figure.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Can I Plug My 30 Amp RV Into A 50 Amp Plug Without Damage?
by: Anonymous

Yes. Think about this...You can pug a 5 amp vacuum cleaner into a 20 amp outlet without problems right? The 30 AMPS is the max rating of the coach, meaning your coach COULD draw 30 AMPS, (but more than likely not)The 50 AMP curcuit will allow UP TO 50 AMPS to be drawn from it, it will handle 30 AMPS just fine and your breaker panel in the coach won't know the difference. Now going the other way is different (plugging into a 20 AMPS circuit)
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		maybe
by: Anonymous

Do not do this unless you control your electrical usage. I have a 30amp rig, when plugged into 50amps the on board computer cannot sense the usage difference ad you WILL blow your surge guard.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		GFCI
by: Anonymous

Ron, I belive a GFCI will not trip due to overload...only when approx 40ma is not returned to neutral. You must have a dead short somewhere.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Plugging in a 30 amp campert to 50 amp outlet at an rv park
by: Robert

Can I plug my 30 amp camper into a 50 amp at an rv park? and is it safe? and Will I gain more power by doing so?

Thank you,
Robert
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		additional 50 AMP to 30 AMP question
by: Ron

I have a '95 Winnebago Adventurer with 30 AMP service. I recently had a 50 AMP electric service installed (with coach upgrade plans in the future) at the driveway where I park. I use the adapter and I can run the air and the TV with no problem. When I turn on my refrigerator, (with the other two turned off at the time) my GFCI breaker trips in the house. Any ideas why? Thanks.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask An RV Question.

Way Interglobal
Shop Best Prices on RV Fridges, Kitchen Appliances, Griddles, Stoves, Gas Ranges, Fireplaces at Way Interglobal Today!

Get Your Article Published on Everything About RVing

If you have written an article about RVing, Camping or the Great Outdoors and you would like us to publish it on Everything-About-RVing.com, please visit our Submit An Article Page.

Fill out the form below to receive The Free
Everything About RVing Gazette
Newsletter

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION

Follow Us