Capt.Storm
Brockport NY.
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Never had one but may latter in life.
I have heard diff versions on how they are wired and protected.
For this discussion I only really want to know about the ones that don't have 240 volt appliances.
(a)I have heard that there is two hot legs...some say in phase some say out,one neutral and one ground.
(B) I have heard that there are two 50amp breakers also heard some say there is a 30 and a 20 amp breaker,which is it?
While we are on this if there is two 50 amp breakers is that not like 100 amps available?
(C) Since there is only one neutral for two hot legs and lets say the load is balanced I would think their would be little if nothing going back through the neutral. But if you were drawing 40 amps on one leg and nothing on the other would not the neutral be carrying 40 amps back? And if that neutral ever opened it could be really bad for things right?
Thanks in advance!
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Mutha
Texas
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This is a very good explanation of all types of RV wiring, including the 50 AMP service:
50 AMP RV WIRING
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FiverDragger
MI
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A) If you are hooked up to a 50 amp power plug you would have 2 hot legs one neutral and one ground. They would be out of phase and could be used for 240 volt power. If you are hooked to a 30 amp power plug THROUGH AN ADAPTER you would have one hot leg divided into 2 legs to power your Rv. In this case they would obviously be in phase.
B) If you are hooked to a 50 amp power plug you would have 100 amp available divided equally between 2 legs. The 30 and 20 breaker adapter would allow you to hook up to 2 power plugs. One 30 amp and one 20 amp. This doesn't always work out. If it does you would have 50 amps available split between one 20 amp leg and one 30 amp leg. If you are using a 30 amp adapter and a 30 amp power plug you would have a total of 30 amps available spread across the 2 legs.
C) The neutral would be carrying any unbalance in the loads between the 2 50 amp legs. Yes the neutral would carry the 40 amp load. A 50 amp power cord has all 4 conductors the same size. If the neutral opened the power would be interupted and there would be no current flow if the neutral and ground are not bonded. If the neutral and ground are bonded in the circuit box the current flow would then be through the neutral.
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dons2346
Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA
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Some 50 amp Readingwhich will explain a few things.
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Broccoli1
Los Angeles
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Capt.Storm wrote:Never had one but may latter in life.
I have heard diff versions on how they are wired and protected.
For this discussion I only really want to know about the ones that don't have 240 volt appliances.
(a)I have heard that there is two hot legs...some say in phase some say out,one neutral and one ground.
(B) I have heard that there are two 50amp breakers also heard some say there is a 30 and a 20 amp breaker,which is it?
While we are on this if there is two 50 amp breakers is that not like 100 amps available?
(C) Since there is only one neutral for two hot legs and lets say the load is balanced I would think their would be little if nothing going back through the neutral. But if you were drawing 40 amps on one leg and nothing on the other would not the neutral be carrying 40 amps back? And if that neutral ever opened it could be really bad for things right?
Thanks in advance!
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Broccoli1
Los Angeles
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It is Not In Phase or Out of Phase
SAME phase split 
* This post was
edited 07/27/10 09:18pm by Broccoli1 *
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Capt.Storm
Brockport NY.
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Man...
I think I'll just stick to 30 amp rv's..but thanks!
But you guys did teach me a thing or two just in case..lol.
So on a 50 amp service in the RV there are two 120's (split phase).
Consenting of two 120 legs,one neutral and a ground.
There are two 50 amp breakers...plus your branch circuits.
I'm used to working with 240 volt stoves and what not where there is no nuetral.
So it was confusing me that the 50 amp RV has one...I see why now,mostly it is because there are no 240 volt appliances in them...at least most of the RVs.
Just two 120 lines that share a nuetral.
I tried to google about it before but I always ended up more confused after words..lol.
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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FiverDragger wrote:A)
A 50 amp power cord has all 4 conductors the same size. If the neutral opened the power would be interrupted and there would be no current flow if the neutral and ground are not bonded. If the neutral and ground are bonded in the circuit box the current flow would then be through the neutral. Please tell me where to buy 6/3 with ground, direct burial cable, that all 4 are the same size, 6 ga. I have not been able to find any where the ground is also 6 ga. I am going to install a pedestal at our new house, is why I'm looking.
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Broccoli1
Los Angeles
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Capt.Storm wrote:Man...
I think I'll just stick to 30 amp rv's..but thanks!
But you guys did teach me a thing or two just in case..lol.
So on a 50 amp service in the RV there are two 120's (split phase).
Consenting of two 120 legs,one neutral and a ground.
There are two 50 amp breakers...plus your branch circuits.
I'm used to working with 240 volt stoves and what not where there is no nuetral.
So it was confusing me that the 50 amp RV has one...I see why now,mostly it is because there are no 240 volt appliances in them...at least most of the RVs.
Just two 120 lines that share a nuetral.
I tried to google about it before but I always ended up more confused after words..lol.
1- 50amp Double Pole Breaker
"120v/240v" Household Stoves/Ranges do use a Neutral: heating elements utilize the 240v available while Timers, Lights use the 120v available which requires a neutral.
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Capt.Storm
Brockport NY.
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Broccoli1 wrote:Capt.Storm wrote:Man...
I think I'll just stick to 30 amp rv's..but thanks!
But you guys did teach me a thing or two just in case..lol.
So on a 50 amp service in the RV there are two 120's (split phase).
Consenting of two 120 legs,one neutral and a ground.
There are two 50 amp breakers...plus your branch circuits.
I'm used to working with 240 volt stoves and what not where there is no nuetral.
So it was confusing me that the 50 amp RV has one...I see why now,mostly it is because there are no 240 volt appliances in them...at least most of the RVs.
Just two 120 lines that share a nuetral.
I tried to google about it before but I always ended up more confused after words..lol.
1- 50amp Double Pole Breaker
"120v/240v" Household Stoves/Ranges do use a Neutral: heating elements utilize the 240v available while Timers, Lights use the 120v available which requires a neutral.
Which is interesting since there is no nuetral going to a stove.
I believe the ground becomes the neutral to run lights and timers on them since the ground and neutral come together at the panel.
Correct?
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