How to Wire a 50 Amp Generator Into a 30 Amp RV

How to Wire a 50 Amp Generator Into a 30 Amp RV

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If you aren't satisfied with the amount of juice in your RV, change out your old 30 amp generator into a 50 amp. This change will allow you to run more electric devices simultaneously. The process to change out the 30 amp to the new 50 amp generator requires a half day or work and some basic skills with electrical wiring.



When working with electricity, make sure all electric connections and cords are off or disconnected prior to beginning work on the RV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Circuit breaker panel
  • Wire cutters and stripper
  • Crimper
  • Power drill/screwdriver with bits
  • 50 amp automatic transfer switch
  • #10 mounting screws
  • 6/3 generator cable
  • 6/3 shore cable
  • 10/2 cable
Step 1
Cut out a hole to mount the circuit breaker panel in a hidden location in the RV. Mount the panel with the #10 size screws. Locate an area away from the kitchen or propane tanks and mount the transfer switch.
Step 2
Attach the generator cord to the transfer switch. Use the 6/3 cable to attach the generator cord, as this cable has the necessary 4 wire and 240 volt carrying capacity for the generator. The 6/3 cable also has a grounding wire in the housing.



Use the wire stripper to expose the grounding wire and attach it to the top screw of the mounting panel. This will ground the transfer switch.
Step 3
Thread the generator cable through the cable clamp opening. Find the four set screws on the transfer switch. Use the stripper to expose four inches of the internal wires on the cable. Follow the switch kit instructions on where to connect the different colored wires. Screw them into the set screws to secure them.
Step 4
Attach the shore cable to the transfer switch according to the switch manufacturer's instructions. Each maker has a different pattern, so follow the switch instructions for the wiring. Connect the 10/2 cable to the transfer switch and then to the new circuit breaker panel.



Make sure to keep the white and green wires separate on the set screws. Take another 10/2 cable and connect between the transfer switch and the old circuit breaker, again keeping the green and white wires separate on the set screws.
Step 5
Turn off the circuits on both circuit panels. Turn on the circuits on the new panel first, and then the old. Test the generator by turning the transfer switch to the on position. Turn on electric devices and check for surges or low charge operations.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com
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