How to Wire a 50 Amp Plug for My RV at the House

How to Wire a 50 Amp Plug for My RV at the House

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Keep your RV powered up and wire a 50-amp generator to it in your own home workshop. The 50-amp generator allows more electric devices to run simultaneously in your RV. Setting the 50-amp generator will take a half a day in the home workshop. When working with electricity, make sure you disconnect any power cords and turn off the circuit breaker to prevent shocks and injury. This set-up allows more power into the RV as a result of the 50-amp generator. Plug and connect the RV with the 50-amp into an electric source at your home after the transfer switch and wiring has been added to the RV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • 50-amp automatic transfer switch
  • Circuit panel
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire stripper
  • Crimpers
  • Set screws
  • Power drill with bits
  • #10 screws
  • 6/3 power cable
  • 6/3 shore cable
Step 1
Mount the circuit breaker panel to a wall in the RV that is accessible. Set the circuit breaker at a height that is easy for you to read and reach. Use the #10 screws to mount the panel into the wall. Use the power drill set to turn screws with the appropriate bit.
Step 2
Determine where you wish to mount the 50amp automatic transfer switch. Position it in a location easily reached but away from propane tanks or flammable vapors or liquids. Use #10 mounting screws to lock the switch onto the wall.
Step 3
Strip back 1/2 to 3/4 of on inch of the rubber housing on the 6/3 power cable. Follow the wiring exposed to attach it to the transfer switch. Make sure the red wire attaches to the red set screw, the green wire to the green set screw and the white going to the top mounting screw as the ground. Thread the cable through the transfer switch cable clamp hole.
Step 4
Connect the end of the 6/3 shore cable to the transfer switch. With the shore cable, follow the maker's instructions on how to attach to a switch. Different makers have different setups.
Step 5
Check that all the circuit breakers are off. Connect the 6/3 shore cable to an RV outlet. Turn on the circuits and test the generator power by flipping the transfer switch to the on position. Turn on a light or other electric device. If it comes on with no surge in the circuit breaker it is set to be used.
Step 6
Plug the RV connections into the available source at the home. Turn on the circuits and test the generator power by flipping the transfer switch to the "On" position. Turn on a light or other electric device. If it comes on with no surge in the circuit breaker, it is set to be used.

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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