A 30 amp RV uses a three-prong TT-30 plug and gets one 120 volt line, about 3,600 watts. A 50 amp RV uses a four-prong 14-50 plug with two 120 volt legs, about 12,000 watts in total, which runs two air conditioners and more at once. Adapters let either rig plug into the other pedestal, but a 50 amp rig on a 30 amp outlet is limited to 30 amps, so you must cut your load.
The number on your RV’s shore power cord tells you how much electricity it can draw, which decides what you can run at the same time.
Side by side
| 30 amp | 50 amp | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug | TT-30, 3 prongs | 14-50, 4 prongs |
| Supply | One 120 V leg | Two 120 V legs |
| Total power | About 3,600 W | About 12,000 W |
| Typical rigs | Travel trailers, smaller motorhomes | Large fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes |
| Air conditioners | Usually one | Often two or more |
Why 50 amp is so much more
A 50 amp service has two separate 120 volt legs, each good for 50 amps. That is 6,000 watts per leg, or 12,000 in total, versus 3,600 watts on a single 30 amp leg.
Using adapters safely
- Use a properly rated adapter (often called a dogbone) and turn the pedestal breaker off before plugging in.
- Plug a surge protector or electrical management system in first. See our RV surge protector guide.
- On a smaller outlet, manage your load: run the air conditioner or the microwave, not both.
Related
Common questions
Can I plug a 30 amp RV into a 50 amp outlet?
Yes, with a 50-to-30 amp adapter. You still only get 30 amps, because the RV's own wiring and main breaker are rated for 30.
Can I plug a 50 amp RV into a 30 amp outlet?
Yes, with a 30-to-50 amp adapter, but you are limited to about 3,600 watts. Run one high-draw appliance at a time.
Can I plug an RV into a household outlet?
A 15-to-30 amp adapter works for light loads such as keeping batteries charged, but it cannot run an air conditioner and other heavy loads together.