EMS keep 30 or buy 50 AMPS system

[Amps]

We upgraded from our 2004 30 AMP Mountaineer to a 2015 Park model (Residence) by Keystone. This unit is wired as a 50 AMP system.

I have removed our 30 AMP surge protector (Progressive Industries model EMS-HW30C) from our older unit and would like to install it in our new Destination RV. We will not travel with this unit and the campground where we will be staying put only offers 30 AMP electrical power.

My question is:
Knowing that the maximum power going into this new unit will never exceed 30 AMPS can I used/install my 30 AMP power surge protector? will it work?

Thank you.

[mlh]

I have a 30 amp one that I use on my motor home it's a 30 amp system. I also use it on my 50 amp high country. If you only have or use one AC you will be fine.
Lynwood

[Starmaster]

Amps,

The short answer; technically it can be made to work. However, it is a BAD idea to do this; unconventional wiring practice, unsafe, and a MAJOR problem if the rig is ever hookup to a 50amp service depending on how the rig's wiring is modified.

A 30amp service has one "hot" leg with a 30amp breaker protecting it. A 50amp service has two "hot" legs, each leg is protected by a 50amp breaker. Since your trailer is wired for a 50amp service it has four wires (hot1, hot2, neutral, and ground).

To connect a 50amp cord to a 30amp service you use an adapter that internally ties the two hot wires together. This is how all circuits of a 50amp rig have power when connected to a 30amp service. The rig can still only draw a total of 30amps because it is limited by the 30amp service breaker.

The wire size for 30amp is 8AWG and that is what you protector is setup to connect to it. The wire size for 50amp is 6AWG (6 is larger wire than 8). As stated above, you have two "hots" on the 50amp wiring so you would have to connect two 6AWG wires to a connector designed to accept one 8AWG wire. It just ain't gonna fit!

I'm one that always tries to re-purpose stuff and you are to be applauded for using a protector. The right thing to do is sell the 30amp and buy a 50amp. Safer for everyone both now and in the future when someone else owns the rig.

The only way to use the 30amp protector in your rig safely is to convert the rig to 30amp service. This includes new main breakers, breaker box wiring changes, and a new service cord.

Dave

[Starmaster]

Oops, FYI, 30amp cords are generally 10AWG rather than 8AWG. My bad!

Dave

[Amps]

Thanks for the information.
Will stick with my original plan which is to upgrade to a 50 AMP EMS.
Will sell that 30 AMP system.

Jacques

[richfaa]

Originally Posted by Amps

Thanks for the information.
Will stick with my original plan which is to upgrade to a 50 AMP EMS.
Will sell that 30 AMP system.

Jacques

Good plan.

[CORattler]

Originally Posted by Amps

Thanks for the information.
Will stick with my original plan which is to upgrade to a 50 AMP EMS.
Will sell that 30 AMP system.

Jacques

Excellent plan. Starmaster gave you solid advice.