How To Wire 50 Amp RV Plugs

November 25, 2022

Traveling around in an RV and camping in different locations can be an unforgettable experience. But, to have fun, you must manage your expectations and take each day as it comes. That’s because a lot can go wrong, while you are out in the wild. The electric system could fail, the blackwater drainage system could malfunction, and the gas stove could stop working.

So, for starters, you have to be very good at fixing things, performing DIY repairs, and whatnot. We are not saying you have to be the jack of all trades, but having basic knowledge about the essential systems on an RV can enhance your experience.

Take the electrical system as an example, and you will find that it is necessary for your comfort. You can’t last a few days without electricity because it powers the various appliances inside your recreational vehicle. So, if you don’t know your way around electricity and electric components, you better start learning now!

RVs depend on electricity and that’s why on camping grounds you can find generators or power pedestals. Sometimes you can also find a 50-amp or 30-amp service to plug your RV directly into the power supply.

But to access that, you will need a 50 amp plug or outlet. Today we are going to teach you how to wire a 50 amp plug for your RV. So that you face no problems when parking at a campground with 50 amp outlets.

Tools Required

Before we go further, you need to grab the tools necessary for the DIY job. After all, you cannot proceed without them. So, here is what you will need:

Basic Electrical Toolkit

Six Gauge Wire

14-50R Outlet

Wiring Process

Check diagram:

50-Amp-RV-Plug-Wiring Download

guide

After you have gathered all the tools and items necessary for the job, you can start messing around with the electrical system. The step-by-step process outlined below will help you wire a 50amp RV plug to perfection.

First Step

Gather all the tools and parts required for the job in one place. Start inspecting the wire to ensure the neutral wire and the hot wire are six gauges in length. Then, check the 14-50R outlet for its quality. When you have ensured every item is perfect, you can move on to the next step.

Second Step

Before you go anywhere near the electrical components, you must disconnect the electricity going through the entire RV by shutting off the main breaker. Once the supply is cut, you can begin by locating the 50-amp breaker panel, which will serve as the new plug. The electric supply going through this breaker board will have two hot wires, a single neutral wire, and a ground wire. The three wires have different colors so you will be able to identify them easily. After that, you move to the next step.

Third Step

Once you have identified the wires inside the board, you must look for any unused double-pole 50-amp breaker. If you can’t find it there probably isn’t one in your RV, so you would have to install a new breaker in a suitable area. After the breaker is in place, you must connect the red wire to the terminal located on the breaker’s plug side. The black wire goes on the opposite terminal to the breaker’s outlet side and the white wire connects with the neutral bus. The only thing left will be the ground wire, which you will attach to the ground block.

Fourth Step

Check and confirm all the wires are connected to the right terminals. Once you have made the confirmation, you can move toward wiring the half-round receiver. This wire will either be bare or painted green, so be careful around it.

Fifth Step

Now, connect the receiver below the half-ground to the neutral (white) wire. The terminal screws will be colored white, you can’t miss them! Similarly, connect the red and black wires to the appropriate receivers. Once again, these terminals will be matching the wire’s colors.

Sixth Step

Now that everything is done and dusted, you can turn on the main breaker and the double-pole breaker to let the electricity flow to the 50 amp plug/outlet.

Great! You have done it! But before you can begin plugging in appliances to the sockets, it is best to check the voltage coming through the system.

For that, you will need a voltmeter. Once you have it, you can connect the probes to either end and check the voltage. It should be between 110V to 120V. If the reading is skewed, you must have done something wrong in the wiring process.

Safety Tips

Working with electrical components is a dangerous job, which should only be attempted by professionals. So, if you have any doubts about working on the electrical system, it is best to trust an electrician to do the job for you.

But if you have the knowledge and experience, and you want to do the wiring yourself, you should follow these tips:

You should follow the National Electrical Code at all times because it teaches you the safety methods necessary for dealing with high-voltage breakers.
Do not confuse 14-50R outlets with a 240V outlet. Both have different functions. The 14-50R provides power to 110V sources. Whereas, the 220V outlet is the other way around.
Most RVs have 110V outlets, which means you can’t plug 220V appliances directly into the sockets. You will need a converter to help you on this end. Some people who are inexperienced with RVs do not know this information, and they end up destroying their gadgets.
Make sure you follow the instructions to the tee because a lapse in wiring could lead to a very disastrous outcome.

Conclusion

The six easy-to-follow steps should help you wire a 50 amp plug in an RV. If you are still unsure and confused, you can look at the countless videos on YouTube to help you out or visit a professional for help. After all, dealing with electrical components is serious business, and it should not be taken lightly.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between 30 Amp & 50 Amp Plugs?

The primary difference between 30 amp and 50 amp plugs is the amount of current each can safely handle. A 30-amp plug provides 3,600 watts of power, while a 50-amp plug can provide up to 12,500 watts. The amount of power you need will depend on the type and size of your appliances. Generally speaking, an RV or camping trailer requires a 50-amp plug for its various electrical needs such as air conditioning, water heaters and other large appliances. Similarly, household air conditioners typically require a 30-amp plug.

Another major difference between 30 amp and 50 amp plugs is the wiring configuration used in both cases. For example, a 30-amp setup uses one hot wire plus one ground wire, while a 50-amp setup requires two hot wires plus one ground wire. This is due to the higher electricity requirements of the 50-amp plug and its ability to provide more power. Additionally, unlike 30 amp plugs which are typically used for 120 volts, 50 amp plugs can be used for 120 volts.

How Many Volts Does a 50 Amp Service RV Support?

A 50-amp service RV typically supports 120 volts. This means that the power available is double the amount of a standard 30-amp plug, allowing for greater electrical needs such as air conditioning, water heaters and other large appliances. The total wattage for a 50-amp service is 12,500 watts (120 x 104 = 12,480).

What Kind of Wire Do You Need for 50 Amps?

When wiring a 50-amp circuit, it is important to use the correct type of wire. In this case, you should use 6 gauge copper wire (6 AWG), which is rated for up to 50 amps. The National Electrical Code (NEC) dictates that any electrical circuit must be wired with the correct size and type of wire in order to ensure safety. Additionally, when running a 50 amp circuit, two hot wires plus one ground wire will be needed. This is due to the higher electricity requirements of the 50-amp plug and its ability to provide more power than a 30-amp plug.

Citations

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/50-amp-rv-plug-for-home-507617.html
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/1294528/print/true.cfm
https://www.rvforum.net/threads/50-amp-power-cord-question.22074/
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f218/50-amp-rv-wiring-113337.html
https://koa.com/blog/30-vs-50-amp-rv-service/
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8/what-voltage-50-amp-service-20414-3.html
https://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm
https://manuals.heartlandowners.org/manuals/Electrical/Basic%20Electrical%20Info/Understanding%2050%20Amp%20Shore%20Power%20System.pdf
https://www.totalhomesupply.com/wires-and-circuit-breakers

Andrew Kuttow

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Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.