Are RV Outlets The Same As House Outlets

Are RV outlets the same as house outlets?

Generally, RV outlets are different from house outlets in a variety of ways.  Usually power outlets inside a house are set deep inside your walls and involve a complex wiring system, however RV outlets are smaller, contained boxes designed to fit inside shallow walls.

Standard RV Plug

Although there are various ways to power your RV, the most straightforward and conventional is through a standard plug that can easily connect to shore power or generator.  Most standard RV plugs are connecting through either a 30 amp or 50 amp system.  With the three-prong and 120 voltage plug, you can attach your RV to a campground shore power to draw the energy necessary to keep you in comfort.

From this point, to calculate how much power your camper could draw is a matter of simple math.  The more demanding the appliances you use at a single time, the less power you’ll have to draw in other areas.  In most cases, it should be fine for running one or two appliances at a time, as well as the usual air conditioner or heater.  However, if you overload your camper’s system by using more appliances than your power source can handle, you may trip a breaker in your distribution box.

Usually a single break doesn’t cause too much of a problem.  You’ll simply be unable to use the outlets connected to that breaker until the issue has been resolved.  Making this routine a pattern, however, could result in lasting damage to your system.  If you find yourself repeatedly drawing too much energy, you may consider buying in a voltmeter.

This handy tool measures how many voltages your RV is drawing.  It can also tell whether or not the electrical system appropriately charges your batteries, which can be helpful for those who enjoy periodic boondocking.  You can avoid having to pay much higher repair costs later after paying for this inexpensive device now. 

Can You Add More Electrical Outlets

It would be annoying when you need an extra outlet only to find that all of your existing ones are occupied.  If you’re unhappy with the number of electrical outlets in your RV, you may need to make some changes.

There are various ways an RV owner can add electrical outlets: daisy-chaining, completely rewiring your camper, or “stealing” power from an existing circuit.  However, if you’re not feeling comfortable about electrical systems, it may not be worth the effort.

Any project that involves an electrical system, especially the one as sensitive as the kind in your RV, opens risk to a fire hazard.  Camper and RV fires can be an incredibly hazardous kind of tragedy for the danger of fires.  Nearly 20,000 camper and RV fires occur yearly, and according to the National Park Service, roughly three-quarters of those fires are a result of electrical errors.

It may be easier and safer to use a power strip or extension cord if you find you need more power outlets to keep your kitchen appliances fully functional.

What Powers the Outlets in an RV

When you decide how to power your RVs air conditioner, lights, and other functions, you are actually deciding how your outlets to receive power.  You can power your RV outlets in many ways, including shore power, generator, or batteries.

While shore power is generally the strongest and most reliable, there are plenty of options available to keep your RV comfortable.  The RV outlets are powered by your primary power source.  Most campgrounds provide access to shore power, in the meanwhile, generators or batteries are a great alternative as well, especially for campers who prefer the privacy of boondocking over the predictability of a campground. 

Do I Need a GFCI Outlet in an RV

GFCI outlets function differently in an RV than in a typical home because the RV electrical code doesn’t require different circuit breakers.  GFCI outlets are a fantastic safety feature in damp spaces while they are also not legally required for thirty and fifty amp RV pedestals.

GFCI outlets should be required for thirty and fifty amps is something of a hot topic.  Many electrical inspectors believe that GFCI outlets should be standard on thirty and fifty amp receptacles, while 2020 codes say otherwise, categorizing RV pedestals as feeder circuits rather than branch circuits.

Regardless of the minimum requirement on electrical codes, RV owners have to make sure that they include GFCI outlets wherever they might have included one in a standard home.

When a tripped breaker in the bathroom somehow shuts off the power in the living area, it is an annoying feature of an RV, however, it really is better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

Renovating or remodeling an old RV is quite different than renovating an old home.  There are different rules, codes, and procedures, even the electrical outlets themselves are different!  Fixing up an old RV can be a hassle, but you can look back at the process with the same fondness that you’ll use on the memories you make in this RV later when done.