RV blogs, social media groups and YouTube videos have exploded over the past couple of years. Some provide great information, others questionable information and some downright bad information. Can you tell the difference? In this regular monthly column, we will post a question based on information we find online. You can then test your RV prowess by seeing how your answer compares with our experts.
Today’s Question
Is the following statement fact or fiction? “Never plug in with a 20-amp extension cord.” Statement via this source.
What do you think?
Click here to view the answer.
##RVT1100
As long as not drawing more the the 20 Amp can handle. At home what else if on that 20 Amp line in addition to the RV load.
“Never,” is an absolute. And most all absolutes are “never” true. Though given the circumstance, can sometimes be.
Whats the load in amps and for how long. A circuit of 20 amps is rated at 80% or 16 amps.
Should be no problem BUT, make it a longer cord or don’t unwind it fully so it can cool,then you have an overheating problem.
The connection ends, the quality of the outlet, if the installer used the push in terminals or in the case of rv outlets where they pinch or poke into the wires, then you got a problem. Do what you must but check occasionally to see if anything is getting hot or even warm. Make sure your insurance is paid.
As long as I don’t use the A/C everything works fine in my 30′ class C while parked at my home. I tried the A/C while parked at home and it melted my where I plug into the extension cord.
Whenever I have our TT parked out in front of our house, I plug it into a 20A outlet in my garage with a 20A-rated extension cord. I am able to simultaneously run my 13k A/C and the inverter/charger, with the voltage measured in the TT at about 110-115 VAC minimum. So far, no issues. Some parks have worse voltage when plugged into their 30A posts.
and the cord exhibits no heat, BTW.
When I first bought my TT, I did use a 20 amp extension cord until I had the time to install a true 30 amp box.
The 20 amp cord was a quality 12 gauge cord, not some discount store brand and was connected to a dedicated 20 amp breaker in my garage.
We only used it while parked at home for keeping the batteries charged, lights and pre-cooling the refrigerator and vacuuming before a trip.
just like I do and with zero issues
My generator does not put out 20 amps. I am safe to use a cord that is rated greater than my power source. It is the fusing that determines the size and length of the cable. In this case it is a 15 amp fuse.
What’s the load?
Depends upon the expected load. Battery charging is close to your limit, considering line losses.
We travel with a 30amp extension cord just in case. Extra water hose also. Plus a water outlet “Y” or splitter.
Hard to answer this one because it basically comes down to what you want to do with a 20 amp extension cord? I use one to keep the coach battery topped off while in storage and to activate the outlets so I can vacuum or other non high current draw maintenance. If I want to check/use the microwave or the air conditioning, then no I won’t use a 20 amp cord since the current draw will be too high and would overheat the cord.
I totally agree, Bill.
All of that was covered in the linked article.