How much does it cost to install a 30-amp RV outlet?

In this blog post, we will answer the question “How much does it cost to install a 30-amp RV outlet?” We will discuss the requirements for installing a 30-amp RV outlet and touch on the price range. We will also talk about connecting your RV to your electrical system at home and the benefits of hiring a professional electrician.

 

How much does it cost to install a 30-amp RV outlet?

It can cost around $400 to $1,200 to install a 30-amp RV outlet. This price can vary according to the place and the type of outlet that you choose. Installing a 30-amp RV outlet at home is like a one-time investment and it is certainly going to be worth the price. Below are a few requirements for the installation process.

 

Requirement for installing a 30-amp RV outlet

The difference between a 50-amp and 30-amp outlet is not too much and many people opt for a 50-amp outlet. This is because a 50-amp RV outlet is better and it can be used as a 30-amp outlet with an adaptor. There are a few requirements for installing a 30-amp RV outlet. Here is the list of requirements along with the cost.

Concrete patio installation and cost

The concrete patio is the most important part of a 30-amp RV outlet. There are a few factors to consider when estimating the cost of a concrete patio to install a 30 amp RV outlet. The area to be covered by the concrete slab determines the cost. A square-foot patio with no design or color will cost around $3 to $6 per square foot.

  • A concrete slab with a simple design can cost around $6 to $28 per square foot. If you choose to outline the concrete with brick or stone, it can cost you a little more. 
  • Stained concrete patios can cost from $7 to $15 per square foot. If the patio has individual cracks or other problems, filling them will cost about $300.
  • The cost of a concrete patio to install a 30amp RV outlet depends on the type of finish that you choose. 
  • You can also use an acrylic sealer to add more protection. The cost for an acrylic sealer can be around $0.53 per square foot. 
  • Adding nonmetallic color and concrete hardener will cost around $2.40 per square foot.
  • A proper subgrade is important to consider before pouring concrete. If it is not properly prepared, the concrete will crack and sink. A subgrade is essential to prevent water from collecting around the patio. 
  • A subgrade will prevent water from leaking and corroding the concrete slab. The installation process can last between 25 and 50 years, depending on the materials and methods used.

Electrical system installation and cost

  • The cost of installing an electrical system can vary as it depends on a few factors. First, you must consider what you need. Note that the electrical box has to be mounted outside the house and the power lines must be laid underground. 
  • In some cases, you might need poles to be erected to mount the RV box. You can also save money by mounting the electrical box on an exterior wall.
  • In general, the cost of installing a 30 amp RV outlet depends on the type of circuit breaker you choose, the number of feet of wiring that you have, and the type of wiring you use.
  • Depending on your local building requirements and codes, the cost to install an electrical hookup will vary but typically runs around $1200.

Wiring requirements 

The wiring for a 30-amp outlet is straightforward, but there are some factors to consider before installing. For example, the type of plug used in a 3- amp outlet has three prongs: a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground pin. In contrast, a 50-amp RV outlet has four prongs, one for each 120-volt wire and one for the ground.

The 30-amp RV outlet looks very similar to a regular dryer outlet. Most electricians are familiar with this kind of electrical service. However, not all of them will understand the difference between a dryer outlet and a 30-amp RV outlet. Depending on the wiring of the dryer outlet, an electrician may have trouble identifying the right plug.

You can easily replace a circuit breaker yourself, if necessary. Just make sure to turn off all the appliances connected to the circuit. The plug used in a 30-amp RV is different than a 50-amp outlet, which is why it is a good idea to consult an electrician before attempting the installation. It is also best to choose a 30-amp outlet if you want to use your appliances on the road.

Wiring installation and cost

The wiring cost will also depend on the type of material that is used.  If you plan on doing this on your own, you can get the wiring installation complete for $250. However, hiring an electrician is always recommended if you are not familiar with working with electrical equipment. A professional electrician will charge around $300-350 for labor.

 

Connecting your RV to your electrical system at home

  • Plugging your RV into your electrical system at home limits the number of appliances you can use and the amount of power you can draw. While you can still use 30-amp appliances while traveling, they are limited in what they can do. 
  • You will need to purchase a 30-amp or 50-amp outlet for your RV. Typical home outlets operate at 15 to 20 amps, which means that you will need an extra-large outlet for your rig.
  • If you need to install an RV power outlet outside your home or garage, you can hire an electrician to do the job for you. 
  • You will need an electrical box mounted on a 4×4 or 6×6 pressure-treated post and sunk into the ground about two feet. You can choose a location outside your home or install the outlet on an exterior wall.
  • A 30-amp RV plug is safe to plug into a 50-amp socket, as long as you have a compatible 120 volt 50-amp female plug. While this may seem a bit expensive, this is worth the price for those who use appliances frequently. 
  • A 50-amp plug is a 120/240 VAC four-wire service. Ultimately, the higher your RV is powered, the more power you need to run your appliances.

 

Hiring an electrician

  • The process of installing a 30-amp RV plug can be DIY-friendly, but hiring an electrician is recommended. Make sure to double-check your work before turning on the power. 
  • A licensed electrician can install a 30 amp RV outlet for about $275. The labor cost can range anywhere from $300 to 600.
  • Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire an electrician, the average cost is between $350 and $400. This may vary depending on the specifics of the installation. For example, if you need a new electrical panel, you may need to install a circuit breaker. 
  • The extra voltage puts more stress on the outlet than a standard household outlet, so you need to make sure everything is installed properly.

Once you have determined the size of the electrical system, you can choose the type of wire that is needed. If you have an RV, the first thing you need to do is determine where you plan to install your 30-amp RV outlet. Most people install a 30-amp outlet near the vehicle’s parking spot.  You can also attach this to a post. Just be sure to choose a solid mount.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question “How much does it cost to install a 30-amp RV outlet?” We have discussed the requirements for installing a 30-amp RV outlet and touched upon the price range. We have also talked about connecting your RV to your electrical system at home and the benefits of hiring a professional electrician.

Citations

https://www.thesharedweb.com/cost-to-install-30-amp-rv-outlet/
https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-run-dedicated-220v-circuit-30amp-breaker-and-83-copper-wire-new-ac-outside-wall-120-ft.htm
https://findanyanswer.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-a-50-amp-rv-outlet
https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f18/rv-outletl-cost-840.html
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f5/30-amp-plug-at-home-192595.html
https://www.rvnetwork.com/topic/116488-want-to-install-30-amp-at-my-home/
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/16041576/print/true.cfm