How to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug at home?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug at home?” We will discuss the steps to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug from scratch. We will also talk about the required materials to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug. Additionally, we will discuss the Best 50-amp RV outlets.
How to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug at home?
To connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug at home, you need to follow the steps described below.
- Turn off the main breaker
- Install the pedestal
- Install the breaker
- Run the wires
- Connect the wires and the breaker
- Connect the wires to the pedestal
- Test the system
Turn off the main breaker
- Connecting a 120v 50-amp RV plug is an easy task, but there are a few steps that you must follow. Since you will be working with wiring and electricity, the first task is to turn off the main breaker. Make sure that the power to the breaker box is cut totally. Use a multi-meter system to ensure the electrical system is turned off.
Install the pedestal
- Next, you need to install the pedestal in the right location that you have chosen. Make sure that the pedestal is sturdy and has enough support. A 50-amp plug is pretty heavy, and it can easily add pressure to the pedestal while inserting and removing. Make sure to mount the pedestal properly into the ground.
- It is also important to determine if there is enough room to install a 50-amp RV breaker inside the electric panel. You might need to add a sub-panel if necessary. Be sure to contact an expert to complete this task.
Install the breaker
- Once you have confirmed the space for the breaker, you can go ahead and install it in an empty slot. Double-check if the power is cut while connecting the wires to the pedestal and the outlet.
- The breaker box must have space to fix the 50-amp double-pole breaker. Make sure not to touch the main terminals while connecting the 50-amp plug.
Run the wires
- The next step is to run the wire through the conduit. You will need to be careful while running the wires to the conduit. Be sure to run the wires before you start connecting them to the breaker and the pedestal.
- Note: as per the rules, the wire must pass through the tube, and the conduit must be buried at a minimum of 24 inches deep into the earth. It is also important to have a tube to go in and out of the ground.
Connect the wires and the breaker
- Run all the wires properly and ensure to connect the wires to the breaker box. Remember to check on the color codes before connecting the wires. This is the most crucial part, and it is essential to follow color codes.
- Connect the green ground wire to the ground bus. The white wire is the neutral wire, and it has to be attached to the neutral bus. The back and red wires are the hot wires that must be connected at the end.
- Both wires need to be attached to the terminals on the 50-amp breaker. There is no particular order to install these wires as long as they are connected to the terminals.
Connect the wires to the pedestal
- Connecting the wires to the pedestal needs to be done with caution. Make sure that the wires are secured properly to the breaker. Connect the other end to the pedestal and check if the terminals behind the 50-amp outlet are labeled.
- The green ground wire needs to be connected to the labeled green terminal. The white neutral wire needs to be connected to the labeled white terminal. Next, you need to connect the red and black hot wires.
- These wires need to be connected to the X and Y terminals. The most important part is to connect the green and white wires to the right terminals.
Test the system
- Now you should be done with all the connections, and it’s time to test the wiring. Feel free to double-check the connections to see if they are all in proper form before checking the new power pedestal.
- Switch on the main breaker and switch on the 50-amp breaker. With the help of a voltmeter or tester, you can check the pedestal to see if there is power.
Those were the simple steps to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug at home. The above-mentioned steps are easy but hiring a professional electrician to complete this task is always recommended. Be sure to understand the terminology and the electricity basics. It is also essential to touch on the color codes while installing the wiring.
Required materials to connect a 120v 50-amp RV plug
Certain materials are essential when it comes to connecting this plug at home. Ensure all the required materials are in place before proceeding with the connection process. Remember that you will need a 50-amp RV electrical box. There are plenty of options available, and you can find cheap 50-amp RV electrical boxes online.
Here are some of the other materials that are required for this project.
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
- 50 amp RV electrical cable
- 50 amp RV male plug
- 50 amp RV female plug
- 50 amp RV outlet cover
- 2-pole circuit breaker
It is also important to consider where you plan to install the required materials. Make sure that the surrounding area is clear, and there is nothing dangerous like water or other electric components nearby. It is also important for the ground to be pretty level when installing the pedestal.
Best 50-amp RV outlets
The most important part is the breaker box or the RV outlet. This plays an important role in connecting your plug at home. Here are some of the best 50-am RV outlets with top-quality materials.
RV Mate
- RV Mate, a 50-amp breaker box, is one of the best widely used. This waterproof and lockable breaker box has an enclosed power panel to protect you from rain and other elements. This RV outlet has plenty of space and can be adjusted according to the right angle.
RV Guard
- RV Guard 50-amp, power outlet box is weatherproof and is specially designed for outdoor installation. This enclosed lockable box has a receptacle panel built out of metal and rubber. This is a compact RV outlet box with a compact screw-in installation method. There is space to close the lid while plugging in the cord.
Bouge RV 50-amp outlet
- The Buoge RV 50-amp outlet arrives with the same features with the same compact style. This is a rainproof 50-amp outlet that can be applied to all other motorhomes as well. The installation is easy, and it also arrives at a decent price.
RVing Pro
- This particular brand stands out from the rest of the other models. The RVing Pro is a pre-drilled enclosed lockable weatherproof outdoor electrical box that has a receptacle panel. It also has a padlock with steel material. One of the major advantages is that this breaker box arrives with pre-drilled holes for easy installation.
Those were some of the best 50-amp RV outlets that are available in the market. These RV outlets have strong properties and are designed for all climatic conditions. They are also affordable and easy to install. Connecting these RV outlets is simple and easy.
