How to wire an RV breaker box?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to wire an RV breaker box?” We will describe the required steps to wire an RV breaker box from scratch. We will also discuss the steps to wire a 50-amp RV breaker plug. Additionally, we will list the essential tools that are required to get this job complete.
How to wire an RV breaker box?
To wire an RV breaker box, you will need to follow the steps described below.
- Secure the box to a wall
- Cut the electrical supply
- Prepare the main breaker panel
- Insert the wires
Secure the box to a wall
- The first and most important step is to decide where you want to fix the box. In most cases, people place their RV breaker box in the old fuse box location.
- The RV breaker box is usually secured to a wall and most people find it easy to secure the box to a wall.
- Be sure to get a weatherproof box since it will be exposed to external elements and extreme climatic conditions. Choose a box that has a spring mechanism and a cover.
- Mark the locations on the wall where you plan on installing the box. You will need to drill the holes in the wall with the measurements of the box and use size-eight screws.
- Be sure to keep the box at a minimum of 24 inches above the ground.
Cut the electrical supply
- Be sure to cut the electrical supply from the main at the breaker panel.
- You will need to remove the panel with the help of a screwdriver. Ensure that the power is switched off. You can use a voltmeter to check if there is power or not.
Prepare the main breaker panel
- You will need to prepare the main breaker panel and the weatherproof box. Be sure to knock out a circular hole at the bottom of the main breaker panel. You will need to fill the hole with a PVC connector and a nut.
- The next step is to add an elbow connector to the PVC connector.
- Use a long elbow to reach the RV breaker box.
- You will need to make a circular hole at the bottom of the box and fix a ¾-inch PVC connector to the hold at the bottom.
- It is important to measure the distance between the PVC and the RV breaker box.
- The next step is to cut a PVC pipe of the same length and use a tube to connect the boxes.
Insert the wires
- The final step is to insert the wires into the RV breaker box. You will need to know the wire codes to fix the wires in the RV breaker box. The following wires need to be fixed for the RV outlet box.
- Make sure that the wire size is 10 gauge. You will need to insert the red, green, and white wires into the electrical panel in the RV breaker box.
- Before installing the wires, make sure to trim about six inches of insulation on the outside. Use wire strippers to trim the wires.
- Use cable clips to secure the wires that are connected.
- Note that the hot wire needs to be connected to the copper connector and the neutral wire is connected to the silver connector.
- The ground wire must be inserted into the grounding bus.
- The next step is to put the outlet plate back into the box and be sure to secure the plate with screws.
- For the breaker box, the ground wire will need to be connected to the grounding bus.
- The neutral wire will need to be connected to the neutral bus.
- In the final step, you will need to connect the 30A breaker to an empty slot and secure the hot wire into it.
Those are the few steps to wire an RV breaker box. Be sure to check if your RV breaker box requires a 30-amp RV outlet or a 50-amp RV outlet. Most RVs have a 30-amp breaker box, but you can also get an adapter if you have a 50-amp RV connection. Note that 30-amp RV plugs have three prongs and 50-amp RV plugs have four prongs.
Steps to wire a 50-amp RV plug
Wiring a 50-amp RV plug has various steps and it is important to make sure to follow the steps correctly. Here are the required steps to wire a 50-amp RV plug.
Cut the power supply
- The first step before working with any type of wiring is to cut the power supply at home. This is a crucial step and it is important to cut the power supply at home before starting the process.
Check for vacant slots on the panel
- The next step is to check for vacant slots on the breaker panel. Note all the blank areas in the circuit box to select the preferred position.
Remove the panel cover
- Next, you will need to remove the breaker panel cover by unscrewing the two screws at the bottom of the panel. Be sure to remove it carefully and make sure not to damage the breakers on the inside.
Install the 50-amp breaker in the slot
- In the next step, you will need to install the 50-amp breaker in the vacant slot. Be sure not to screw the breaker into the panel.
Wire the 50-amp breaker
- Be sure to get all the wires in place and be sure to use the right wires in the right slots. You will need to consider if you want to wire the 50-amp RV receptacle on a pedestal or on the wall.
- Be sure to feed the red and black wires to the right terminals. The most crucial part is to understand the connections while fixing the wires.
Put back the panel cover
- Once you have the wires fixed in the 50-amp breaker, be sure to put the panel cover back on. Hold the cover and press it against the box with one hand and be sure to use a screwdriver to get the screws back on.
- Ensure that the wires are not exposed and be sure that all the screws are nice and tight.
Those were the few steps to wire a 50-amp RV breaker box. Wiring an RV breaker box is easier than you think if you follow the steps mentioned above. Be sure to test the 50-amp RV breaker box along with the plug. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, be sure to hire an expert to get the job done.
Required tools to wire a 50-amp RV breaker box
There are a couple of tools to wire a 50-amp RV breaker box. These tools are required and a must-have to wire a 50-amp RV breaker box. Here are the tools listed below.
- 50-amp 120/140 volt double hot pole circuit breaker
- 6 gauge four conductor wire
- Outlet box and cover
- RV hookup pedestal
- Electrical conduit
- A test light or voltage meter
- Basic household electrical toolkit
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
Those were the necessary tools that are required to wire the RV breaker box. With these tools, you will be able to get the job done with ease. Just be sure to stick to the right gauge and ensure that you have a proper circuit breaker. It is also important to wear safety equipment while working. Ensure to have gloves and protective glasses handy.
Wiring an RV breaker box is easy but it is always good to hire a professional. Be sure to double-check if the electricity is turned off before working. It is also advised to inform someone at home when you are working with electricity. Note that you will be required to spend around $250 to 300 if you do this on your own.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to wire an RV breaker box?” We have described the required steps to wire an RV breaker box from scratch. We have also discussed the steps to wire a 50-amp RV breaker plug. Additionally, we have listed the essential tools that are required to get this job complete.
Citations
