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Topic: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power (Read 1582 times) previous topic - next topic
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I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Yahoo Message Number: 84921
I asked this a while back but did not know enough about how things worked to describe my problem very well. My motorhome is obviously 50 amp. I have an adapter that has a 50 amp on one end and a 30 amp male as well as a 1/10 house plug on the other side. When I use the 1/10 outlet it does not seem to do anything in my RV. I can go and look at the surge protector (in the compartment above the master bed behind the breaker panel) and I can see that I am getting power. It just never seems to do anything. I read somewhere that it is due to only being "one leg of 1/10 power" so it does not use it.

Just trying to clarify.

2000 CC Intrigue 40'

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84922
Let us understand. Your power cord from the coach has a 4-prong MALE plug on it -- (Line 1, Line 2, Neutral and Ground).
You have an adapter which has a 3-prong 30 AMP MALE plug on it -- (Line, Neutral and Ground) and a 4-hole 50 AMP FEMALE RECEPTICAL that mates with your 4-prong coach power cord.
There is apparently an adapter attached to the 30 AMP MALE plug which has a 20A MALE plug on it like used in a home. It connecta to 110 VOLT power in a standard 110V wall outlet.
The term "1/10" has no meaning when describing voltage that a power cord carries.
The 30AMP to 50AMP adapter connects the 110V power to both Line 1 and Line 2 of the 50AMP cord going into your coach and surge protector.
Not sure about the surge guard on a 2000 coach, but (at least on newer coaches) they are intended to protect the coach from over/under voltages, bad neutral connections and rapid cycling of power -- they will wait for just over three minutes whenever power is (re-)dapplied to the surge protector before it will pass it to the rest of the coach.

Herb

Group Moderator

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84928
Micheal If you are plugged into a regular house plug , such as one that you plug a lamp into, those are 15 amp max. You might have a kitchen type that gives up to 20 amps of power. You stated previously that you didn't know how to change the charge rate of your inverter. If the charge rate is set at anything more than 10 amps , you will be using more than the available amperage at the house plug. The load shedding will not let you run much of anything, since you are using more amps than available. I don't know how difficult this will be , depending how accessible you house electrical panel is, but you should get a 30 amp outlet for you coach. There are to many things that you use in the coach, that get you past 15 amps, that this set up in virtually useless. It probably takes one amp to hold the coil that holds the contacts in the box that controls where the power is coming from --shore or generator. You should hear a thump when you plug and unplug the shore power. If you don't then nothing really gets to the coach , even if you have 110 available. Looks like you have a steep learning curve in front of you ! These coaches at 40 feet and the level you have chosen are pretty complicated , even compared to a trailer or 5th wheel. A side note, try to post your coach info every time you post so that we don't have to look for this info 3 or 4 posts back

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84944
I think I understand the problem you are having.
Let me first correct your terminology. There is no such thing as "1/10 power". I think you are referring to 110 VAC power. All input to our coaches is 120 VAC power which is sometimes called 110. The only difference in the plugs is how much of that 120 VAC you can use without tripping a circuit breaker.
I think you have a box with a 50 Amp female outlet, a short cord with a 30 Amp male plug and another short cord with a 15 Amp male plug. This adapter has been sold for years. I have one. I don't even carry it any more as it has rarely, if ever, worked for me. The principle is that one of the hot line on your 50 amp cord will be supplied with 30 Amp source and the other will be supplied by 15 Amp. The 15 Amp source is usually supplied by a circuit protected by a GFCI device. The GFCI device usually trips leaving that side of your system powerless.
The alternative is to use a conventional 50Amp/30/Amp adapter. This splits the 30 Amp supply to both legs of your 50 Amp cord.
If I am right about what you are using I suggest that you replace that box with a convention adapter.
I wish you would sign a name so that I could address you more directly.

Good luck.

George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84952
So is the 110v house plug useless? I dont see it do anything but light up one side of my surge protector.

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84953
The 110v house plug is not useless, but one must realize that you can't run an Air Conditioner or water heater with it while charging the batteries.
But that is not your issue now. 50A to 30A adapter is responsible for getting power from Line 1 to Line 2 of our surge protector (and the other light should light).
To check with a 30A or 20/15A connection: Line 1 to Neutral should measure 110V. Line 2 to Neutral should likewise read the same. However Line 1 to Line 2 will read ZERO volts. (That will be 220V if the connection was directly to a 50A connection.)

Herb

Group Moderator

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84960
I keep mine plugged into 110 house 15 amp plug all the time no problem

Re: I dont get any charging when connecting to 1/10 shore power

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84978
Thanks All. I am also new at using this forum and how to find messages in order :) Thanks for working with me on this.
So it sounds like the adapter I have is only good for 30amp to my 50amp plug or plugging in the 30 amp and 120 volt at the same time and it tries to achieve 50amp? If you guys have a minute send me a link to cables that may help me when in a tight spot and where to get them.
either way I think the next thing I need to see is a full diagram on a 50 amp breaker wired up to a plug. Everytime I go to the race track everyone brings their own breaker and plug to hook up their RV. Anyone got any good sites and or diagrams on this?

Thanks!!!!

Yes it has been a steep learing curve. I bought this thing on December 1st and made two trips in it. Learned that I had the wrong batteries for dry camping and almost froze to death in the process. Over the Christmas holidays I spent a lot of time updating items in the coach. I replaced the house batteries with all new 6V deep cycle and wired them all into the system. replaced the shower fixtures and sink fixtures. Rearranged the entire dash (added a standalone rear view screen, double din radio with all the goodies, all new speakers and relocated the auto leveling system, Also added EGT and boost gauge) The more I do to this thing the more I learn. The batteries were wired up all wrong and that kick started me into a big understanding of how everything is connected in the rig as well as the inverter.
 

I dont get any charging when connecting t

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84927
The surge protector is wire before the load center (or breaker panel) and before that is the transfer switch which could be the problem. I would suggest checking power at the transfer to the protector, than the breaker panel. Process of elimination..

Regards,
Dave

Dave Rousey Jr. (Owner)
Former CC Technician
Styleworks RV/ Bus
Restoration LLC
4762 Long St.

Sweet Home, OR 97386
(541) 543-7983
daverjr4@...