raydf_1
Miami FL
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I have the fortune of being able to park my RV at home and I always have it plugged into 110V (with a plug converter.) Recently, however, I realized that I could have a full 30-Amp connection if I join two INDEPENDENT 15-amp outlets into a suitable 30-Amp outlet. This will allow me to run the A/C while parked, so the coach remains relatively cool and dry (the South Florida weather is hot and humid in the summer.)
In order to achieve this, I bought the following item: Adapter
Which has on one side a 30-Amp RV outlet and on the other side two standard household, 15-amp plugs, where you can connect two 15-amp extension cords coming from --as I mentioned before-- two INDEPENDENT circuit breakers, thus allowing the 30 Amp load.
My problem is that when I plug the two extension cords into the device, one of the two circuit breakers trips open. I tested each of the lines with the "Sperry Instruments" outlet tester (Sperry) and the lights indicate that they are both correct in all respects.
What could I be doing wrong? From the electrical point of view, I see nothing wrong here.
Thanks!
Ray
2009 Fleetwood Pulse 24A
Miami FL
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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doesn't work with GFI outlets.
bumpy
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raydf_1
Miami FL
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Hey Bumpy!
Thanks! I'll test it tomorrow with two non-GFCI circuits (one of them indeed is a GFCI outlet) and will post any feedback.
Bumpyroad wrote:doesn't work with GFI outlets.
bumpy
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NORM WADDELL
PENSACOLA FL 32514
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Joined: 11/16/2000
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Check the voltage from the 'hot'
on one extension cord female
outlet to the 'hot' on the
other extension cord female
outlet. I suspect you will
get 220 volts. Tell us your
results. (This reply is
entirely aside from the fact
that you are violating code
rules when paralleling two
breakers which are not
approved for paralleling).
L NORMAN WADDELL
30 FOOT ALLEGRO
SATURN TOAD
WIFE AND 2 DOGS SUGAR BEAR & COCO BEAR
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Art D
Louisiana
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If the receptacle box is wired like any other that I have seem, the 2 ea 110v/15amp receptacles are parallel wired to one 15a breaker. What you have with the adapter is a simple plug pin converter. Sorry.
Now, am I missing something about the wiring in the receptacle box?
I would say that one of the plugs on your adapter is nothing more than a physical fixture. The other plug is trying to feed your 30a load thru the 15a breaker.
Let me just finish by saying you need a 30a circuit; nothing else is gonna work.
Geaux LSU
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ploiselle
South Shore, MA
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I agree with Art D.
Paul
Forum etiquette.
41' Mountain Aire (MADP) -Spartan- Cummins 350 ISC
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maddog348
Bakersfield,CA
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Looks like adapter meant to work with generator -- doesn't show anything for S&B application - that I could see.
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firemedic16
Between Boston and Providence
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I agree with Bumpy
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smkettner
Southern California
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It would be improper and unsafe to use that adapter with two extension cords. Two things. I believe parallel connections of this size are not allowed by NEC. Second when one is unplugged you have hot prongs exposed. Suicide cord, widow maker, dead man's cord, Jesus cord use the name you like.
The reason the breaker trips is probably because the breakers are opposite polarity and you have a 240v short. The adapter is also clearly marked rated 15 amps.
The adapter is made to adapt a 15 amp duplex to the NEMA 30-TT, it is not intended to combine extension cords.
Good luck, stay safe.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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Bobbo
Memphis, TN
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You don't get 30 amps by using that adaptor any more than you get 30 amps from this adaptor. It just uses both sockets of the standard household outlet. By connecting 2 extension cords from separate outlets you either get 220v and will trip breakers every time because you have just shorted the 2 hot legs of the 220v circuit, or you parallel 2 circuits which is a definate violation of safety codes. If you want a 30 amp outlet, get an electrician to install one. I did.
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kids (German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix)
2007 Winnebago Outlook WF331C on a Ford E450 Super Duty Chassis
2010 Subaru Forester
Near N35 12 17 W89 50 57
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