Current ratings identify the amount of current provided at the source.  Common current ratings for RV’s are 20-Amp, 30-Amp and 50-Amp.  If a shore power connection is rated less than the current rating in your RV, attempting to overload the circuit will cause a breaker to trip.  For this reason, an adapter may be necessary to convert RV electrical power to amperage available at the source.

Larger model motor homes are generally constructed with a 50-Amp shore cord to provide 50-Amp service.  Most 50-Amp service motor homes also have an inverter.  A quick way to tell if your vehicle has 50-Amp service is by looking at the end of shore cord, which with 50-Amp service will have four prongs.

Mid-line model motor homes often use a 30-Amp cord, and they may also come with two combinations of power – an inverter or a converter – depending on the length of the motor home.  A 30-Amp shore cord has three prongs.

The 20-Amp shore cord adapter comes in many shapes and sizes and plugs into a standard wall receptacle style outlet.  Caution should always be used with 20-Amp current because power is limited. 

To gain maximum use of a 50-Amp system, plug the RV into 50-Amp shore service.  However, if 50-Amp service is unavailable, you will need an adapter.  Shore power outlets can vary from campground to campground, and may provide more than one outlet for different amperages.  It is recommended that you keep a 30-Amp and 20-Amp adapter on board.

Before plugging into shore power, make sure the connections are clean and free of any signs of melting or overheating.  Turn off the shore power connection and all appliances inside the RV.  If there is an adapter already attached to the end of the shore cord, confirm it is the proper rated adapter.  The adapter should fit snugly into the plug.  Do not attempt to repair a damaged shore power pedestal.  Contact the campground management to perform any necessary repairs.

Don’t assume that an outlet is supplying the rated amount of power.  How much current is being used relies on what electrical components are operating at a given time.  Using an adapter may mean less power and make it necessary to run some major appliances in sequence to avoid tripping a breaker.  The generator overrides shore power and can be used during periods of high use to provide maximum electrical power to the RV. 

To protect the on-board electronics, use a good quality adapter and always be sure to disconnect the adapter before leaving the campground.  If your electrical system is not equipped with a surge protector, disconnect shore power during electrical storms to protect your appliances and components against the damaging effects of a lightening strike.  If the adapter is loose or shows signs of wear, it is time to get a new adapter.