blakeloke Report post Posted March 3, 2016 I always make sure the campground breakers are open before I connect my shore power cord. However, after some idle time thought to what you all are saying......I have never walked over to the breaker box to open the circuit when I'm at home. Should I do this too? I think easy enough for me to install a slave breaker just upstream of the plug in so my lazy b^&t doesn't have to walk over to the main panel. Thanks for your replies Blake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Come on now Blake, Conroe in fairly level and we can all use a little bit of exercise. Is your outlet inside in a box where you could change it out for box with a breaker? Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blakeloke Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Hey....Herman....that's a great idea. The one about the changing the outlet out for one that has a breaker. Not so sure about the "exercise" though! Whenever we are done driving for the day, even at home, Deb hands me a cold beer before I start my "outside" the coach duties. Walking over to the breaker box might slosh it around too much! Thanks! Blake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Yes, plugging in with power OFF is better. The heavier the load, the more important it is. Not having power off when plugging in can be done, but falls in to the category of "what I got away with" rather than "best practices". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huffypuff Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Hard wire a Progressive Industries 50 amp surge with voltage protection will solve of having to hit the breakers. Voltage will only flow only when the circuit is approve. The best investment you can make to your coach. They have a limited lifetime warranty and BBB rating of A+. The hard wired one protects you from a bad cord so I recommend that over the portable one. Link below is one of very good price and the second link is to the manufacture. https://jet.com/product/detail/30d648357bb84626819727a473eee624?jcmp=pla:ggl:electronics_a1:electronics_accessories_power_power_strips_surge_suppressors_a1_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=4a0f955d-a0a1-41a6-88f6-b8e469c404bf&abkId=403-187134&gclid=Cj0KEQiA3t-2BRCKivi-suDY24gBEiQAX1wiXNBmLlBh6xZqMLdfG72Zk5jkTq4UqOj3ZMIkMe45Dz8aAmvR8P8HAQ http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blakeloke Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Thanks Brett and Huff. I'll look into the Progressive Industries protector. Until then, advice well taken. Now back to tiling the upstairs bathroom. Blake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted March 4, 2016 You could install a 50 amp air conditioner quick disconnect box right ahead of your current plug in. Can be picked up at most box store building supply, that way you are not wearing out the 50 amp breaker, or sloshing beer all over the place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmarq Report post Posted March 4, 2016 I agree with Huff, My 30 amp breaker is in basement and it would be difficult to locate outside. My 30 amp Progressive hard wire delays input until everything has been checked. Saves me a lot of running. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 4, 2016 Main reason for me to have a breaker is to prevent arching when I plug in....I don't want to light my self up! Also, saves the plug! You can wait 2 minutes for the beer! If not, you have a bigger problem! Carl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blakeloke Report post Posted March 4, 2016 I have to run to Home Depot today for other stuff. I'll check out what they have. I like the Progressive idea too. "Exercise" and "wait 2 minutes for the beer"? You guys are gonna keep me healthy through retirement! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted March 4, 2016 I have to run to Home Depot today for other stuff. I'll check out what they have. I like the Progressive idea too. "Exercise" and "wait 2 minutes for the beer"? You guys are gonna keep me healthy through retirement! What are friends for......right! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huffypuff Report post Posted March 4, 2016 Main reason for me to have a breaker is to prevent arching when I plug in....I don't want to light my self up! Also, saves the plug! You can wait 2 minutes for the beer! If not, you have a bigger problem! Carl Carl there will be no arching if the cord is dead which will be until the progressive unit throws it's relays. If course I'm also afraid of campground pedestals but their breakers are also inside the box. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 6, 2016 In campgrounds, I always make sure that breaker is off. I have been in some parks, where I take a tester and make sure its off before plugging in. Carl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimnorm Report post Posted March 7, 2016 If my understanding is correct it can be lifesaving to have the breaker off before plugging in or unplugging your rig, especially at 50A. There is a thing called 'Arc Flash' and it can burn you very badly. Not common at 220v, but possible and you might not get a second chance. Technically even throwing the breaker calls for protective face shield and gloves. No I do not break out insulated gloves and a face shield, I do turn the power off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 7, 2016 When it comes to electrical, any voltage will arch! Don't know where you get the "face shield/glove" thing from?! In RV application, we are not dealing with High Power Lines and power assisted breakers. Just the normal 50A! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted March 7, 2016 I had a tower throw a bunch of sparks out and begin to smoke when I flipped the breaker on at a KOA in OK. I jumped out of my shoes that day, not to many kind words came flying out of my mouth at the same time either. I had my left hand on the tower and got a shock, ever since this is how I connect. I always just hold the breaker with my right hand and never lean on or touch the tower with the other. I have got in the habit of turning it on....no sparks.....plug my tower tester in....it gives the all good verbal notification...breaker off...plug my surge protector in....breaker back on, plug the coach into the surge protector. At home I flip the breaker off....connect my surge protector...breaker back on, plug the coach in while the surge protector counts down to connecting. Be careful plugging in, most CG's are good, but some are not. Don't judge the book by its cover. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blakeloke Report post Posted March 7, 2016 Yes, I understand the arc flash that Jim is talking about. My wife and I spent a few decades in the oil and gas industry and there are some pretty stringent safety codes out there to protect employees from very low voltage through 12kv (which was just about the highest our guys worked with routinely). At one time, we gave each employee a Fluke "pen" that they could use to touch a breaker box with. If the little light on the "pen" lit up that would be indication that something was wrong. We've been really busy lately doing a remodel at the house upstairs. But, Deb and I were talking about Huff's suggestion of installing a surge protector which led to her thinking we have one on the coach already...if so, it was a factory install. So, poor memory is catching up on me and I really don't remember (need to spend more time camping and reconnecting with our coach). But, I do remember there is a slight delay in getting shore power into the coach once I connect. Then the tell tale sign is that I hear a series of clicks when power is granted. I'll check that out as soon as I get the thin set out from under my fingernails. Huff......does your Ambassador have a factory installed surge protector? I think our coaches are sisters. Blake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
