Electrical Help/advice

[rmojo]

I have an outlet in my garage and I was wondering if I can get an adapter so I can plug my 30 amp camper plug into it.

If the pics that I attached don't work here is a link:
http://community.webshots.com/album/562790998KamLca

[campdaddy]

I have an outlet in my garage and I was wondering if I can get an adapter so I can plug my 30 amp camper plug into it.

If the pics that I attached don't work here is a link:
http://community.webshots.com/album/562790998KamLca

Ops, I posted before looking at your picture. You should be able to find an adapter easily enough though. If not it shouldn't be too hard to change out the outlet. I had to do that for my dryer and it's pretty easy. Just be sure to kill the power at  the breaker box first.

[MotherNature]

Just to confirm:

Forgive me if I'm being dense - are the pics that you posted of the camper plug or of the receptacle in the garage?  I feel like a fool for asking but need to be sure - sorry to bother you with details!

We power the camper from our outdoor GFI (usually to just pre-chill the fridge).  I'll ask DH where how this all works and get back to you (he's a commercial/industrial electrician so I guess he knows what he's doing  !

[brainpause]

I doubt it. That was probably put in your garage for some other reason than an RV. However, if it is wired for 110V/30Amp, and not 220V/30amp you may be in business. You just need an adapter, or, you could have the outlet changed to the traditional 30amp RV outlet.

Better get out your meter.

Larry

[campdaddy]

....You should be able to find an adapter easily enough though ......

Well famous last words......
I looked all over and couldn't find an adapter for what you want to do. I would have bet good money it would have been easy to find one. The best I can suggest right now is to make an adapter.
Perhaps put one of these
RV Plug
On the end of one of these
Dryer Cord
If there is such an adapter available though I'm sure someone on here will know about it, but if not, you could probably use the parts above to build your own.

[MotherNature]

DH says your pics look as if they maybe belong to a 240V appliance circuit - this won't work with the camper.  The cheapest and most non-invasive option is to use another 'conventional' 120V outlet with an extension cord and buy an adapter to fit your camper plug (can buy from camping stores, online, etc.).

If you want to use the existing one, you may want to get an electrician to change the breaker and receptacle to fit your particular configuration - don't want to get into too many details but your existing breaker (if indeed for an appliance) may be a 2-pole when you need a 1, etc.).  DON'T RISK BLOWING OUT YOUR CAMPER'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM!

Good luck & I'll be glad to answer any more questions!

[mike4947]

I take it you've already seen that your RV 30 amp @120 volt shore power cord will not fit and like the others posted it's because what you show in the pictures is a 30 amp @240 volt plug. You can not purchase an adapter that will supply 120 volt from that outlet.
Trying to use it will result in damage to the trailer's wiring system. You'll need to find another outlet that is 120 volt and buy a 15 amp to 30 amp dogbone that will allow you to plug the trailer's shore power cord into a standard outlet.

[rmojo]

It is a picture of the plug in the garage.  I think it was for a welder....the guy who built the garage ran a HVAC business out of it. The camper plug does not fit the pins are different.  I think it is a 30 AMP 125 not a 250.  I will check with a voltmeter.  Is there a adapter out there?

[tlhdoc]

I doubt that there is an adapter for it.  If it is 120 and not 240 then I would put a new outlet in so that you can plug the camper in.

[mike4947]

Here's a link to what a 120 volt 30 amp connector looks like: http://www.myrv.us/electric/
 
What you showed is definitely 240 volt.
 
We've had quite a few RVer 's over the years add plugs into the houses/garages and had the electricians use 240 volt because that's what dryer and electric stoves use. They RARELY see 120 volt 30 amp services.
What happens when they try and force in the plug into an old style 3 prong stove outlet, to say the least, is nasty when looking over what gets fried and burnt in the RV.
 
JMHO but you best option would be to purchase a single 120 volt 30 amp breaker and outlet and replace the 240 volt breaker and outlet but use the same wiring just having one wire not used.

[Toby]

You really need to have someone with electrical experience check your plug and wiring, if you are pulling 30 amps on 115 you must have at least 10 gauge or even better 8 gauge wires.  If not you may want to check your fire insurance on your home,  12 gauge will can over heat and start a fire inside your walls.  Compare that to a service call.  By the way that looks like a standard appliance plug, like everyone else is advising check it with a volt meter, but please check the size of your wires and check the local codes as well as the national electrical codes.  Good luck   Rob...

[haroldPE]

Like many said, have an electrician convert, if you need to do so.  If that 240v outlet is still active, converting it back results in capacity for addiitional 120v circuits in the garage, or anywhere else, if you need it.  But, based on your level of knowledge, you need an electrician to make these changes.

If you have the desire, you probably could have this line converted to 120v, 30amp.  It would take changes at the breaker box, along with a new outlet, but wiring may be able to stay in place.

Good luck.

[rmojo]

Thanks for all the replies, I will just use the 30 amp to regular household outlet I have.  I don't have AC so it is not a problem.  If someday I decide to get AC I will have the outlet changed by an electrician.  Thanks again.