![]() Some typical 12-volt items are the overhead lights, the furnace fan, the range top fan, the vent fan in the bathroom, the water pump, LP gas leak detector, stereo, and the refrigerator when it is in the LP gas mode. When you are plugged in at the campground the RV’s power converter/battery charger (above) converts part of the 120-volt AC current to 12-volt DC current to operate the items in the RV that work on 12-volts. RV power converterįor the most part, everything else in the camper works on 12-volt DC or battery power. You must have a 120-volt AC power source to use the microwave, roof air conditioner, the refrigerator in the AC mode, the 120-volt electrical outlets, and any other 120-volt appliances or components in the RV. When you plug your RV power cord into the proper campground electrical source it will supply power to the RV’s power distribution panel and throughout your RV. Prior to plugging the RV in, turn the circuit breaker off at the pedestal, plug the power cord in and then turn the breaker on. ![]() Most campgrounds offer both 30 and 50-amp electrical connections. RV 101 tip: A 30-amp power cord has a 3-prong plug, whereas a 50-amp power cord has a 4-prong plug. Depending on the type of RV you have, or purchase, it will either have a 30-amp or 50-amp electrical system. Your RV has a heavy-duty power cord that is roughly 20 feet long, so it can reach the campground pedestal. Most campgrounds you stay at provide you with an external 120-volt electrical source to plug the RV power cord into. I will talk more about “sine wave” in a moment. Power companies and AC generators produce sine wave Alternating Current (AC), which is used to operate 120-volt appliances and electronic equipment in your home and RV. Alternating Current changes direction (or alternates) sixty time every second. AC is an abbreviation for Alternating Current. 12-volt DC electricity is stored in the RV batteries and supplies power to components that operate on 12-volt DC electricity. DC electricity flows in one direction, from negative to positive. Direct Current is electricity supplied by the RV batteries. RV 101 Tip: DC is an abbreviation for Direct Current. We are primarily concerned with the 12-volt DC coach system and the 20-volt AC coach system. RVs have a 12-volt DC automotive system, a 12-volt DC coach system, and a 120-volt AC coach system. Some will argue there are only two, but with my background in automotive maintenance I can attest there are three. Your RV has three separate electrical systems. The electrical system in your RV can seem complex and confusing until you have a basic understanding of how it works. Most people ask if I can explain the RV electrical system in layman’s terms. One of the most common questions and concerns I receive is about the RV’s electrical system. Click on this link to download as a PDF document
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