Posted 2010-02-12 9:16 AM (#116475) Subject: Converter Power cord?
Member
Posts: 27 Location: South Dakota
I bought a Mighty Mini 45amp Power Converter/Charger w/charge wizzard for my dyi/lq conversion. My question is... For the Shore Power Cord should I get a regular RV 30amp cord with the big plug or can I get by cutting a end off of a Heavy duty extention cord and hooking that to the converter for shore power.
Posted 2010-02-12 9:33 AM (#116476 - in reply to #116475) Subject: RE: Converter Power cord?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Your extension cord would have to have at least 10 awg wiring to conduct the 30 amps. Also you cannot draw 45 amps from your converter with either cord.
A 30 amp cord will have a different male plug, that can be adapted to a conventional 20 amp receptacle. This is the plug most extension cords use, so they are really set up for a maximum of 20 amps.
You can purchase the RV 30 amp extension cords at Wall Mart fairly reasonably. Last year we bought a 30 foot version for ~$50.
Posted 2010-02-12 4:32 PM (#116494 - in reply to #116475) Subject: RE: Converter Power cord?
Member
Posts: 13
Location: texas
Are you wiring your DIY LQ for DC and AC power, or DC only?
If you're using the converter to distribute AC too, then you should absolutely use 10 gauge wire and an RV power cord for the shorepower connection.
If you're just powering the DC side of the converter and no AC, then you could wire it with an extension cord (outdoor rated) since it will pull about 750 watts (~7 amps AC) max at the rated 45 amp DC output.
Posted 2010-02-13 7:03 AM (#116511 - in reply to #116475) Subject: RE: Converter Power cord?
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Williamsburg VA
On our conversion we wanted to power a TV, coffee pot, electric heater and air conditioner. That required the 30 amp power cord. We also found that many of the places we stay only have 30 or 50 amp outlets. We used a pigtain for permanent attachment to the trailer electrical. This allows easier storage of the cord because we aren't pulling it back through a hole to store it in the trailer. The other good alternative is to mount a male outlet in the side of the trailer to connect the power cord.
Converter Power cord?
