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Some RVers have learned the hard way when do-it-yourself electricians “plumb in” new RV electrical hookups at a campground. What happens sometimes is the campground will wire in 220 volts, when it should only be 120 volts, which results in high-voltage problems such as smoked wiring and burnt-out electronics.
On the other hand, low voltage in your RV from an electrical system at an RV park can be another problem, which can also lead to unexpected damage and expensive repairs.
Be sure you don’t have low voltage in your RV
As more and more RVs hit the road, packed campgrounds are common. Some older RV parks may have ancient electrical systems that may not provide efficient power for newer RVs. Fill up the campground with modern units all demanding their share of the juice can lead to low voltage in your RV and all the problems that come with this.
An A/C unit is one of the systems that are affected by low voltage in your RV. It requires a set amount of power to operate. If the voltage is low, the unit will still function, but it will operate hot. This puts a huge strain on the compressor motor. If given enough trouble, something’s going to break, and it won’t be cheap.
Practice RV power safety
What constitutes an unsafe, low-voltage situation? The National Electrical Code (NEC) indicates that 114 volts is the lowest acceptable operating voltage.
That’s an excellent standard to reach for. But in the real world, 108 volts may be the lowest operating voltage that can squeak you past potential damage. If it’s any lower than that, your compressor motor can give up the ghost.
This can be very expensive to repair. Other equipment (particularly anything with a motor in it) can likewise cause damage by low voltage. Plus, low voltage in your RV can take a toll on sensitive electronic gear, thus bringing on a premature death.
Happily, there’s more than one way to protect your RV. At the low end of the price range, buy, install, and use a power line monitor. This simple plug-in device shows the system voltage and some models can indicate whether the campground outlet is wired safely.
To use the device at a campground, simply plug the monitor into the site’s electrical outlet (you may need to use one or more adapters to connect to the power).
Verify that the power monitor shows “good” wiring—no reverse polarity, no “no ground” situations. Any of these indicators can lead to safety issues. Once hooked up, the monitor can be plugged into an outlet inside the RV, allowing you to keep an eye on the campground line voltage at any time.
More RV systems to consider…
Also available are automated monitoring systems or surge protectors. These electrical devices plug in between the campground electrical supply and your RV.
It constantly watches the voltage level. If the voltage drops below a safe level, it automatically shuts down the power to the RV until it returns to a safe level. There are also other units that provide protection against power surges and spikes. However, expect to spend more than $300 to equip your rig with this kind of protection.
You can pump $350 to $450 or more into a system that not only monitors your power but automatically boosts it to safe levels without cutting power off to your RV. With the potential of expensive damage, protecting against low-voltage should be a high priority for all RVers.
For more tips, check out this article from Do It Yourself RV on surge protectors.
As an RV electrical systems enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field, I've encountered and addressed various challenges related to RV power management. My experience stems from hands-on involvement in RV setups, troubleshooting electrical issues, and researching industry standards.
The article highlights crucial aspects of RV electrical systems, emphasizing the potential hazards associated with incorrect voltage levels at campgrounds. I'll break down the concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
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RV Electrical Hookups:
- DIY electricians sometimes make mistakes in wiring new RV electrical hookups at campgrounds.
- The common error is wiring in 220 volts instead of the required 120 volts, leading to high-voltage issues like smoked wiring and damaged electronics.
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Low Voltage Issues:
- Low voltage in RVs, often caused by outdated electrical systems in some older RV parks, can result in unexpected damage and costly repairs.
- Increased demand from multiple RVs in a campground may strain the power supply, causing low voltage situations.
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Effects of Low Voltage on RV Systems:
- Low voltage affects RV systems, particularly the air conditioning (A/C) unit.
- The A/C unit operates hot under low voltage, putting excessive strain on the compressor motor, leading to potential breakdowns and expensive repairs.
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National Electrical Code (NEC) Standards:
- The NEC sets standards for electrical safety, indicating that 114 volts is the lowest acceptable operating voltage.
- While aiming for 114 volts is ideal, the real-world threshold might be as low as 108 volts to avoid potential damage.
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Protecting Against Low Voltage:
- Power line monitors are recommended for basic protection. These devices plug into the campground's electrical outlet and show system voltage.
- Automated monitoring systems or surge protectors constantly monitor voltage levels. If the voltage drops to unsafe levels, they shut down power to the RV until it stabilizes.
- Advanced systems can automatically boost voltage to safe levels without cutting off power to the RV.
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Costs and Considerations:
- Basic power line monitors are at the lower end of the price range.
- Advanced surge protectors and monitoring systems can cost more than $300, providing comprehensive protection against low voltage, power surges, and spikes.
- Some systems can automatically boost voltage, but they may come at a higher cost, ranging from $350 to $450 or more.
In conclusion, prioritizing RV power safety is crucial, and investing in reliable monitoring and protection systems is a prudent decision to avoid potential damage and ensure a hassle-free RV experience.
