{"id":6828,"date":"2021-08-09T14:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-09T14:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=6828"},"modified":"2023-03-07T21:24:42","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T21:24:42","slug":"rv-electric-setup-basics-rv-plugs-and-voltages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/rv-electric-setup-basics-rv-plugs-and-voltages\/","title":{"rendered":"RV Electric Setup Basics (RV Plugs and Voltages)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RV electrical systems allow you to utilize the basic conveniences that you’re accustomed to having at home. You have all of your basic amenities while on the road, including an HVAC system, vent fans, refrigerators, and overhead lighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to properly utilize and enjoy these features, though, it’s important to at least have a basic understanding of your RV electrical setup.\u00a0 You don\u2019t need to be a licensed electrician but you should know the basics of your RV plugs and voltages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RVs generally come equipped with a 12-volt DC (battery) and a separate 120-volt AC electrical system. In addition, motorhomes and campervans have a third 12-volt DC automotive system called a chassis that runs the electric equipment in the vehicle.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, the lights and trailer brakes of towable travel trailers run on the automotive system of the tow vehicle. This is connected by the wiring on the trailer hitch.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to use your RV regularly, you need to have a basic understanding of what constitutes or makes up a typical RV electrical system<\/strong>. This will help you identify the root cause when something goes wrong, and troubleshoot how to fix it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Is an RV’s Electrical System Set Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A motor home connected to a campground power pole<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Every electrical component or appliance inside of an RV is run on Direct Current (DC) power or Alternating Current (AC) power. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electricity in an AC system flows through the line from the power source or your generator. The flow of the charge alternates polarity and so the current actually changes direction.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AC power is supplied by plugging your camper into the outlet at the campground – also called “shore power”.\u00a0 AC power can also be created by plugging into a generator when no shore power is available.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DC, or direct current, is supplied by 12-volt batteries or solar power.\u00a0 Some systems, such as lights, can be run directly off DC power if wired separately. My RV has a separate light system that is turned on for DC at the panel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 12- or 24-volt DC power can also be converted to 110v power with an inverter<\/a><\/em>.\u00a0<\/strong> (Alternately, 110v power is converted to DC 12v with a converter<\/a><\/em>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the Difference Between RV Amps, Volts, and Watts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we know the difference between DC and AC power, we can talk about how power, current, and voltage are related.\u00a0To ensure that your RV’s electrical system will work perfectly, you should not exceed the available amount of wattage. If you do, you will end up tripping the circuit of your electrical system.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes a single scientific equation to understand how an electrical system in an RV works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

watts = amps x volts <\/strong>
or <\/strong>
W = A x V\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This formula means the overall power (watts) of an electrical system is a product of current (amps) and voltage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why all the math?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This formula will enable you to determine how many electrical devices you can use in your RV simultaneously. By making sure you’re not exceeding your RV’s available wattage you will protect it and all of your electrical devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Are the Common RV System Voltages?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Earlier, we covered the basics of AC and DC systems in an RV power setup.\u00a0 <\/strong>Again, AC is supplied by shore power at the campground.\u00a0 DC is a direct current supplied from the battery bank onboard the RV, or by solar power<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will discuss these in more detail next, and identify exactly which appliances and features of your RV depend on each type of electrical system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12-Volt DC RV System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 12-volt direct current electrical system is supplied by the battery or batteries placed on the camper. This low-voltage DC system will power small accessories, like lights and fans, but not the microwave or air conditioner. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The battery charger is connected to the AC electrical system to charge and maintain the 12-volt battery.\u00a0 The batteries can also be charged with solar power if you have solar panels. You can find solar panels for RV use on Amazon<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your RV and batteries are separate systems that are connected with a converter.\u00a0 This enables you to have smart systems that will still work whether you are plugged into shore power or running on batteries.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the DC system has two circuits connected to the camper’s fuse block. If you cannot find where that panel is, you can check the operator’s manual. Apart from that, it will also provide you with information as to how you can perform maintenance if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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LED lights operated by DC power will show you the level of your water tank.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The 12-volt camper electrical system is responsible for providing electricity to typical appliances like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n