I am working on a project in an RV park where the plan is to use one UL listed power pedestal to supply two trailer sites. The pedestal is rated for 80 amp 120/240 V service and will only have one power head which will have 2-30A receptacles and 1 duplex 20 amp GFCI receptacle in the power head with 2-30 A circuit breakers and one 20 amp circuit breaker. The plan is to service one trailer with one of the 30A receptacles and the other trailer would use the other 30A receptacle. The pedestal will also be located at the rear corner of the sites so it will service the driver's side of the trailers for each site as is specified in the NEC. As far as I can tell, this is ok by the NEC, but I wonder why anyone ever specifies pedestals with two powerheads if you can get by with just one? I know that most of the manufacturers offer pedestals with two powerheads so people must buy them, yet they are at least 50% more expensive than by just using one pedestal. I can't be the first guy to think of this. Does anyone see anything in the NEC that prohibits what we are doing? Thanks in advance.
Power Pedestals in RV Parks
- Thread starter teej
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Keep in mind the load for an RV is substantial in the summer when all the AC units are running. RVs are mostly 120 v 30 a and 50 a, so voltage drop is a big factor.
RVs are getting larger and some have two AC units
Personally I have a 50 watt PV panel and don't need shore power.
RVs are getting larger and some have two AC units
Personally I have a 50 watt PV panel and don't need shore power.
jtester
Senior Member
- Location
- Las Cruces N.M.
I've never used one pedestal for two sites, but assume that if you comply with 551.77 concerning location, you would be OK. Be sure to note that 551.71 requires a 20 amp receptacle for each site, as well as 20% of the sites to be 50 amp 120/240 volt.
Jim T
Jim T
electric_instructor
Senior Member
RV power requirements.
RV power requirements.
I have PERSONAL experience, with RV pedistals. Yes, the pedisals are UL approved, and will work if installed as designed, under minimum design loads.
The problem usually occurs in the "feeder" circuits being undersized, as well as fused too small. Just keep in mind, the NEC is NOT intended as a "design" specification. It is ONLY designed for minimum saftey standards!
If the feeders are designed based upon the MINIMUM allowable ampacity as the NEC code allows, it is VERY possable that they will NOT be sufficient for "full load" situations.
I too have an RV, and much experience with the same! They require MUCH more power than most would think! Except for the owners of them, who expect EVERYTHING to work, no matter WHAT the connection is rated at!
Just a hint from an ole experienced electrician, - Plan for MAX loads, when calculating feeder circuits, disconnects, and the main service. It's LOTS cheaper than going back, and changing them weeks later! Trust me.
RV power requirements.
I have PERSONAL experience, with RV pedistals. Yes, the pedisals are UL approved, and will work if installed as designed, under minimum design loads.
The problem usually occurs in the "feeder" circuits being undersized, as well as fused too small. Just keep in mind, the NEC is NOT intended as a "design" specification. It is ONLY designed for minimum saftey standards!
If the feeders are designed based upon the MINIMUM allowable ampacity as the NEC code allows, it is VERY possable that they will NOT be sufficient for "full load" situations.
I too have an RV, and much experience with the same! They require MUCH more power than most would think! Except for the owners of them, who expect EVERYTHING to work, no matter WHAT the connection is rated at!
Just a hint from an ole experienced electrician, - Plan for MAX loads, when calculating feeder circuits, disconnects, and the main service. It's LOTS cheaper than going back, and changing them weeks later! Trust me.
Jim W in Tampa
Senior Member
- Location
- Tampa Florida
Sounds to me like it meets the required 20 amp receptacle.Duplex = 2 outlets.
- Status