How to Wire a 30-amp RV Plug
by John Cagney Nash
The 30-amp RV plug is a three-pronged male cable end. The plug is American National Standards Institute (ANSI) stock, designated TT-30P. It is manufactured and used specifically for all types of recreational vehicles (RVs). The 30-amp RV plug is colloquially known as an RV-30. It has two angled flat blades, and one U-shaped pin. Wiring a 30-amp RV plug to a preexisting umbilical from the RV is a simple matter, and can be accomplished with normal household electrical tools.
Step 1
Trim an inch of the cord’s jacket material away from the three wires, using the craft knife. Be careful not to damage the separate insulation covering each wire.
Step 2
Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each of the three wires, using the wire strippers. Twist the bared strands of each wire, so you have three tight, rope-like threads.
Step 3
Unscrew the fastener in the center of the TT-30P's underside, turn it over so that the pins point downward, and lift off the top. Be careful not to draw the brass pins from their respective housings.
Step 4
Follow the color codes, which match wires to connections. The black, hot wire attaches to the brass-colored screw. The white, neutral wire attaches to the silver-colored screw. The green (sometimes bare), ground wire attaches to the green-colored screw. If there is no green screw, attach the ground wire to the U-shaped pin.
Step 5
Secure the cord to the inside of the 30-amp RV plug by tightening the small internal harness across the top of the cord’s jacket material.
Step 6
Replace the plug’s top, and reinstall the fastener.
References
Tips
- If you are wiring the plug to an extension cord rather than directly to the heavy-duty umbilical which is part of the RV’s manufacturer-installed system, ensure the cord is sufficient to safely conduct a 30-amp current. Length of the extension cord will determine the gauge of the wire it must have.
- For a 120-volt 30-amp extension cord of 25 feet, use 10-gauge wire; for 50 feet, use 8-gauge wire; for 100 feet, use 6-gauge wire. Increase the wire size for runs in excess of 100 feet, or for applications where heat cannot be easily dissipated, such as for cords housed in a conduit. Ensure the outer jacket of the extension cord you choose is resistant to ozone, chemicals and petroleum-based products. Ensure the jacket material is designed to be flexible in sub-zero conditions.
Things You'll Need
- Craft knife
- Wire strippers
- Screwdriver
Writer Bio
John Cagney Nash began composing press releases and event reviews for British nightclubs in 1982. His material was first published in the "Eastern Daily Press." Nash's work focuses on American life, travel and the music industry. In 1998 he earned an OxBridge doctorate in philosophy and immediately emigrated to America.
