Power Cords And Transfer Switch

[iamflagman]

It seems that there are different configurations of power cords that have eventually ended up in our 'Birds, some came from the factory and some were made up out of necessity by the previous owners and unfortunately especially for the NEWBY it can be very confusing, if there is no documentation that came with their new to them 'Bird. what I will try to do here is explain as best as I can the differences in the shore power cords and related equipment that came with my 'Bird and that I have ended up purchasing or making for my 'Bird.

My 'Bird came with a 50 amp power cord and it has "6/3 8/1 FOR MOBILE HOME USE" molded into the rubber covering, with the female twist lock end that attachés to the 'Bird and the 4 prong male plug that attachés to the 50 amp shore power receptacle, it also came with two 30 amp cords, with female twist lock ends that attach to the 'Bird and 3 prong male plugs that attach to the shore power 30 amp receptacle.



http://upload.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/91991466

I carry a 30 amp extension cord that I purchased at Wal Mart and I also built a 50 amp extension cord to carry with me.

http://www.pbase.com/image/97885543

Originally the two 30 amp cords were used to power the two separate sides of the breaker panel, or some people would connect the two 30 amp cords to separate 30 amp receptacles located close to each other, but I have removed the wiring for the two 30 amp receptacles on my 'Bird and now I use what is sometimes referred to as a DOG BONE adapter to attach my 50 amp electrical cord to a 30 amp campground receptacle.

http://www.tweetys.com/ProductImages...58404_silo.jpg

It splits the 30 amp so that it will power both sides of your breaker panel and they are available at most RV supply store and I have even seen them in the rv section of the automotive department at Wal mart, or you can purchase them online from places like http://www.tweetys.com/index.asp?Pag...OD&ProdID=7648

You will have to keep in mind that you will have to be more careful about power management when you use this, as it will not give you enough power on each leg to use everything, just look on your breaker panel and see what is locate on each side, to give you an idea of what you can use. I normally use my center roof airconditioner, the water heater and the battery charger and it seems to handle that load with no problem, however I have modified my 'Bird to operate the TV's, Satellite dish and receiver, two 14 inch fans and the microwave off of the inverter which is powered by eight Trojan golf cart batteries, the fans help to circulate the cold air.

I have heard of some 'Bird owners that have a longer extension cord made up similar to the adapter above, some with 50 amp style cords, or 30 amp style cords used with the appropriate ends attached.

Here is a source for the 50 amp female connector that goes into the 'Birds receptacle.
http://www.electric-supplier.com/pro...64_w324123.php
CONNECTOR: 600 VAC/250 VDC; 50 AMPERE; 3 POLE; 4 WIRE; GROUNDING; METAL SHELL; CORD SIZE 0.68 TO 1.125 INCH; APPROVAL UL, CSA; HART-LOCK[R] BRAND


RV Electric Service, Connections and Basic Information
Installing a 30 or 50-amp RV Electric Service Note: If you would like to install a SERVICE for your RV make sure you understand basic wiring. It is not that hard as long as you follow the rules.

Check out these posts by our forum members cheater precautions?? they can be found under Electrical

[Bill Pape]

Thanks John,

For posting all this good information,.

This is what Mike 757 needs to sort out his AC power connections.

[Randy Dupree]

ahhh,good info and with PICs too!
thanks John.
Randy 93wb

[birds_first]

Ditto John, Good info; one of the tricks on my bird is a 35' cheater cord which has a 50amp female and a 30amp male plug. I use it 90% of the time since it seems I only hit 30amp service in the parks I land in.. I just leave the 2 30amp cords at home and carry my cheater and my regular 50amp cord.

[mrkane]

Anybody tell me the pin-out for the coach end of the 50 A. cord (the 7764 connector)? The replacement plug is marked "X-Y-Z-Green" and "Z" is opposite to the outer ground tab.

The original was stolen.

Thanks--

M.R.Kane
1985 PT40
currently Sanger, TX

[444433]

Mr.Finn,
I like the job you have done on your BB the inside looks great. I also have a 82, but 33' Fc.I hope to start doing the inside soon. I also wanted you to know that I watched your slide show on 9/11. Makes you remmeber why we are where we are. God Bless
Thanks D.Dempsey

[iamflagman]

Also check out 50AMP Shore Power Cord Repair/Replacement