Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: sparkync, Location: North Carolina
Asked on: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:06 am EDT
Answered on: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:06 am EDT
Question: Got a call to check why a camper kept tripping a 50 amp breaker that was feeding a 50 amp camper 4 wire plug.Long story short, found the 50 amp breaker was GFCI. The camper has its own gfci protected outlets inside, so I had to install a regular breaker to keep the family with power. While checking it I seen that the plug from the breaker was installed with only 3 wires instead of 4, therefore the whole camper is actually using the equipment ground for the neutral, from the outlet box back to the breaker. The only feasible way to correct this without pulling the 3 wire out of the ground, and pulling new 4 wire is to send only 120 volts over to the plug, and use the other leg (which is white anyway) as the insulated neutral, and just change the terminations in the boxes to match the camper cord. All the camper needs is 120 volts anyway. This prevents the potential of current traveling on the frame of appliances, etc., that are hooked to the equipment ground and neutral bar. Is thiscorrect? Even though the conductors are all separated until they get out to the 50 amp camper recetacle? They are using a 50 to 30 amp adapter, that reduces the voltage to 120 volts instead of 240 volts by using only 1 leg of the power supply.I know according to code it should have been 4 wire out to the plug instead of 3 wire but is this still a hazard since the connection is out at the outlet and not inside the camper? Sorry for the long discourse but trying to determine the necessity, before traveling around 60 round trip miles to correct.Thanks a lot for your replies.
Okay, this is a dangerous situation and needs to be addressed correctly. Here's a breakdown of the problem and the proper solution
The Core Problems:
1. Bootlegged Neutral
The biggest, most dangerous issue is that the camper is currently using the grounding conductor (equipment ground) as a neutral. This is a recipe for disaster. Any fault current on the neutral will energize the metal chassis and potentially electrocute someone. This is a severe safety hazard.2.
Mismatched Wiring
The existing 3-wire setup is fundamentally incorrect for a 50A/240V RV connection. It violates multiple sections of the NEC.3.
GFCI Breaker Issue
RVs and GFCI breakers often don't play well together. The internal GFCI protection in the RV can cause nuisance tripping with a GFCI breaker at the supply point. You did the right thing removing the GFCI breaker, but not by leaving the bootlegged neutral in place.4.
50A to 30A Adapter
While the adapter reduces the voltage to 120V, it doesn't solve the fundamental problem of the bootlegged neutral. In fact, it amplifies the risk since the adapter is still relying on the miswired setup.
Why Your Proposed Solution is STILL Incorrect and Dangerous
Using the Second Leg as a Neutral
While technically possible to repurpose the second hot wire (which is white) as a neutral by only using one leg and landing the conductors in the correct spots, it doesn't address the fundamental problem of the missing ground wire.
Safety
There is no equipment ground. This means that a fault in any appliance in the RV could energize the entire metal frame of the RV, posing a severe shock hazard.
The ONLY Safe and Correct Solutions
Pull a New 4-Wire Circuit
This is the only code-compliant and safe solution. Replace the existing 3-wire cable with a new 4-wire cable (two hots, neutral, and ground). Properly terminate it at both the breaker panel and the 50A receptacle. This provides a dedicated neutral and a separate grounding conductor, as required by the NEC.
Why this is best
It provides the correct and safe wiring configuration for a 50A RV service.
Requires
Replacing the entire cable run.2.
Install a 30 Amp 120 volt outlet. Pull a new 3 wire cable, to power a 30 amp 120 volt outlet. Requires
Replacing the entire cable run.
Why Other "Solutions" are Unacceptable
Doing Nothing
This is the worst option. It leaves a dangerous situation in place.
Using Only 120V with the Existing Wiring
This is still unsafe due to the bootlegged neutral.
Relying on the Adapter
The adapter does not fix the underlying wiring problems.
Action Plan (Urgent)
Immediately Disconnect Power
Tell the family not to use the RV until the wiring is corrected. Explain the severe safety hazard. Turn off the breaker feeding the RV.2.
Schedule a Corrective Visit
Go back and install a new 4-wire cable, or new 3 wire cable for a 30 amp 120 volt outlet.
Code References (Simplified)
NEC 250
Grounding and Bonding - Specifies the requirements for grounding and bonding to ensure electrical safety.
NEC 551
Recreational Vehicles and Recreational Vehicle Parks - Contains specific requirements for RV electrical systems.
Key Takeaways
Safety First
Do not compromise on safety. A bootlegged neutral is a life-threatening hazard.
Proper Grounding is Essential
A dedicated equipment ground is crucial for protecting against electrical shock.*
Code Compliance: Follow the NEC requirements for RV electrical installations.You are right to be concerned and to seek a solution. However, any solution other than pulling new wiring is not safe or code-compliant. You have a responsibility to correct this dangerous situation. Flag for review