The majority of campgrounds you stay at will provide you with an external 120-volt electric source to plug the RV into. Your RV has a heavy-duty power cord that is normally about 20 to 25 feet long. Depending on the type of RV you have, or purchase, it will either have a 30 amp or 50 amp electrical system.
When you plug into the proper campground electrical source it will supply power throughout your RV. You must have a 120-volt AC power source if you are going to use the microwave, roof air conditioner, the refrigerator in the electric mode, electronic equipment and the 120-volt electrical outlets.
If at all possible try to avoid using an extension cord when making electrical connections at the campground. The gauges of the wire used in standard household extension cords are not suitable for RV electrical hook-ups.
Eventually you will be put in a situation where you will need to use an extension cord. It is a good idea to purchase an RV extension cord that is compatible to the electrical system of your RV, and have it on hand. Always use as short of an extension cord as possible.
As for extension cords on the inside of the RV, avoid using the really cheap cords you can purchase for a couple of bucks. Get a 3-prong grounded cord with an amperage rating comparable to the amperage of the appliance you plan to run. If the cord doesn't have an amperage rating look for the American Wire Gauge (AWG) rating. This rating is the gauge of wire used in the extension cord. Make sure the gauge of wire used is rated for the appliance you are using. For example, 16 gauge is light-duty, 14 gauge is medium-duty, 12 gauge is heavy-duty and 10 gauge is extra heavy-duty.
Happy RV Learning
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
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