30 amp garage upgrade question

morphrider · 01-20-2017, 06:55 PM

I would like to finally install an outlet for my RV but would like some more knowledgeable help. Current sub panel has the 2 top 50 amp breakers going to a hot tub, the 2 lower 20 amp singles are garage outlets. 1 is going to single gang box where fridge is plugged in, the other goes to other side of garage to a double gang. Would I be able to tie both those to one 20 amp fuse, get rid of the other and add a 30 amp fuse with upgraded #10 guage wire to make my dedicated RV outlet or is there a different route to go? Thanks in advance.

morphrider · 01-20-2017, 06:58 PM

The sheathed cable you see to the right, outside the box goes to a 125/250 receptacle that was there before the hot tub was wired in. I assume for a welder. It is not wired in since previous owner ran the wiring to hot tub sub panel on the back deck.

Stan · 01-20-2017, 08:01 PM

What size breaker is the subpanel fed from? You could do what you suggested but personally i would pull that panel and install a new one and start over. It looks like you have easy access to it. Are your garage plugs GFI? Might want to consult an electrician for the work.

morphrider · 01-21-2017, 08:08 AM

I think I am over complicating this by looking at my sub panel next to the main panel. My main panel has 2 slots open so I think the easiest route is going to be to just add to the main panel with a single pole 30 amp breaker with appropriate wires going to the receptacle which will be installed below that panel by a couple feet.

morphrider · 01-21-2017, 08:45 AM

Disregard last post. After removing the main panel cover there is no room in there. I think I will just go your route Stan and build a new sub panel and keep the 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits and also add to it another dedicated 20 and a 30 for the RV outlet. I am in construction so it's easy for me to have electricians assist me with what I need. Thanks for the suggestion.

johnboytoo · 01-21-2017, 09:58 AM

Since you are doing that much work, can the voice of many experiences throw out an idea ?

opt for a 50 amp now

WHEN, not if, you upgrade rv's you'll be thankful you did !

Price out the difference and it will be much easier now than later. Just sayin'

morphrider · 01-21-2017, 10:12 AM

Then by having that 50amp plug all I would need is an adapter for my 30amp cord to RV correct? Doing my research for this and looking at different sub-panels. If I am thinking correctly all I would need is at minimum a 6 space panel to hold the existing breakers with the addition of another 2 pole 50amp? Good news with that is I already have wires in the wall I can use.

**Lloyd** · 01-21-2017, 11:22 AM

When we built the shed for our RV, we trenched electric to it from the 100 amp panel in the garage. We used a 60 amp panel in the shed. From that I installed a 50 amp breaker for my welder, 30 breaker for the RV, lights, and a few misc. outlets. Now I know that all adds up to more than 60 amps, but they're not all in use at the same time.
Kinda like the way they wire some of our RVs

r2millers · 01-21-2017, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphrider

Then by having that 50amp plug all I would need is an adapter for my 30amp cord to RV correct? Doing my research for this and looking at different sub-panels. If I am thinking correctly all I would need is at minimum a 6 space panel to hold the existing breakers with the addition of another 2 pole 50amp? Good news with that is I already have wires in the wall I can use.

Maybe I'm just confused. You're first post you indicate you want to add a 30 amp Outlet. Sounds like a source for running something larger then typical usage.

Then here, it sounds like you want to add a second source for power, allowing for using a 30 amp post.

Maybe more thoughts on why you're doing this to help clarify?

morphrider · 01-21-2017, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r2millers

Maybe I'm just confused. You're first post you indicate you want to add a 30 amp Outlet. Sounds like a source for running something larger then typical usage.

Then here, it sounds like you want to add a second source for power, allowing for using a 30 amp post.

Maybe more thoughts on why you're doing this to help clarify?

I originally wanted 30amp dedicated RV outlet, but after suggestion to instead go to a 50amp RV outlet, that is what the new plan is. So inside the new panel I would like to have (2) double pole 50amp breakers and (3-4) single pole 20amp breakers for garage outlets.

johnboytoo · 01-21-2017, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphrider

Then by having that 50amp plug all I would need is an adapter for my 30amp cord to RV correct? Doing my research for this and looking at different sub-panels. If I am thinking correctly all I would need is at minimum a 6 space panel to hold the existing breakers with the addition of another 2 pole 50amp? Good news with that is I already have wires in the wall I can use.

right...
I bought a couple of adapters and extension cords (both 30 amp and 50 AMP 'just in case', if you know what I mean...

The first two here, one is 30 to 50 and the other is 50 to 30.

Good luck and bet it's not much more to go to 50, but remember, 50 amp is NOT like most electrician will do it... make sure they realize it's for an RV !

Some reading for you here

r2millers · 01-22-2017, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphrider

I originally wanted 30amp dedicated RV outlet, but after suggestion to instead go to a 50amp RV outlet, that is what the new plan is. So inside the new panel I would like to have (2) double pole 50amp breakers and (3-4) single pole 20amp breakers for garage outlets.

I know others disagree here but what in the world would you need a 50 amp, 120v circuit for.
I'm all for cautioning on the side error, but unless you have a 120v welder or the such, I can't imagine needing to go that BIG.

johnboytoo · 01-22-2017, 10:52 AM

50 amp for the NEXT rv they get...
ours will load shed if connected to 30 amp so if in the middle of August and it's 110 outside, I DON'T want one of those loads it sheds to be 1 of the 3 ac's

The last 3 rv's I've had were 50 amp...

r2millers · 01-22-2017, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

50 amp for the NEXT rv they get...
ours will load shed if connected to 30 amp so if in the middle of August and it's 110 outside, I DON'T want one of those loads it sheds to be 1 of the 3 ac's

The last 3 rv's I've had were 50 amp...

Got it. Finally figured out the OP's first picture was his home, not his rv.
Kept thinking he wanted a usable 50 amp, 120v circuit.
Feel better now.

morphrider · 01-22-2017, 02:24 PM

Yup, just looking at upgrading at the garage. Will be getting parts to accomplish this during the week.

fuzzdr · 01-25-2017, 06:35 AM

Go big i.e.; 60 amp panel min. Do the job once and be prepared for what the future may hold. That is not too large for a hot tub, 50A RV, etc. There may be times when both the hot tub and RV run simultaneously i.e.; routine hot tub automatic maintenance. Why are you using 20 A branch circuits? 15A will handle most loads including a block heater for your auto.

I am now in the process of converting my garage to a small workshop. I added a Square D 60A subpanel. First branch circuit is 20A 240vac to supply a 3 hp table saw. Later, I plan to add a 30A single pole receptacle outside for my 33 ft. 5th wheel. As I will never acquire a larger RV (maybe smaller though), I have no need for 50A to the RV. Of course I will be adding branch circuits for my other power tools.

Have fun..........

Fuzz

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