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551.71 Quantity and Types of Receptacles at RV Parks

Change Summary

  • Every recreational vehicle site equipped with a 50-ampere receptacle is now required to be equipped with a 30-ampere, 125-volt receptacle
  • This ensures one 30-ampere, 125-volt receptacles to at least 20 percent of the RV sites within an RV park
  • The electrical loads for modern recreational vehicles often demand a 30-ampere, 125-volt receptacle outlet
NEC® Text

 
VI Recreational Vehicle Parks

551.71 Type Receptacles Provided. Every recreational vehicle site with electrical supply shall be equipped with at least one 20-ampere, 125-volt receptacle. A minimum of 20 percent of all recreational vehicle sites, with electrical supply, shall each be equipped with a 50-ampere, 125/250-volt receptacle conforming to the configuration as identified in Figure 551.46(C)(1). Every recreational vehicle site equipped with a 50-ampere receptacle shall also be equipped with a 30-ampere, 125-volt receptacle conforming to Figure 551.46(C)(1). These electrical supplies shall be permitted to include additional receptacles that have configurations in accordance with 551.81. …(See NEC text)

Copyright© 2013 National Fire Protection Association

(See NEC for complete text)

Expert Analysis

In the past, every recreational vehicle (RV) site with an electrical supply was supplied with at least one 125-volt, 20-ampere receptacle outlet, and a minimum of 20 percent of the RV sites were required to be equipped with a 50-ampere, 125/250-volt receptacle outlet.  Many modern RVs are manufactured with 30-ampere, 125-volt requirements. To facilitate these 30-ampere connections many campers were being sold “cheater” cords that adapt their 30-ampere, 125-volt RV supply cord to the 50-ampere, 125/250-volt recreational vehicle site receptacles. Since these “cheater” cords are never an acceptable solution, action by Code Making Panel-19 results in a requirement for an additional 30-ampere 125-volt receptacle at the same RV sites where 50-ampere 125/250-volt receptacles are required. This new addition of one 30-ampere, 125-volt receptacle to at least 20 percent of the RV sites within an RV park, where previously only a 50-ampere, 125/250-volt receptacle was in place, will be an equitable solution for the camper as well as campground owner. Although this action eliminates the need for “cheater” cords in newly wired recreational vehicle parks of the future, it does not generally impact existing parks. Generally NEC changes impact only new or upgraded RV parks or RV sites, but electrical professionals are encouraged to advocate for these safety upgrades.

 

RV Receptacles

For RV connection, Leviton offers catalog number 7313,  30 Amp, 125 Volt, NEMA TT-30R, 2P, 3W, Flush Mount Receptacle.

Built of durable thermoplastic, Leviton Power Receptacles — come equipped with heavy-gauge, double-wire copper alloy contacts. To ensure correct and speedy wiring, terminals have ID markings. Flush mount receptacles fit Leviton’s wide range of 2.15”-diameter wallplates and mounting hardware is included