Shore power installation components?

9pb9 · 06-11-2011, 09:40 AM

I know a lot of folks on the forum don't care much about 110, but since I am not going to have house battery power for a while, I asked SMB for a quote for a single electrical outlet for those times when shore power is available. The price quote was a lot more than I expected. So, I'm wondering, what exactly does it take to add shore power?

**WVvan** · 06-11-2011, 10:22 AM

This should pretty much cover it.

**daveb** · 06-11-2011, 12:09 PM

It depends on what they quoted you on. If they are saying the outside electrical inlet, inside wiring, and the inside outlet, that would be more costly than tapping off the electrical going to the inverter. If you plan on running an add on air conditioner or a space heater of some type look into a 30 amp style outside inlet plug

The shore power plugs can be fairly expensive
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... -amp/28231

9pb9 · 06-11-2011, 01:07 PM

Thanks guys. No inverter or converter for now, though for what was quoted, I think I could buy both. No lighting, no frig, nothing inside that will use electricity (except the poptop that will be tied to the starter battery).

I just got the quote Friday evening by email, so haven't had a chance to ask what it included. Perhaps there was a miscommunication.

I'm assuming it does include a 30amp connection, so I would be good at most RV parks. I've been googling around trying to figure out what would bump the cost up. Didn't know if they installed things like voltage regulators or surge protectors, which seem to be fairly pricey. Would you need a distribution panel for just one outlet?

**daveb** · 06-11-2011, 01:34 PM

I would think there would have to be a breaker involved to meet regulations but I'm not sure on that.

9pb9 · 06-14-2011, 05:39 PM

Heard back today. The quote did include the 30amp connect and distribution panel. They don't seem to have a less expensive solution for a one-outlet need as most of the cost is in those up-front components. I'm going to go study up on the Park Power solution suggested earlier.

9pb9 · 06-26-2011, 07:12 PM

Still trying to figure the electrical stuff out, but this was interesting:
http://www.shorepower.com/kits.html

**daveb** · 06-27-2011, 10:20 AM

You can build something similar for cheaper. A small breaker box, a 20 amp breaker and an outlet. Maybe go to a electrical parts house (not lowes ect) and see what they have.

If its something you'll rarely use and you don't want to drill into your van you could purchase a construction site cord with a GFI.