Quick answer: A 30A shore pedestal delivers 3,600W at 120V — enough for an air conditioner (1,500W) plus lights and refrigerator, but not AC plus microwave (1,000W) plus heater simultaneously. A 50A pedestal delivers 12,000W and can handle AC with heavy cooking loads.
RV Shore Power Calculator
Find out what you can run on 30A vs 50A shore power, and how long your battery bank carries you after disconnecting from hookups.
How we calculate shore power load
The calculator compares your simultaneous appliance draw to your shore power service limit (3,600W for 30A or 12,000W for 50A) and flags any combination that risks tripping the campground breaker.
Battery runtime after disconnect is estimated by dividing usable battery capacity by your average off-hook draw in amps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between 30A and 50A RV shore power?
- 30A service delivers a single 120V leg at 30 amps — a maximum of 3,600W (120V × 30A). 50A service delivers two 120V legs at 50 amps each — a maximum of 12,000W (240V × 50A, split into two 6,000W legs). Most Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels with two air conditioners require 50A service. Travel trailers, Class B and Class C rigs, and smaller fifth wheels are typically wired for 30A. Adapters let a 50A rig connect to 30A hookups, but at reduced capacity.
- Can I run my RV air conditioner on 30A power?
- Yes — one air conditioner on 30A power is generally fine, leaving 10–15A for other loads. A 13,500 BTU rooftop unit draws about 13A running. Running both the AC and a microwave (about 10A) simultaneously approaches the 30A limit and may trip the campground breaker. Plan your loads carefully: run the microwave while the AC is in its low-draw cycling phase, or use a power management system that sheds loads automatically.
- How do I know if I need 30A or 50A service at a campground?
- Check your RV's power inlet. A 30A RV plug (TT-30) has three prongs and is a 120V connection. A 50A RV plug (typically NEMA 14-50) has four prongs in a larger body: two hot blades, one neutral, and one ground. Your owner's manual will also specify the shore power requirement. If you have a 50A rig and are at a 30A site, you can use an adapter but will be limited to 3,600W — plan to run only one air conditioner and stagger heavy loads.
- What happens if I exceed my shore power amperage limit?
- The campground pedestal's circuit breaker trips, cutting power to your RV. This is a safety feature — it prevents wiring damage and fire. Repeated tripping can annoy campground staff and may indicate your RV's power consumption needs to be managed more carefully. A progressive surge protector or energy management system (EMS) monitors incoming voltage and current and can automatically shed non-critical loads before the breaker trips.
Reviewed April 2026
Methodology and source note
PowerSizing calculators use shared formulas, documented assumptions, and current planning inputs that are summarized on the methodology page. Use these tools for first-pass planning, comparison, and sanity checks, then confirm local code, pricing, utility tariff, and installer specifics before you buy equipment.