Generator 30 Amp Outlet: How to Get 30 Amps From a Generator
Not every generator can pump out the electricity at the levels you need. You may have to use some adapters or parallel generators to get the level of power for your RV. Or you simply have to upgrade to a more powerful model.
Most 2000 VA generators can only produce between 15 and 18 amps approx. Then they may only produce 13 amps continuously. The answer to this dilemma is to either upgrade to a more powerful model or try paralleling two 2000 watt generators together.
To learn more about this issue just continue to read our article. it has the information you need to know about so that you can get the power you need when you need it. Unfortunately, that news may not be what you wanted to hear.
Generator 30 Amp Outlet 101
30 Amp Outlet on The Generator
If you want to find these outlets on a generator, you are going to have to go to a more powerful unit. Usually, you are looking at buying a generator that puts out 2200 watts or more. That power output means you will have a 30- amp outlet on the generator which you can use with no hassle.
Anything less than a 220-watt generator and you are looking at paralleling two similar generators together to reach that power level. You still won’t have a 30 amp outlet but you will get that power level.
The models that we saw that contained a 30 amp outlet were the Honda EB10,000; Briggs & Stratton P3000; and the Champion Power Equipment 75531i, to name only 3 of the many available models.
Other brands include Yamaha and Firman. You can do some shopping around and do some price comparisons to make sure you get the generator that fits your budget. To get the most power, you cannot go with an underpowered generator.
Just be prepared for some sticker shock as those larger generators are not going to be cheap.
Can You Add a 30 Amp Outlet To a Generator?
This is an interesting question and one no one talks about. Mostly, they talk about how you can plug in a 30 amp plug to a 50 amp outlet and be fine. But adding a 30 amp plug to a generator takes a lot of electronic skills.
It may not be feasible if the generator cannot produce 30 amps of power to run whatever is attached to that 30 amp plug. Even if you plug a 30 amp power cord into a 2000 watt or less generator, you will not get 30 amps of power.
You may end up with half that amount of power or less. Then the wiring on the generator may not accommodate the outlet. Those units are very specifically wired and you may run into some electrical issues you had not thought of.
This is also a lot of needless work when you can buy a powerful enough generator that contains a 30 amp outlet already. It may be more expensive but it is the safer route to go. You may not have all the safety components needed to wire a separate 30 amp outlet into a generator.
Generator With 30 Amp RV Plug
Many generators are RV ready and their outlets are designed to hold a 30 amp RV plug with no problem. Plus, there are some good brands to look at that will have these outlets already wired in for you.
One is Westinghouse and its iGen 4500 Inverter Generator is one of the better ones for your RV use. Then there is Champion and its 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator as well as the Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator with CO-Minder.
Most generator makers are well aware of the needs of RV owners and make their generators RV-ready. They want your business so they are doing what they can to make your power supply convenient.
The thing you have to watch out for will be the price. The cost of the above three generators that are RV-ready are $949, $1,950, and $2,199 respectively. Generators are not going to be cheap when you need that extra power level.
You may be able to find cheaper units from other reputable firms so watch the ads, check your home improvement stores or RV supply outlets to see when they go on sale.
What Does a 30 Amp Outlet on a Generator Look Like?
The Westinghouse and the Honda look like two big boxes that you would find under the Christmas tree once all the presents were placed there. They are more square and compact.
The champion model is more of a rectangle shape but it has a lower profile than the other two. All three come with wheels for easy transporting but only the Westinghouse and the Champion have handles on them.
Firman and Yamaha generators also look like the Westinghouse and Honda models while other generator models will come with long bars wrapped around them for protection and your safety.
The look you get will depend on the model and brand of generator you will purchase. This style and design can cause you a few problems if your RV does not have the same type of dimensions as the generator. You would have to measure both to make sure you get the one that will fit the best.
Just watch out that you do not buy one that looks like a 30 amp generator and in reality can only support 15 amps. These designs are not unique and will be the same over the different power levels generators come in.
How To Get 30 Amps From a Generator
If you are using a smaller generator that doesn't put out a lot of power, the only way to get 30 amps of power is to parallel two similar units together. You need to use similar generators to make sure all the parts and power supply are compatible.
But, paralleling is only feasible if the two small generators are putting out enough power to make 30 amps. Some only produce 13 amps on continuous run time and two of those will only reach 26 amps.
But this is not your only problem. Even with 30 amps through paralleling, you still have to watch out for the number of electrical devices you plug into the system. There is a lot of thinking that needs to go into paralleling and making sure you get 30 amps of power.
The other way to get 30 amps is to simply buy a more powerful generator. Some people say that you cannot go above a 3600-watt unit but that may not be a hard and fast rule. As long as the generator can produce 30 amps, you can use a generator as low as 2200 watts.
Look at your budget to see if the more powerful generator is in the cards.
Is The 30 Amp Outlet on a Generator GFCI Protected?
It seems that this is government regulation and generators down to a certain level has to be GFCI protected. The regulation is discussed at this link and it may offer better answers than most forums can supply.
If that information is clear as mud, then you should call an electrician. That is what Briggs & Stratton customer told one owner when he asked this question. There is some debate on this issue and the GFCI mandatory protection may only apply to 20 amp generators and not 30 amp ones.
When you go shopping you may find that some generators have GFCI protection and others do not. What this tells you is that you may be able to use a generator without that protection.
There is a lot of discussion on this topic with many varied opinions covering the gamut of this topic. There is a Briggs & Stratton model that does come with a GFCI amp twist lock and breaker. It will blow the breaker if you do not break the ground neutral bond.
If you want a generator with this option, then it will be up to your preference. Your best bet is to take B & S’s advice and talk to an electrician to get the best answer.
How Many Amps Can You Get From a Generator?
This will depend on the design and power of the generator. it is said that a 1500 watt generator can produce up to 12 1/2 amps, while a 5500-watt generator can give you 45 amps.
Generators rated between 2200 and 3600 watts usually can give you up to 30 amps. The best way to find out how many amps the generator you want to buy will produce is to look at the owner’s manual. or you can ask the clerk.
The number of amps you will need will depend on what you are going to power with the generator. You do not always need a 30 amp unit if you are not powering just about everything in your vehicle or trailer.
Figure out what you want to power and then make your generator decision. You do not have to go with 30 amps if you do not need 30 amps. Talk to the experts at the store you like to shop at as they will be able to provide you with more information that will make your decision-making process a little simpler.
How To Get 50 Amps From a 30 Amp Generator
Not sure if this will work with a 30 amp generator or not but there are some devices out there called cheater adapters. These adapters plug into 2 30 amp outlets and produce up to 60 amps of power for you.
These adapters work better with campground shore power when there are 2 30 amp outlets available. However, they may not work if the campground’s power outlets are up to code. If not, they may work.
An alternative to that solution would be to buy 2 30 amp generators and parallel them. That will give you enough power to plug your 50 amp power cord into. Make sure the two generators are similar so you do not have compatibility issues.
Then, of course, you can always upgrade to a more powerful generator that provides you with 50 amps of power. The choice is going to be yours to make and you should do some more research on this issue.
If you go to the cheater adapter option make sure to have permission from the campground owners before plugging it in. it will save you a lot of embarrassment, etc.
Where To Find a 30 Amp Generator
These will not be hard to find. You should have no trouble finding several models wherever generators are sold. You may find some at RV parts and supplies stores, but those may be your most expensive options.
Home Improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes will have some on hand. How any depends on their shelf space. Other big-box stores like Walmart may have a few but their selection may be more limited than Home Depot’s.
Hardware stores and other electrical shops may be able to show you what they have. The key is to do a little searching on your computer before you go driving around. It will save you some time and money if you do.
Check the classified ads as used doesn't always mean bad.
Some Final Words
Finding the power you need through different generators may take some thinking. This situation is not always easy to solve when your generator is underpowered. The simplest solution would be to upgrade and move up to a more powerful generator.
It will solve your problem without you taking a lot of effort but it may cost you a lot more.
