30 AMP to 50 AMP Adapter

[JimG]

I think the 125/250 50A plug has three prongs, hot A, hot B, and neutral, the ground is a tab to the shell.

Yes, there a some with 3 prongs and a very important 4th ground blade connection at the shell.

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[tdschafer]

Jim,
What I was sayimg is that the boat is only going to draw 30 amps. I see Franks point that if there is a short somwhere more than 30 amps can be drawn and create a problem. But that scenario would be outside the boat yes? Doesn't the boat have it's own breakers that blow if you exceed 30 amps per leg? I am now getting a headache.....:smt101.
Todd

 

[JimG]

Jim,
What I was sayimg is that the boat is only going to draw 30 amps. I see Franks point that if there is a short somwhere more than 30 amps can be drawn and create a problem. But that scenario would be outside the boat yes? Doesn't the boat have it's own breakers that blow if you exceed 30 amps per leg? I am now getting a headache.....:smt101.
Todd

Yes the boat will have its own breaker, so the fault could occur anywhere from the line side of the boat breaker to the shore plug.

But as I posted earlier... it is common to use extension cords that are rated less than the source capability.

 

[Four Suns]

come on... the plugs in my house are on 15A circuits and none of the crap I plug into a plug could handle 15A. My cell phone charger would catch on fire with 5A.

The breaker on the boat protects the boat... if the cord between the boat and power pole has a spike that trips neither breaker and kills you, it was your time to die.

 

[JimG]

:smt038
edit: should have bet me that beer.....

But wait... I thought I did!!!! :smt001

 

[JimG]

come on... the plugs in my house are on 15A circuits and none of the crap I plug into a plug could handle 15A. My cell phone charger would catch on fire with 5A.

Your cell phone charger (and any other UL approved device)has internal protection.

Sorry OP... getting off topic.

 

[Four Suns]

My electric pencil sharpener from Harbor Frieght has no internal protection.

 

[boatmailster]

The problem is using 30 amp cable/plugs on 50 amp service. If a fault occurs, the 30 amp cable could melt down before the 50 amp breaker trips.

this one is listed 30 --> 50 not 50 -->30

 

[Brian77]

Your cell phone charger (and any other UL approved device)has internal protection.

Sorry OP... getting off topic.

lol No problem...this thread sure took on a life of its own. :grin:

In the end I purchased the adapter and I appreciate all of the advice. This is my first boat and this site has certainly been invaluable.

Thanks again everyone!

-Brian

 

[JimG]

this one is listed 30 --> 50 not 50 -->30

From the link: "Marine 30amp female to 50amp male adapter cord with locking ring for use when adapting from 30amp to Marine 50amp power."

I give up.... :smt021

 

[Four Suns]

My soldering iron doesn't have self protection.