You’ve probably already plugged your RV into 3-phase power at a campground and didn’t know it…
Everyone,
I found this great basics video on how and why 3-phase AC is used to distribute electrical power around the world. Yes, there’s different voltages and frequencies used in various countries, but the principals are still the same.
Why you should know this
Campgrounds have been allowed to distribute 3-phase, 208/120-volt power to pedestals for at least the last two code cycles (6 or more years). And it will measure differently at a pedestal compared to split-phase 240/120-volt power. Note that a split-phase service will measure 240-volts leg-to-leg, while a 3-phase service will measure 208-volts leg-to-leg.
If the pedestals are wired properly, then it shouldn’t affect the operation of RVs at all. But there’s a number of miswiring dangers that can happen in 3-phase campground power if the staff installing the pedestals doesn’t understand it. More and more new campgrounds are being designed and built with 3-phase power. And that’s why I’m creating a training program covering 3-phase pedestal installation and testing for campground maintenance staff.
First things first…
Here’s a great video showing the basics of how 3-phase power works. I’m working on my own in-depth video of 3-phase power for campgrounds which I should be able to release this summer. But watch this first and add your comments and questions below.
Let’s play safe out there… Mike
