How to Wire a 50 AMP RV Plug: A Step-by-Step Guide

VOLTAGE TESTER

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Chances are, if you’re looking into how to write a 50 amp RV plug, you need more power for heavy duty appliances and other equipment.

Setting up a 50 amp RV plug offers similar power capability to your average residential home in that you can plug in larger appliances, namely things like a fridge or AC. 

Read on to find out how to wire a 50 amp RV plug, but take note that any electrical work is best done by a professional.

If you’re dead-set on wiring this yourself, just make sure to take the proper precautions for safety sake (we cover some of those precautions below).

Note: To complete installation, you’ll need several tools and pieces of equipment. We’ve provided recommendations where necessary along with a link to the product. 

How to Wire a 50 Amp RV Plug: 5 Steps

Before we get to the steps, start by finding an ideal spot to install the RV receptacle (if you’re new to this, that’s the item that is installed into the wall that plugs plug into). 

Generally, a set of instructions with ideal installation locations should be included in your receptacle’s instruction booklet. 

1. Turn off all power

Once you’ve found a suitable location, make sure to shut off power. The main breaker panel should be turned off as well as the circuit you’re using.

In addition, make sure to get a voltage tester to verify before wiring that there is no electricity running where you’re installing the plug. 

VOLTAGE TESTER

2. Mount and install your RV receptacle

You’ll start by mounting and installing the RV receptacle. 

In no particular order:

  • Connect the red and black wires– also called hot wires– to the brass terminal screws
  • Then connect the green ground wire to the matching green terminal screw
  • Lastly, connect the white neutral wire to the silver terminal screw

With that, your receptacle is ready to go.

3. Install your circuit breaker

Next, let’s set up your circuit breaker. This is necessary for protecting anything you plug into your new receptacle from overloading.

First, head back to your breaker panel and install a 50 amp double-pole circuit breaker to the panel. 

50 amp double pole circuit breaker

To do that, run the same instructions as the RV receptacle:

  • Connect the black and red hot wires to the circuit breaker terminals
  • As well as the green write to the grounding bar
  • And the white wire to the neutral bar

4. Connect your electrical wire to the circuit breaker and receptacle

Third, you’ll need to get an electrical wire with the proper gauge. We’ve provided a few examples, but if you’re unsure it’s generally safe to get the 6/3 gauge wire:

6 3 or 8 3 gauge electrical wire

Connect the wire from the circuit breaker you just installed to the RV receptacle you installed in step one.

5. Test your new plug

Now that everything is set up, turn the power back on and use that voltage tester you got to ensure that voltage is running at the receptacle you installed in step one. 

Once you’ve tested that, test the outlets themselves by plugging something in and ensuring the outlet works properly.

Once you’ve confirmed that, you’re safe to secure the RV receptacle into the wall (or wherever you’ve installed it) with its cover.

What Size Cable Should You Use for a 50 Amp RV Plug?

A 50 amp RV plug should be 6 AWG copper, 4 AWG aluminum.

How Many Volts Is a 50 Amp RV Plug?

If you’re dipping into electrical DIY for the first time, the difference between amps and volts might be confusing. 

A 50 amp RV plug usually generates 220 – 240 volts of electricity, making it similar to a residential house’s 220 – 240 volt circuit. 

However, RV electrical systems are different from residential ones and don’t quite operate the same.

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