How do RV Electrical Systems Work?
Every RVer need to know how do RV Electrical system work. When you have electricity in your RV, you can run electronics and appliances like a coffee maker, microwave, and dryer.
These appliances are extremely beneficial when you spend most of your time on the road or camping. When you use an RV, you get all the outdoorsy fun of camping without the discomfort of going without electricity.
If you own an RV, the best way to take great care of your electrical system is to learn everything you can about how it works. This Knowledge will help you if anything goes wrong or gets confusing so you’ll know how to remedy the situation.
Please continue reading to learn everything you need to know about how RV electrical systems work. Throughout this guide, we will discuss adapters, appliances, and types of power.
How an RV Electrical System Works
You don’t need to be an electrician to learn more about your RV’s power supply. Many RV owners learn about their power supply through trial and error, but you’ll save more money if you teach yourself before things go wrong.
People have trouble learning about the RV electrical system because RVs use AC and DC components.
DC connection is a one-way power current; AC connection is a two-way power current. Your RV runs off both these currents, but your home only runs on AC.
Understanding Voltage in an RV Electrical System
To make all the appliances work in your RV, you need to connect your RV to 120 volts of power. Some appliances can run on a lower voltage, but if you want maximum power efficiency, then 120 volts is the answer.
Connecting your RV to an insufficient power supply can cause lasting damage to the appliances and RV’s electrical system.
Your RV runs on three electrical systems: 12 volts, 120 volts, or a 12 Volt system using the RV battery. If you want to run every appliance in your RV, then 120 volts is the best way to accomplish this goal.
However, you can use fewer volts if you only want to run a coffee maker or charge your phone.
How Much Voltage You Need To Run RV Appliances
It’s important to recognize which appliances in your RV consume the most electricity. This situation makes it possible for you not to worry about burning out your appliances by supplying insufficient power.
RV Lighting Fixtures
The lighting fixtures in your RV consume at least power, so you can get away with smaller power supplies to run lights. This is fantastic news if you have a limited amount of electricity but need light.
For instance, if you only have a 30AMP power cord, you can get away with running your lights without damaging them.
RV Small Appliances
Small appliances in your RV consume the most power, so you need to bear that in mind when you’re on the road.
For example, this would not be the best idea if you have an insufficient power supply but want to run your dryer. Running your dryer without enough electricity can cause permanent damage to the appliance and damage the electrical wiring throughout your RV.
Components of an RV Electrical System
Several factors make up your RV’s electrical system that you should understand. You’re prepared to run into trouble when you understand the different components of your RV’s electrical system.
Unfortunately, power supplies aren’t always perfect, especially when camping, so it would be best to prepare yourself for bad situations.
Converters and Inverters
It would help if you had power converters to change the DC power to AC power in your RV. Without this conversion process, you’ll have no way to use the power available at the campsite.
So, you’ll need to purchase converters to bring with you on the road if a campsite doesn’t provide a compatible outlet for your RV.
Shore Power and Site Hookups
The most common way RV owners provide power to their RVs is through shore power available at campsites. This power can help you run your RV’s appliances so that you never have to go a day without washing your clothes or enjoying a cup of coffee.
Solar Energy
One of the main reasons people enjoy using solar power is because it’s the most environmentally safe method to provide electricity to their RVs.
Solar power works when people put solar panels on their RV that harness the sun’s rays and convert them into energy.
This method is a great way for people to ensure they always have power because sunlight is readily available anywhere.
RV Electrical System Cautions To Take
When you own an RV, you must take plenty of safety precautions to ensure you don’t destroy your RV’s electricity system. If you need to correct the power source of your electronics, you’ll need to shut off Your power supply before unplugging devices.
Otherwise, you could encounter a large electrical current that can hurt you and your devices.
If you’re nervous about performing electrical work, you should hire an electrician to get the job done. Otherwise, you could put yourself at risk for serious injury when you connect and disconnect cables.
Another way to exercise safety procedures when you own an RV is only to plug in necessary appliances during use.
If you don’t have sufficient power to run certain appliances, it would be best to go without them so that you don’t ruin those devices. Attempting to run these devices without having enough power is the best way to destroy them.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how your RV’s electrical system works, you’re free to choose the best electrical supplies that suit your needs.
For instance, if you feel comfortable using shore power for your RV, you must purchase the proper adapters, so you don’t encounter a power surge.
Alternatively, if you prefer using solar energy, you’ll have access to electricity wherever you go.
If you feel uncomfortable hooking your RV up to the power supply you need, you should contact an electrician to keep yourself safe. Once you hook up your electrical supplies properly, you’re free to enjoy a safe trip in your RV.
