This spring I stopped at a campground where the voltage measured over 130 V. I asked the manager if this was a little high and he thought it was great to have this much line voltage. I disconnected for the night to be safe. Now We are planning a return trip back to Tx. which will bring us past this park. It is a nice park and convenient for us, but I am concerned about this factor. Should I be? Thanks, Norm
That is a little high. But, most 120 VAC equipment is designed to work on 120 +/- 10%. So the 130 is just under the 132 max for most equipment.
A trick to bring it down is to plug into the 30 amp outlet. Then, running, say an A/C or other thing will bring it down more than were you on 50 amp.
Usually the campground asks and gets the power company to boost the incoming voltage. The reason being that the wires they have installed are really maxed out. Probably were installed properly and then they added some sites and need to "push" the amps through with higher voltage. Many of those places see a drastic drop in voltage when the place is full and everybody has the ACs on. I'd watch it!
Time for another plug for Progressive Industries EMS HW50C or EMS PT50C and let it do the worrying for you. Great peace of mind with this protection.
Norm, what state was your high voltage campground in?
Barry- just had this happen to us at the Hershey TT! Suddenly an audible click- Nand no AC! Went to check the EMS- code showed HIGH VOLTAGE! 164 V! Entire section was affected. Power Co. was called in and things were back to normal in 2 hrs. Never got to find out cause of surge. Thank God for EMS! Appears to be OK. It could have been fried with that high a surge! But when elec. was re-established it switched back on ok. ED
Barry: N. Texas. on 287, Norm
Ed,
Very likely an open neutral. With no "reference" point (the neutral) with 50 amp service (two hots L1 and L2) voltage can drop way below and soar way above acceptable limits.
Norm, thanks for your campground with high voltage. Reason I asked we found similar situation in Ohio and wonder if it was the same campground...
We've had the same problem at Cave Country in Kentucky, but only at night (when load demands are much lower) - EMS cut the power.
Norm - if is wasn't Ole Town Cotton Gin in Goodlett (Quanah), we recommend that campground for overnighting between Amarillo and Wichita Falls.
Michelle: It was. Norm