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Topic ClosedSpark when connecting to home outlet
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Spark when connecting to home outlet
    Posted: 15 Dec 2016 at 2:22pm
Originally posted by TheBum

The house is brick veneer, so attempting to run wiring to the front of the house and out would also be a major chore.

How about across in the attic crawl space to a front corner, down the outside corner in conduit where the vertical will not be noticed, paint the conduit a matching color. Where there's a will there's a way. Approve
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Dec 2016 at 2:04pm
I wish I could run a 30A receptacle where it could reach our 179 when parked at home. Our driveway adjoins a common alley and there are many backyard fences to deal with, so maneuvering it into the driveway would be a major chore. As a result, we always leave it parked at the street curb when it's not in its offsite storage unit. The house is brick veneer, so attempting to run wiring to the front of the house and out would also be a major chore.
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 9:56pm
Most circuit breakers should never be used as a "switch" as they are not designed for switch service.  Constantly flipping the breaker will cause it to weaken and fail prematurely.  

 If you desire to use it as such it should be, or be replaced with, a circuit breaker labeled "SWD" or "HID" as these are rated to handle switching service.  
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 8:38pm
I learned from my military days in the 70s, hook power up with everything off and then apply power. To me it is as simple as you don't turn your blender on in the kitchen, then plug it in. It will spark. I do it by process, I do have the campground CB off until I'm ready to start the power up process, no sparks to date.
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Posts: 70 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 7:41pm
Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by TheBum

Originally posted by furpod

Wouldn't hurt a thing to shut off the main (30A) breaker in the pod when plugging in/unplugging. Then turn it back on once connection is made.



That really just transfers the spark to the breaker. I suspect the plug would tolerate more connections and disconnections than a breaker will. Breakers are not designed to be switched often.


Do you not shut off the breaker at the pedestal every time you hook up at a campsite?


I do shut off the breaker at the pedestal every time I hook up at a campsite, my issue is at home where I don't have convenient access to the breaker serving my garage outlet. Doesn't look like much of an issue given the posts here? I may just suffer the trip to and from the panel to be safe. I'll be putting in a 30A connection outside my garage this spring which will have a breaker like in the campgrounds.

Looks like the question sparked a good discussion, this is what I appreciate most about this forum. I always get a lot out of this forum, best forum I've been on for any topic, campers, smokers, computers, etc.

Thanks everybody.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 2:49pm
Originally posted by GLBCamper

I noticed the same thing when I plugged into 110v with dogbone adapter and my Progressive Industries surge protector, so I contacted Progressive to ask them and they told me to ALWAYS flip the breaker at the house panel when making electrical connections or it could void my surge protector warranty if I don't. 


I detect the BS flag waving...............and/or a well paid lawyer.
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GLBCamper View Drop Down
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Posts: 274 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 2:23pm
I noticed the same thing when I plugged into 110v with dogbone adapter and my Progressive Industries surge protector, so I contacted Progressive to ask them and they told me to ALWAYS flip the breaker at the house panel when making electrical connections or it could void my surge protector warranty if I don't. 

Luckily, the outlet I use is right next to my breaker panel, but I'd say it's worth the time even if it's a distance.

FYI, I have since installed a 30amp outlet next to my breaker panel and it was well worth the $40 in parts. It's a pretty easy job, just google for YouTube diy videos. It's easier because now it's on a dedicated breaker and I'm not shutting off other things in my garage every time I flip the switch.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:51pm
Originally posted by furpod


Do you not shut off the breaker at the pedestal every time you hook up at a campsite?

I don't do that but I do turn off the WH to save the timed relay contacts in my SurgeGuard.
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:46pm
Originally posted by TheBum

Originally posted by furpod

Wouldn't hurt a thing to shut off the main (30A) breaker in the pod when plugging in/unplugging. Then turn it back on once connection is made.



That really just transfers the spark to the breaker. I suspect the plug would tolerate more connections and disconnections than a breaker will. Breakers are not designed to be switched often.


Do you not shut off the breaker at the pedestal every time you hook up at a campsite?
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:39pm
Originally posted by furpod

Wouldn't hurt a thing to shut off the main (30A) breaker in the pod when plugging in/unplugging. Then turn it back on once connection is made.



That really just transfers the spark to the breaker. I suspect the plug would tolerate more connections and disconnections than a breaker will. Breakers are not designed to be switched often.
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