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Old 07-28-2020, 04:59 PM   #1
Skoolie
 
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50 Amp Breaker Subpanel Help

Hello,

Thanks for reading my post.

I'm attempting to wire a 50 amp subpanel to my actual breakerbox from the inlet. Does anybody have any good diagrams on this? I'm 100% new.

I bought an extension cord that I'm going to strip to use as the 8(?) gauge wire from inlet to panel to panel.

I would like this shore power to charge my batteries, not just power a few outlets.

It's hard to find any kind of thorough tutorial online.

ANY help will be appreciated. Thanks.

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Old 07-28-2020, 05:02 PM   #2
Skoolie
 
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Also, Ive seen that the subpanel is wired to a breaker in the main panel.

Does this also power the main panel? Electricity can go either way?

Thanks
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Old 07-28-2020, 08:01 PM   #3
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It sounds like you have a 50 amp main panel in your bus and want to add a sub panel. What will your sub panel be powering? Will you need 240 volts at the sub panel or do you just need to add another power plug?

In normal RV usage power flows from the shore power panel at the camp ground and feeds your bus main panel. Any sub panels attach to breakers in the main panel and are fed from it. Except in very unusual circumstances sub panels don't feed main panels.

A more complete description of your electrical system would be helpful. With only 2 posts you can't post pictures yet. Pics can be posted at 5 posts.
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Old 07-28-2020, 10:33 PM   #4
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Roach,

Thanks for your reply.

My main panel will be 100 amps.

I'm unsure if this "subpanel" qualifies as a "subpanel" as it's essentially a 50 amp breaker. Here is the link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-50...BoClBAQAvD_BwE

My questions is how does this wire to the main panel?

Thanks
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Old 07-29-2020, 01:17 PM   #5
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Roach,

I have a 100 amp main panel. I’m not sure if this technically qualifies as a subpanel. Here’s what I’m talking about:

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Old 07-29-2020, 01:20 PM   #6
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Roach,

Thank you for your reply.

I have a 100amp main panel. The breaker going from the inlet to the main panel is called:

Square D 50-Amp 2-Pole Non-Fusible Enclosed Circuit Breaker Disconnect

I'm not sure how to link or attach images as my posts keep getting deleted.

Thanks
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Old 07-29-2020, 02:05 PM   #7
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You won't be able to post pics until you pass 5 posts. We'll get you there.

OK, below is a pic of your disconnect. It is normally wired downstream from a main panel to power an outside air conditioner or hot tub. The breaker protects the wiring and also provides a handy shutoff close to the appliance.

By "inlet" do you mean the exterior receptacle where your extension cord from shore power plugs in to power the bus?

I'm imagining your electrical system as something like this:

Shore power (SP) panel > 50 amp extension cord between the SP panel and the bus > the 50 amp disconnect > the bus 100 amp main panel > your bus appliances/receptacles.

You normally wouldn't need a disconnect between the SP panel and your main panel so I may be imagining the disconnect in the wrong position.

Once we've got a good idea of what you've got and what you're trying to accomplish we can try to answer your questions.
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Old 07-29-2020, 02:34 PM   #8
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Are you attempting to add on to an existing electrical system or are you starting from scratch?
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Old 07-29-2020, 03:08 PM   #9
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Starting from scratch.

To be clear, I misspoke. There will be no subpanel.

You are practically on the money.

Shore power (SP) panel > 50 amp extension cord > the 50 amp disconnect > the bus 100 amp main panel > your bus appliances/receptacles.
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Old 07-29-2020, 03:45 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dj2109 View Post
Starting from scratch.

To be clear, I misspoke. There will be no subpanel.

You are practically on the money.

Shore power (SP) panel > 50 amp extension cord > the 50 amp disconnect > the bus 100 amp main panel > your bus appliances/receptacles.
You can't have 50 amps from the shore connection going to the bus and have a 100 amp service on the bus. It can only be 50 amps. Putting a 100 amp breaker on the bus powered by a 50 amp breaker on the supply is asking for problems.
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Old 07-29-2020, 05:38 PM   #11
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Is there a way to have the shore power charge my batteries?
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Old 07-29-2020, 06:38 PM   #12
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Also, I was told that even though my breaker box is 100amp, my breakers can add up to more than 100amps. That is perfectly normal.
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Old 07-29-2020, 06:47 PM   #13
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Electrical addition to a bus is simple IF you know what you're doing.
I would seriously advise you to read as much as you can on here and on the interweb before you attempt any conversion.
Or simply hire an electrician to do the work.
50 Amp service is serious power that can easily ruin your day, your bus, or your and any others in close proximity to a faulty wired bus, lives!
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Old 07-29-2020, 07:06 PM   #14
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I've decided to scrap the idea and upgrade to an inverter/charger.

Thanks for everyone's help.
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Old 07-29-2020, 07:13 PM   #15
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You still need breaker panels even if you add a inverter/charger. Every conductor needs to be protected. I’ll second doing a lot of reading and study before proceeding.
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Old 07-30-2020, 11:18 AM   #16
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I’m definitely using a 100amp breaker for my AC electrical. Thanks for all the advice
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Old 08-05-2020, 06:01 PM   #17
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Look up the book PRACTICAL ELECTRICAL WIRING by Richter and Schwan. This book is written in easy to understand language. I built my career on this book.
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Old 08-06-2020, 01:55 AM   #18
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I really need a guide on how to use AGM batteries to power an AC/DC system. Any sources?
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Old 08-06-2020, 01:58 AM   #19
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Energy Unlimited covers that.
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