Shore power cords connect your RV to the campground or marina electrical supply. Choosing between a 30 A and a 50 A cord is not just about length and color — the two systems use different plugs, different voltages, and different current capacity. Getting it wrong can damage appliances or trip the supply.
Shore Power Basics
A shore power cord carries power from a pedestal outlet into the RV’s electrical system. The “amp” rating describes how much current the system can deliver. A 30 A system supplies less total power than a 50 A system, which is why larger RVs with multiple air conditioners are usually wired for 50 A.
The 30 A System
A 30 A RV shore power connection typically uses a NEMA TT-30 plug rated for 120 V and 30 A, providing a single hot conductor. It is common on smaller and mid-size RVs and travel trailers, and it is the standard configuration for US-spec RV cables. A 30 A cord has three conductors: hot, neutral, and ground.
The 50 A System
A 50 A RV connection typically uses a NEMA 14-50 plug rated for 125/250 V and 50 A, providing two hot conductors, a neutral, and a ground. This effectively doubles the available power compared to a 30 A system, allowing multiple air conditioners and larger appliances to run at once. The cord is noticeably heavier and thicker.
Adapters and Safety Warnings
Adapters exist that let a 50 A RV plug into a 30 A pedestal, but they only reduce the available current — they do not add power. Plugging a 30 A cord into a 50 A outlet using an adapter requires care, because the RV’s 30 A breaker must still limit the load. Always inspect connectors for heat, corrosion, or melting, and never coil a cord tightly while under full load.
Choosing the Right Cord
Match the cord to your RV’s inlet and the pedestal you expect to encounter. Choose a cord rated for outdoor use with a weather-resistant jacket, and check that the plug type (TT-30 or 14-50) matches your inlet exactly. If you resell or distribute, specify the amperage, plug type, length, and certification for each destination market.
Stocking RV shore power cords? Browse our RV and shore power cord range, including marine shore power cords, available in 30A and 50A configurations, or request a quotation with your required plug types and lengths.
For North American campgrounds and marinas, our US-spec RV cords are available in 30A and 50A with the correct NEMA plugs.
