Shore power
Shore power refers to the electricity supply available to an RV from an external power source, like a power company, especially when parked at a campground. In the United States, the basic electrical service provided at campgrounds typically includes a minimum standard 120-volt AC outlet with 15–20 amperes, suitable for small appliances and charging batteries.
Many newer campgrounds in the U.S. offer three types of outlets in their electrical hookup boxes:
- A two-prong with ground 120-volt AC outlet at 20 amperes.
- A three-prong RV-specific 120-volt AC outlet at 30 amperes.
- A four-prong RV-specific 120/240-volt AC outlet at 50 amperes, which can simultaneously power 120-volt and larger 240-volt loads.
RV supply stores provide various plug converters to switch between these different types of plugs. However, it’s important to use caution with electricity, as incorrect wiring can be dangerous. Simple converters from reputable suppliers are generally safe, but more complex adapters, like those that allow plugging into two 30-ampere circuits to get 60 amperes for a 50-ampere RV, can be risky and potentially damage the campground’s equipment or your RV equipment.
For safety, RV operators who have a warning system for connected shore power should always lay out and connect their power cord first, arranging water and sewer lines to cross the power cord. This ensures that a warning is given unless all three connections (power, water, and sewer) are properly disconnected before driving off.
The term “shore power” originates from the boating industry and navy, indicating a power supply while docked, but in the RV context, it’s about electrical connections, not water (provided all pipe connections are secure).