FYI Example of bad Campground Wiring

[Rich-MLsRV]

I lost power today so we investigated the cause. After turning off the breaker at the main panel and then opening up the pedestal here’s what we found. Unbelievable someone would use stranded wire to connect to a 30Amp breaker. Makes you wonder how many other pedestals in the campground are incorrectly wired. I told them they need to open up every pedestal.

 

[John&Andrea]

Wow! We never know what’s out there.

 

[GTS225]

WOW! If that's 12 gauge, it's WAY under-wired. For the length of run, it probably shouldn't be less than 8 gauge, and that would be marginal for the 50 amp load.
Whoever laid out that wiring when the park was built, doesn't know about being an electrician.

Roger

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Have no idea how long the run is. 10 awg Is for 30 amps , larger for runs longer than the standard tables.

Stranded? Well if you were in California, you wouldn't find anything else! (California code) nothing wrong with stranded, especially where flexing is common.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I told them they need to open up every pedestal.
View attachment 24014

I bet they will jump right on that! Not.

 

[Piros1]

Not sure of wire size but appears to be of insufficient size. #12-20 amp, #10-30 amp, #8-40 amp, #6-60 amp. You mentioned it to be a 30 amp pedestal so #10 is sufficient provided it isn’t to for from the source. Length of wire run from primary source to point of use can effect wire size needed.
As for as stranded versus solid wire there is nothing wrong with stranded wire it is the most commonly used wire when pulled through conduit. Rarely do you see solid wire used commercially anymore. Failure as you have there typically are from improper installation and or maintenance. If not properly torqued when installed the wire will become lose, overheat, and burn back. Another cause of this is when the spring tension of the receptacles clamping force on the plug creating heat. Over time I have seen many terminals become lose due to vibration, movement, heat, and expansion and contraction as well.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Not sure of your relationship with Campground management but don't imagine they will be happy with you disassembling the power box.