Extension cord

[Kevin D Pem]

…unless the breaker is bad

Time to dispel any myths about breakers! These reset_able fuses will only fail fully on if they are not rated for the voltage applied. (For another thread)
We know that a fuse will blow when you demand more power than the fuse wire can handle. Open is failed.
Breakers use the same scheme. But rather than the element burning up it heats up a low melting point substance, like wax, that releases the mechanism that breaks the circuit. Resetting the cog with the breaker lever reastablishes the contacts(the reason you have to fully turn off the breaker when you reset it).
The melting point of the "wax" will never change, nor will the resistance of the heater. Any change will result in a Open at a lower amperage, never a higher amperage. One more thing! The heater is in series, therefore if the heater burns out the current will not flow in the circuit.

Hope that helps calm your nerves a little!

 

[Rich W.]

Time to dispel any myths about breakers! These reset_able fuses will only fail fully on if they are not rated for the voltage applied. (For another thread)
We know that a fuse will blow when you demand more power than the fuse wire can handle. Open is failed.
Breakers use the same scheme. But rather than the element burning up it heats up a low melting point substance, like wax, that releases the mechanism that breaks the circuit. Resetting the cog with the breaker lever reastablishes the contacts(the reason you have to fully turn off the breaker when you reset it).
The melting point of the "wax" will never change, nor will the resistance of the heater. Any change will result in a Open at a lower amperage, never a higher amperage. One more thing! The heater is in series, therefore if the heater burns out the current will not flow in the circuit.

Hope that helps calm your nerves a little!

All things mechanical can fail and all things built can be built incorrectly. Your comments are for the most part correct, however there are still many Zinsco and Federal Pacific breakers in use (pre 1990 or so) that can fail to trip causing a fire. Blind faith in manufacturers and regulatory agencies is not a good policy. “Best practices” are more likely to ensure desirable outcomes.

In this case that means not overloading a circuit in your home rather than relying on the breaker to do your diagnostics for you. Ever seen (ok felt) a hot breaker or noticed burnt insulation on the house side of a breaker? Having been in the fire service for over 45 years, and having been an investigator for a couple of those decades, I’ve seen the unfortunate and too often tragic result of the converse too many times. Just sayin….

 

[Rich W.]

Thanks everyone , that’s what I needed to know going to get a 30 amp put in at the house.

The OP is taking the correct approach. Find or establish an open slot in the panel, install a 30 amp breaker, determine the correct wire size for the load and length of run, and install a correct 30amp outlet. Then you can be as worry free as possible. I installed the panel below on a 50 amp breaker using 40’ of 6 ga. copper wire. For a 30amp service you can go up to 50’ on 10 ga. or up to 80 on 8 ga.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Wow What a rabbit hole!
By design all circuits are overloaded! In the RV, in the house, in the neighborhood, in the state, in any country!!!

Need proof? Add up the values of the breakers in your load center, and compare to the main breaker (or service rating if you want). Then multiply each breaker plus the number of outlets, by rating and lights on each breaker.
(For the record: The breakers you referred to are existing art. Not to be installed in new installations. If this has caused any fear amongst you all! If your house is pre 2000 check your breakers to see if they were discontinued due to safety issues, that information is not hard to find. )now to continue:

All houses would have a minimum of 500 amp service if your advice was taken seriously. The cables on the power poles would require towers, all houses would have their own transformer. Much could be said, because all outlets would have their own breakers and runs. But reason explains the workings of things, and offers a sensible option without fear mongering!

 

[Rich W.]

Wow What a rabbit hole!
By design all circuits are overloaded! In the RV, in the house, in the neighborhood, in the state, in any country!!!

Need proof? Add up the values of the breakers in your load center, and compare to the main breaker (or service rating if you want). Then multiply each breaker plus the number of outlets, by rating and lights on each breaker.
(For the record: The breakers you referred to are existing art. Not to be installed in new installations. If this has caused any fear amongst you all! If your house is pre 2000 check your breakers to see if they were discontinued due to safety issues, that information is not hard to find. )now to continue:

All houses would have a minimum of 500 amp service if your advice was taken seriously. The cables on the power poles would require towers, all houses would have their own transformer. Much could be said, because all outlets would have their own breakers and runs. But reason explains the workings of things, and offers a sensible option without fear mongering!

True enough but when its a electricity or propane or some other safety issue I err on the side of caution, especially when giving advice to someone with unknown qualifications. Do it right (per code) and you have done your best. My perspective is from a lifetime in public safety so if that puts me down a “rabbit hole” I can live with it. Beats the alternative.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

True enough but when its a electricity or propane or some other safety issue I err on the side of caution, especially when giving advice to someone with unknown qualifications. Do it right (per code) and you have done your best.

I did say in the mean time. That implies temporary.

 

[Rich W.]

I did say in the mean time. That implies temporary.

I don’t always catch the finer points.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I don’t always catch the finer points.

No problem. I just worry that our discussions might effect someone's sleep, and I know that isn't the plan

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Y’all need to stop comparing penis size.
No one gives a damn…

A 30A camper does NOT require 30 amps to run any particular appliance, system, or light.
A little common sense and possibly an error or two will let the OP know what he can run off his 15-20A circuit.
Stop with all the theory and bad breakers, extension cord size, etc.

 

[EdMathis]

Wow didn’t realize this is such an vast subject. I appreciate all of y’all’s help and this was very informative. I am getting my electrician to install a 30 amp receptacle soon.
I am not too savvy with AC current I am better with the DC side. Thank you all for the help , this is one of the reasons I joined the forum. The wealth of knowledge in here is invaluable.
Eddie