Shore power

Shore power refers to plugging the RV directly into an external electrical source, most often a campground pedestal, rather than running off batteries or a generator. Most RVs use either a 30-amp or 50-amp shore power connection, and the two are not interchangeable without an adapter.

A 30-amp connection provides a single 120V circuit and limits how much you can run at once, typically one air conditioner plus a few smaller appliances before tripping the breaker. A 50-amp connection provides two separate 120V legs, giving considerably more capacity for running multiple air conditioners and appliances simultaneously.

The most common issue at shore power hookups is not the amperage itself but pedestal wiring problems, voltage swings, or aging campground infrastructure, which is why most experienced owners connect through a surge protector or EMS device every time rather than plugging in directly. Adapters that step a 50-amp cord down to a 30-amp pedestal, or the reverse, are common gear to carry since not every site matches your RV's factory connection.