RV pedestal grounding.

[checkthisout]

Does an RV pedestal need to be setup as if it we're a subpanel in an outbuilding? There will 2 breakers at the pedestal 20 and 30 amp.

I know i need to feed 4 wires (MWB) with an EGC but do I also need ground rods at the pedestal?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Are you running 2 #12s and 2 #10s plus a #10 grnd? If so, then that wouldnt be a MWBC

 

[Aceman]

They do not require rods in our area for RV pedestals.

Best to check with your inspector.

 

[checkthisout]

Are you running 2 #12s and 2 #10s plus a #10 grnd? If so, then that wouldnt be a MWBC

No, 10-3 only. There are breakers (20 and 30 amp) in the pedestal.

Clarifying, running UF-B 10-3 to pedestal which as you know includes an EGC.

Considering running 8-3 for general principles.

 

[checkthisout]

They do not require rods in our area for RV pedestals.

Best to check with your inspector.

WA state. NEC 2020.

 

[sberry]

You should have 8. Rods wouldnt hurt. Look at it this way. If they are needed then you are covered, if not they are additional and suplemental.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No, 10-3 only. There are breakers (20 and 30 amp) in the pedestal.

Clarifying, running UF-B 10-3 to pedestal which as you know includes an EGC.

Considering running 8-3 for general principles.

your max load would be 30a then which would limit the outlets below their rated amperage if both are in use at the same time.

If you want to use both at the same time and plan on pulling more than 30a, you will need larger wire.

You should have 8. Rods wouldnt hurt. Look at it this way. If they are needed then you are covered, if not they are additional and supplemental.

#8 THWN. #8 UF-b would limit him to 40a...

 

[checkthisout]

your max load would be 30a then which would limit the outlets below their rated amperage if both are in use at the same time.

If you want to use both at the same time and plan on pulling more than 30a, you will need larger wire.



#8 THWN. #8 UF-b would limit him to 40a...

#10 is good for 30 amps yes? If I have a MWBC with a 30 amp breaker at the panel feeding the pedestal, I have two circuits with 30 amps @ 120V available.

One circuit will have a 30 amp rv plug and the other circuit has a 20 amp gfci plug.

Why wouldn't I have the full 30 and 20 amps available at the same time?

Do I not have 60 amps @ 120V or 30 amps @ 240 feeding the pedestal? 7200 watts?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

#10 is good for 30 amps yes? If I have a MWBC with a 30 amp breaker at the panel feeding the pedestal, I have two circuits with 30 amps @ 120V available.

One circuit will have a 30 amp rv plug and the other circuit has a 20 amp gfci plug.

Why wouldn't I have the full 30 and 20 amps available at the same time?

Do I not have 60 amps @ 120V or 30 amps @ 240 feeding the pedestal? 7200 watts?

Doh! I was thinking 240v not 120v. Disregard what i said.

 

[mike93lx]

Why not put rods in? They are cheap protection. Two rods and a short length of #6.

Not like what you are plugging in is cheap

 

[checkthisout]

Why not put rods in? They are cheap protection. Two rods and a short length of #6.

Not like what you are plugging in is cheap

So when we did my mobile home many years ago, the electrician put rods in at the service disconnect (in another building) and also put rods at the mobile.

Mobile homes do not get grounding rods (or at least did not at that time) at the mobile home's panel.

Having the rods at the mobile in addition to the rods that were already at the service was a code violation and it did not pass inspection. They could not be there redundantly. (in that inspectors eyes).

So, I wasn't sure about this situation either. I like the idea of having rods but don't want to get failed on the inspection.

Assuming I did have rods though, would you guys also bond the pedestal to the adjacent yard hydrant? I can't fathom any reason too but I am also not a sparky.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So when we did my mobile home many years ago, the electrician put rods in at the service disconnect (in another building) and also put rods at the mobile.

Mobile homes do not get grounding rods (or at least did not at that time) at the mobile home's panel.

Having the rods at the mobile in addition to the rods that were already at the service was a code violation and it did not pass inspection. They could not be there redundantly. (in that inspectors eyes).

So, I wasn't sure about this situation either. I like the idea of having rods but don't want to get failed on the inspection.

Assuming I did have rods though, would you guys also bond the pedestal to the adjacent yard hydrant? I can't fathom any reason too but I am also not a sparky.

nothing in the NEC about forbidding "redundant rods". either a local WRITTEN amendment or the inspector is full of it.

 

[dcg9381]

Does an RV pedestal need to be setup as if it we're a subpanel in an outbuilding? There will 2 breakers at the pedestal 20 and 30 amp.

I know i need to feed 4 wires (MWB) with an EGC but do I also need ground rods at the pedestal?

I haven't done "pedestals" - but I have done a number of RV setups on my property. I use Siemens "Talon" outdoor panels. They're about $150 (Amazon). They come with 50A (240v), 30A (120v), and GFCI 20A outlets. Includes breakers and I believe either 2 or 4 spare spaces.

You might be aware but, a "50A RV" will run just fine on a 30A 240V circuit in most cases.. The cases it won't - you're looking at some substantial rigs - 3ACs, maybe residential fridge with 2-3 ACs.

IE - you can treat these like a Talon setups like sub-panel, feedthem with a 30A breaker if you don't want to upgrade wire and they'll power up the rig you don't have yet as well as the rig you do have.