RV Pad Electrical: Complete Wiring Guide
Bill of materials
A permanent RV pad needs a power pedestal with GFCI protection, the correct receptacle types, and underground conduit from your panel. The 30A hookup uses a TT-30R receptacle (not NEMA 14-30R - they look similar but are different). The 50A uses a NEMA 14-50R. Many owners install both for flexibility.
RV receptacles are outdoor and require GFCI and weatherproof in-use covers. TT-30R is a 3-prong 120V receptacle - do not confuse with NEMA 14-30R (4-prong 240V dryer outlet). For long-term guests consider a separate meter base.
30A RV hookup (TT-30R)
| Component | Specification | NEC basis |
|---|---|---|
| Wire (copper) | 10 AWG THHN | Table 310.16, 110.14(C) |
| Wire (aluminum alt.) | 8 AWG THHN | Table 310.16, 110.14(C) |
| Breaker | 30A double-pole | 240.4 |
| Voltage | 120V single-phase | |
| Conduit (EMT) | 1/2" EMT | Chapter 9 Table 4 |
| GFCI | Required (GFCI breaker or device) | 210.8(A) |
| Max distance (3% VD) | 60 ft at 120V copper | 210.19(A) Note 4 |
50A RV hookup (14-50R)
| Component | Specification | NEC basis |
|---|---|---|
| Wire (copper) | 6 AWG THHN | Table 310.16, 110.14(C) |
| Wire (aluminum alt.) | 4 AWG THHN | Table 310.16, 110.14(C) |
| Breaker | 50A double-pole | 240.4 |
| Voltage | 240V single-phase | |
| Conduit (EMT) | 3/4" EMT | Chapter 9 Table 4 |
| GFCI | Required (GFCI breaker or device) | 210.8(A) |
| Max distance (3% VD) | 182 ft at 240V copper | 210.19(A) Note 4 |
Installation notes
This project requires GFCI protection per NEC 210.8(A). The simplest approach is a GFCI breaker at the panel, which protects the entire circuit. For 240V circuits, use a 2-pole GFCI breaker sized to match the circuit. GFCI breakers cost $40-80 depending on amperage.
Standard 120V circuits use NM-B cable with 10/2 cable (hot, neutral, ground). For conduit runs, pull individual 10 AWG THHN conductors. All connections must be made in accessible junction boxes.
Run length matters: every foot of wire adds voltage drop, reducing power to your equipment. The table below shows the exact voltage drop at common distances. If your run exceeds the 3% threshold, upsize one gauge.
Voltage drop by distance
Percentage voltage drop at common run lengths. NEC recommends 3% maximum for branch circuits and 5% for combined feeder plus branch.
| Distance | 10 AWG Co | 8 AWG Al | 8 AWG Co |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 ft | 1.2% | 1.3% | 0.8% |
| 50 ft | 2.5% | 2.6% | 1.6% |
| 75 ft | 3.7% | 3.8% | 2.3% |
| 100 ft | 5.0% | 5.1% | 3.1% |
| 150 ft | 7.4% | 7.7% | 4.7% |
| 200 ft | 9.9% | 10.2% | 6.2% |
Common products for 10 AWG Copper circuits
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related wire data
Detailed ampacity: 10 AWG copper, 8 AWG aluminum. Wire size lookup: 30A circuit. Calculators: voltage drop · panel load calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What wire size do I need for rv pad electrical?
Use 10 AWG copper or 8 AWG aluminum on a 30A breaker at 120V. This is based on NEC 2023 Table 310.16 ampacity with 110.14(C) termination limits and 125% continuous load sizing per 210.19(A)(1).
Does rv pad electrical require GFCI?
Yes. GFCI protection is required per NEC 210.8(A).
NEC 2023 references verified April 2026