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 single-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
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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. The equipment nameplate or installation manual sets the minimum circuit ampacity and maximum breaker; follow it where it differs.
Does rv pad electrical require GFCI?
Yes. GFCI protection is required per NEC 210.8(A).
NEC 2023 references verified February 2026