What Size Wire Do I Need for an RV Pedestal? A Simple Guide

So, you’re setting up an RV pedestal, and you’re wondering, what size wire do I need? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will break it down in a way that makes sense, even if you’ve never worked with electrical wiring before.

First, What’s an RV Pedestal?

An RV pedestal is basically an outdoor electrical box that provides power to your RV. It’s like the electrical outlet in your house, but built to handle the bigger energy needs of an RV. These pedestals usually come with 30-amp or 50-amp outlets, or sometimes both.

Understanding Wire Size

When we talk about wire size, we’re referring to the thickness of the wire, which is measured in AWG (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the number, the thicker the wire. Thick wires can carry more electricity safely, while thin wires can overheat if they’re carrying too much power.

Why Wire Size Matters

Using the wrong wire size is a big deal! If the wire is too small for the amount of power you’re pulling, it can overheat, melt, or even start a fire. Not good! That’s why we follow proper electrical codes to make sure everything is safe.

Choosing the Right Wire Size

The wire size depends on how many amps (A) your pedestal will provide and how far the wire will run from the breaker panel to the pedestal. Here’s a simple breakdown: