RV Cost Calculator RV Shore Power Load Calculator
Calculate your electrical load and prevent tripped breakers
How to Use This Calculator
Select your shore power service type (30A or 50A), then check the appliances you plan to run simultaneously. The calculator shows your total load and warns you before you overload the circuit. Remember: it's not about what's plugged in, but what's running at the same time!
Shore Power Service
Current Load
Quick Actions
Common Scenarios
High Draw Appliances
These appliances use the most power. Be careful running multiple simultaneously!
Medium Draw Appliances
Essential & Low Draw
Load by Category
💡 Power Management Tips
Avoid Peak Combinations
Don't run AC, microwave, and water heater simultaneously. Stagger high-draw appliances.
Use Propane When Possible
Run water heater, refrigerator, and cooking on propane to save shore power for AC and other electric-only appliances.
Watch the 80% Rule
Keep continuous loads below 80% of capacity. Breakers can trip even under the rated amperage if sustained.
Understanding RV Shore Power
What is Shore Power?
Shore power is the electrical connection from a campground pedestal to your RV. Most RVs use either 30 or 50 amp service at 120V AC, similar to household power but with different amperage limits.
Why Does My Breaker Trip?
Breakers trip when you exceed the amperage rating. This is a safety feature! Common culprits are running AC + microwave + coffee maker simultaneously, or forgetting the water heater is on electric mode.
30A vs 50A Service
30 amp service provides 3,600 watts (30A × 120V) on a single leg. 50 amp service provides 12,000 watts total (50A × 240V) but RVs typically use it as two 50A legs at 120V each, giving you 6,000W of usable 120V power.
Surge vs Running Watts
This calculator uses running watts. Many appliances (especially motors) have higher startup surge currents. If something doesn't start even when you're under capacity, this might be why.