Shore Power Cord vs. RV Cord

[Blc7]

I have a simple question to which I've been unable to find an answer: A friend just gave me a 50 amp power cord from his RV which he no longer has. Will this work for my shore power for my boat? Do I have to have a special marine shore power cord?

Thanks!

[Cheechako]

Does it have the right end connectors? Are they water resistant?

[ranger58sb]

Depends on the cord and your boat. If it's 50-amp/125v and your boat is 50-amp/240v... prob'ly not. If both match... depends on whether it's water resistant, etc...

-Chris

[skipmac]

You will probably have to change at least one if not both plugs. There are three possible plugs you will find on a marina dock in the US, 125V 30 amp, 125V 50 amp, or 125/250V 50 amp. Each one is a little different. You can see diagrams of each on page 5 at this link http://www.marinco.com/files/media/g...#39;sGuide.pdf

The 125V 30 amp and 125/250V 50 amp are by far the most common. The 125V 50 amp is becoming rare.

You can buy plugs from any marine store and change over the cord if it's a good cord, heavy gauge, etc. Will need 3 wires for the 125V and 4 wires for the 250V plug.

[Blc7]

Thanks, everyone. I have no idea if it is water resistant.?? I think so. But, I saw that the receptacle on the dock end of the cord is different. The one on the boat end is the same. I don't think I'll risk it.

[powercordman]

Typically with these cords, "water resistant would be whether it has locking rings and a protective boot over the ends with it.

You will notice the RV cord uses a "Straight Blade," 50Amp called a NEMA14-50 configuration. The Marine styles will use something with locking ends on both sides. Similar to cords like this: Shore Power Cord - 50 Amp Power Cord

The boat end is normally the same. But the pedestal side will change with the two.