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How to Install a 30 Amp Breaker? – 7 Quick & Easy Steps

Writen by Tom Hank

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

how to install a 30 amp breaker

One of the things that an RV needs to operate well is a 30 amp breaker. However, wiring a breaker is never an easy thing to do. That’s why rig owners continue to wonder how to install a 30 amp breaker for their RV.

This article will show you the things you need to know about RVs and breaker boxes and how to install one in your rig. Continue reading to find out more.

Table of Contents

What You Will Need

wiring-a-30-amp-breaker

Before starting the process of wiring a 30 amp breaker, you should prepare some things first. Make sure to use this list below to see if you have everything you need before you hook up a 30 amp breaker to your camper.

  • Screwdriver Set
  • Cable Stripper
  • Power Drill
  • 1/8 inch Masonry Drill Bit
  • Craft Knife
  • Weatherproof Box with a deep lid and flip cover
  • Metal Junction Electrical Box
  • Felt-tip marker
  • TT-30R Outlet
  • 3/8 inch Wall Anchors
  • Type UF Cable
  • Voltage Meter
  • Size 8 Wood Screws

Safety Precautions

Adding 30 amp breaker to your rig is a lengthy process that can help your RV in many ways. However, it will involve all things electrical, so make sure you are familiar with your RV’s electrical circuit before starting. If you are unsure, get professional help to do all the work for you.

Another precautionary measure that you should take is to wear proper clothing. For example, wear gloves to protect your hand and safety shoes to protect against electrical grounds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

how-to-wire-a-30-amp-breaker

Now that you have prepared everything you’ll need for this process, it’s time to learn to install a 30 amp breaker for your RV. Read through each step since each one is crucial. Here is how to wire a 30 amp breaker for your RV without further ado.

Step 1: Choose a good location.

The first step in every installation process is to figure out where you should install the device, or in this case, the breaker. Pick a location that’s spacious and easy to reach, so electricians won’t have problems checking the breaker. Generally, there should be at least 30 inches of lateral space before a breaker panel.

Also, make sure the breaker won’t be exposed to water. Water can corrode cables, damage circuit breakers, and even cause fires.

If you do plan to install the breaker outside your RV, make sure that you use a weatherproof box.

Step 2: Attach the Boxes to your RV wall

The next step is to install the weatherproof box and the metal junction box. For the weatherproof box, it’s recommended to use eight screws to drill it into place. You need to make sure that the drill is fastened with 3/8 inch wall anchors and a ⅛ masonry drill bit.

Step 3: Turn off the main switch.

Next up, you need to make sure that there is no current by turning off the main switch on the breaker board. Double-check with a voltage meter for better assurance. Working on a breaker box with the electricity turned on can be very dangerous.

Step 4: Prepare the Wires

Locate the wire. Trim six inches from one of its ends and make sure that you don’t cut the three wires inside the insulation. Next, turn the separate wires to make firm copper pins, and trim them with a cable stripper. Select the correct hole for your wire gauge to ensure easier trimming.

The final output should look like a rope.

Step 5: Connect the Wires

We are almost done; we just need to connect the wires and secure the outlet.

Open the side of the breaker box, slip the red and black wires through it and carefully attach them. You should also take some caution in attaching the white wire to the neutral bus bar before screwing the dead front panel back. Use cable clips to secure cables in place. This will make your wires look organized and tidy.

Next, you need to slip the wire’s end through the waterproof box and the metal box inside. Finally, trim two inches from the casing using the craft knife or wire stripper. Note that a wire stripper will work better than a craft knife.

Step 6: Secure the TT-30R

To install the wires, you need to hold on to the TT-30R and tighten each terminal with its corresponding wire (black wire to black terminal, green wire to ground terminal, for example). The wires should not protrude from the holes.

Next, see to it that the TT-30R and all of the tabs inside the box are aligned. Finally, use the fasteners to secure everything in place.

Step 7: Finalize and make sure everything’s in place

The final step in this installation is to insert the camper’s main umbilical cord into the outlet. The weatherproof box that holds it all together should be tightly closed to ensure that the breaker is safe from any outside factors.

Tip: A metal box is better than a plastic box. Moreover, make sure you use caulk or sealant on the edges of outdoor electrical panels.

Once you’re done with all of the steps, make sure to properly store all of the tools that you used throughout the process.

Conclusion

Installing a 30 amp breaker may seem hard, especially for beginners, but this article should be enough to help RV owners figure out how to do so. Once you’re done with this article, you’ll have a working breaker box for your rig.

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