A 30-amp RV breaker trips when demand exceeds its safe limit, when an appliance malfunctions, or when the pedestal provides poor power. This guide explains the most common causes, shows you how to troubleshoot step by step, and outlines prevention tips so you can camp without constant resets.
Key Summary:
- A 30-amp RV breaker provides ~3,600 watts; exceed that and it shuts off power.
- Air conditioner plus electric water heater is the #1 overload combination.
- Aging breakers, failing A/C capacitors, or weak compressors often mimic overloads.
- Shorts, ground faults, or loose wires are serious safety issues and need repair.
- Low pedestal voltage or bad wiring can cause trips even under light load; an EMS can confirm this.
What Is a 30A RV Breaker?
A 30-amp breaker in your RV electrical panel is a safety switch that protects the wiring and appliances from too much current. At 120 volts, 30 amps equals roughly 3,600 watts of usable power. If you exceed that limit or if there’s a fault, the breaker trips to prevent overheating, fire, or equipment damage. Using a 50-to-30 adapter does not raise capacity; your RV is still limited to 30 amps.
Most Common Causes of a 30A Breaker Tripping
A 30-amp RV breaker usually trips because of an overloaded circuit, a failing appliance like the air conditioner, a wiring fault such as a short or ground fault, or problems with the campground pedestal.
Overloaded Circuit
The most frequent cause is simply using more than the 30 amps available. Appliances such as the air conditioner, microwave, and electric water heater can collectively draw over 3,600 watts. When too many run at once, the breaker trips to stop overheating.
Faulty or Weak Components
Sometimes the breaker itself or an appliance inside the RV is the problem. Breakers that have been tripped repeatedly can weaken over time. Likewise, an aging air conditioner with a failing capacitor or compressor can demand higher current, which forces the breaker open.
Electrical Faults
Short circuits and ground faults create sudden surges that the breaker detects as dangerous. A hot wire touching neutral or ground causes an immediate trip. Loose or corroded wiring inside the RV can also generate heat and arcing, which will flip the breaker.
Power Source Problems
Not every trip starts in the RV. A worn-out or miswired pedestal breaker at the campground can be the culprit. Low voltage from the pedestal is also common, especially in crowded parks, and makes your air conditioner work harder and draw more amps until the breaker cuts power.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide to fix Tripped 30A RV Breaker
To troubleshoot a tripped 30-amp RV breaker, start by shutting down appliances, resetting the breaker fully, and then adding loads back one at a time. Inspect your power cord and the campground pedestal, and if problems persist, test appliances or replace a weak breaker.
Step 1: Turn everything off before touching the breaker
Switch off or unplug major appliances like the A/C, microwave, and water heater. This prevents sparks or arcs when you reset.
Step 2: Reset the breaker correctly
Push the breaker handle fully to the OFF position first, then back ON. If you only push halfway, the contacts may not seat firmly, and the breaker can trip again.
Step 3: Add appliances one at a time
Turn on one large appliance, such as the A/C, and wait a few minutes. Add the microwave, water heater, or coffee maker separately. If the breaker trips when one device starts, that device or its circuit is suspect.
Step 4: Inspect the shore power cord and plug
Unplug from the pedestal and look at the plug blades for pitting, burning, or melting. Run your hand along the cord for soft spots, bulges, or fraying. Replace any damaged cord immediately.
Step 5: Check the pedestal outlet
Plug into another pedestal if available. If you only have one, try a 50-to-30 adapter so the RV draws through a different breaker. If the breaker holds here, the original 30-amp outlet is likely bad.
Step 6: Reduce loads by shifting to propane
If you need the A/C, run the water heater and fridge on propane instead of electric. Propane mode frees up capacity for cooling or cooking without tripping the breaker.
Step 7: Test with a soft start on the air conditioner
A soft-start module reduces the compressor’s inrush current by up to 70 percent, preventing that sharp spike from overwhelming the breaker. It is especially useful at hot campgrounds where low voltage and heavy loads combine.
Step 8: Use an Energy Management System (EMS)
An EMS plugs in between the pedestal and your RV. It checks voltage, polarity, grounding, and shuts down power automatically if something unsafe is detected. If the EMS trips first, the problem is at the pedestal.
Step 9: Replace the breaker if it still trips
If the breaker continues to trip on moderate loads and all other checks pass, the breaker itself may be weak. Replace it and check that all panel screws are torqued properly to stop arcing.
Quick Summary of Troubleshooting Table
| Cause | Symptom | What to Do |
| Overload | Trips when A/C + microwave run | Stagger use, run heater on propane, keep under ~3,600 W |
| Low voltage | A/C struggles, lights dim, hot plug | Use EMS, report to campground, move site if possible |
| Failing A/C parts | Trips mainly at compressor start | Replace capacitor, install soft start, service A/C |
| Miswired pedestal | Trips instantly or EMS error | Test with adapter or another pedestal, alert park |
| Short or ground fault | Immediate trip, burning smell | Stop using, call professional electrician |
| Weak breaker | Trips at normal loads | Replace breaker, check wiring connections |
How To Prevent 30A Breaker Trips
- Spread out appliance use so total draw stays below 30 amps.
- Install a surge protector or EMS to block unsafe pedestal power.
- Clean and service your A/C regularly, replacing capacitors before failure.
- Inspect your shore cord and plug every trip; replace if hot to the touch.
- Replace breakers that trip often or show signs of wear.
When To Call an RV Electrician
- Breaker trips even when only one appliance is running.
- You notice burning odors, smoke, or melted plastic.
- The breaker handle will not reset or feels loose.
- EMS flags consistent wiring faults at multiple sites.
Final Words
Tripping a 30-amp breaker is your RV’s way of protecting itself. Overloads are the most common cause, but weak breakers, aging A/C units, or poor pedestal wiring can all play a role.
Good load management—like staggering appliances and running some devices on propane—solves most issues quickly. Keeping your A/C maintained and adding a soft start lowers startup strain.
Finally, an EMS is the best defense against campground power problems. Combine these habits with timely breaker replacements, and you’ll keep your 30-amp RV setup running smoothly and safely.
Related FAQs
Can I run two A/C units on 30A?
No. A single 30-amp service rarely supports two A/Cs unless you use a load-shedding system.
Does a 50-to-30 adapter give more power?
No. The RV is still capped at 30 amps; the adapter only lets you use a different pedestal outlet.
How many watts does 30A provide?
About 3,600 watts total at 120 volts. Keep a buffer for startup surges.
Can a soft start stop breaker trips?
Yes, it lowers the A/C compressor’s startup surge, often preventing nuisance trips.
What does an EMS protect against?
It protects from low or high voltage, miswired pedestals, and open neutral or ground issues by cutting power before damage occurs.
Jack Rivers is a long-time RVer, a husband, and a dad who’s traveled solo and now with his family. He’s learned a lot from years on the road, sometimes the hard way. From quiet mornings parked by the woods to messy evenings with the kids and a busted heater, he’s been through it all. Miles writes to share the real stuff, the small wins, and the lessons that make RV life worth it, no matter who you’re traveling with.
