Use the 240V outlet for standard household plug in's?

[Hendog]

I can not find definitive answers to save my life

I have seen extension cords that have the L14 30 connection on one end that splits out to 4 "standard" plugs on the other end. Is this beneficial to use? Safe? Will it allow the use of both circuits and maximize the 7.2KW? (Each 120v plug says max of 2.4kw). I know the 240 pulls from both to max it out.

My use is not an RV. I would be simply running into the house in order to power off it in the event of an outage. If works, seems easiest to do in this application because using both circuits and the full 7.2kw?

Appreciate thoughts though. Electricity is not something I want to guess at!

Thank you in advance!

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[WRS]

Should work fine, the assumption is 2Ea plugs going to each leg of the 240V. You could test it with a blow dryer on each outlet and see what pro power screen shows.

 

[imnuts]

Since a standard house receptacle is only rated for 20A, you should still be limited to that. Anything higher risks a fire hazard. The benefit is that you could get 40A total inside the house with 1 cord as opposed to 2 using the 120V receptacles.

 

[Hendog]

Thanks I was hoping the benefit to be I can maximize the 7.2 with one plug pulling from both A & B. It's not a real biggie, I can run regular cords. Just seeing if a better, more effective way is all. thanks guys!

 

[WRS]

Thanks I was hoping the benefit to be I can maximize the 7.2 with one plug pulling from both A & B. It's not a real biggie, I can run regular cords. Just seeing if a better, more effective way is all. thanks guys!

I think that is a good option for running 4 individual 110v cords to directly plug in a freezer and refrig split between both legs and have others for a tv or chargers etc. There are threads on here hundreds of posts long on tying in 240V directly with a multitude of thoughts and direction. This setup would be a quick solution for power to critical appliances for a short time.

 

[JEB]

Should work fine, the assumption is 2Ea plugs going to each leg of the 240V. You could test it with a blow dryer on each outlet and see what pro power screen shows.

That would be an assumption only. I have used three different adapters that plugged into the 240v socket and all of them tapped into only one circuit to get 120V. The adapters then split that one circuit among the output sockets. So, be careful with that assumption. I have yet to find an adapter that actually did what you suggested—tap into both circuits simultaneously and create two 3600 watt outputs at 120V. Even the test TFL did where they hooked up two RVs to the Powerboost used an adapter that was actually just a splitter that tapped into only one of the truck’s circuits. So, they were just dividing 3600 watts among two trailers.

 

[Hendog]

That would be an assumption only. I have used three different adapters that plugged into the 240v socket and all of them tapped into only one circuit to get 120V. The adapters then split that one circuit among the output sockets. So, be careful with that assumption. I have yet to find an adapter that actually did what you suggested—tap into both circuits simultaneously and create two 3600 watt outputs at 120V. Even the test TFL did where they hooked up two RVs to the Powerboost used an adapter that was actually just a splitter that tapped into only one of the truck’s circuits. So, they were just dividing 3600 watts among two trailers.

Sounding more and more (in my case) like I should just get regular extension cords vs trying to get one that will plug in the 240. Unless I just wanted one for a HD appliance that accepts it. Thanks!

 

[WRS]

2 seconds with a meter or trouble light will confirm split.

 

[Hendog]

2 seconds with a meter or trouble light will confirm split.

So, going with something like this would basically give me 6 standard plugs off the truck, yes?

 

[JEB]

2 seconds with a meter or trouble light will confirm split.

That adapter is an interesting candidate because it’s rated for 7200 watts. When you read the fine print for adapters similar to this one they frequently are rated only for 3750 watts—basically splitters. This one might actually tap both circuits. Good find.

 

[n8dgr8]

That adapter is an interesting candidate because it’s rated for 7200 watts. When you read the fine print for adapters similar to this one they frequently are rated only for 3750 watts—basically splitters. This one might actually tap both circuits. Good find.

2 seconds with a meter or trouble light will confirm split.

Hopefully it has a built in circuit breaker so it is not a fire hazard. To get the full 7.2 KW you will need to balance your loads on each side.

What appliances are you trying to run? You would be surprised how much stuff you can turn on with 2000 watts. (Excluding driers, washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.)

 

[Hendog]

Hopefully it has a built in circuit breaker so it is not a fire hazard. To get the full 7.2 KW you will need to balance your loads on each side.

What appliances are you trying to run? You would be surprised how much stuff you can turn on with 2000 watts. (Excluding driers, washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.)

I'm just seeing if a way to take full advantage and have the 7.2kw available. The way I understand it, you get 3,000 watts each or 6,000 watts total with the "standard" outlets. To get the full 7,200 watts, you need to be using the 240v plug which pulls from both. I'm sure the 6,000 would be fine in an outage. Now, I've read 3,000 each somewhere, but on the switch it says 2.4kw max. So IDK?

 

[imnuts]

It is 2400W max for standard home receptacles (20A x 120V = 2400 W). You shouldn't exceed this even if the breaker/circuit can supply more because the wiring and connectors are not sufficiently sized for the increased amperage draw. If you do pull 30A from the 20A plug/cord, you are likely getting ready to set fire to one or more things in the circuit.

There are 30A, 120V (3600W) receptacles and plugs, but you probably aren't going to have them in your house since they're mainly on RVs. You can get pre-made cords to get 4800W from the 240V receptacle in the bed as mentioned, as it splits off the two hot legs into separate circuits. I have one in my truck made by Firman that I ordered from Costco, but there are several out there.

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