Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

What does a 50 amp service provide in terms of voltage?

1. One line of 240 volts at 50 amps

2. Two lines of 120 volts at 50 amps each

3. Three lines of 80 volts at 50 amps each

4. Two lines of 240 volts at 50 amps each

The correct answer is: Two lines of 120 volts at 50 amps each

The statement that a 50 amp service provides two lines of 120 volts at 50 amps each is accurate, as it describes a common setup for RV electrical systems. In a standard RV electrical configuration, a 50 amp service is typically wired using a four-wire system. This includes two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. Each of the hot wires delivers 120 volts, allowing for the service to provide both 120-volt and 240-volt appliances. When using this setup, 50 amp service can handle a maximum of 12,000 watts (50 amps multiplied by 240 volts), which is sufficient for running multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously. For instance, this can power a significant air conditioning unit, a microwave oven, and other devices all at once. In contrast, while 240 volts is referenced in the other options, they either misstate the configuration or the voltage provided by the service. The key takeaway is that a 50 amp service effectively allows for the connection of appliances that require heavy electrical loads, utilizing the two hot lines at 120 volts each. This understanding is crucial for RV technicians to ensure that they provide safe and effective electrical service in RVs.