Although the electrical power used in your RV is similar to that used in your home, there are several unique properties to the 120-volt power that all RVer’s need to know.
This instructional class will walk you through, step-by-step, the key factors of your RV electrical system.
In your home, it’s simple… you turn on the coffee pot in the morning, check emails on the computer, and grab some cold milk from the refrigerator all without thinking about how the electricity makes everything work. It just comes from the pole outside, magically.
In your RV, it’s a little more complex than that! In this 120-Volt Electrical System class, you’ll see how electricity is supplied by the campground source or an RV specific generator to the rig, with the help of a distribution center.
Testing the campground source for proper voltage and polarity is important prior to hooking up your shoreline power. You’ll learn how to use a digital monitor or the less expensive analog version that also requires using a GFCI tester to check for proper wiring. Also, you’ll learn the difference in power requirements between the various power cords used in RVs.
A typical campground electrical stand, which is commonly referred to as shoreline power, will have a 15-amp plug-in with a GFCI outlet, 30-amp three-prong plug, and some will have a 50-amp 4-prong outlet that supplies two legs of 120-volt power for larger rigs. These are all controlled with a circuit breaker switch on the pedestal.
The distribution center is the heart of the 120-volt power source, and you’ll get an in-depth look at how the power comes into the center and is routed to each of the appliances and outlets through circuit breakers. Then we’ll cover how that power is used to charge the batteries through the converter which supplies the 12-volt DC system.
And finally, you’ll hear a discussion on energy management when only 30-amp power is available and troubleshooting basics – including safety tips, surge protection devices, and how to check individual amp draw of appliances and accessories.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this online class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; and a few resource documents that will help you get the most out of your 120-Volt electrical system.
NOTE: This Class video instruction is also available for purchase in DVD form. If you prefer to own a physical copy, you can purchase the Class DVD here.
Class Guide PDF
Download this extensive supplement and keep as a reference for your 120-Volt Electrical System
Amperage Draw Guide PDF
Use this printable reference to know the approximate amp draw for common RV elements
Terminology Guide PDF
Print this reference sheet to understand key terms you may see related to your electrical system
Multimeter Basics PDF
Refer to this printable guide on how to use and read a multimeter to assess problems
Bonus materials available after purchase
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of RV Repair Club to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Repair Club Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Repair Club. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Classes” will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Repair Club, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Q&A Resource area. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Repair Club contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Repair Club from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact RV Repair Club Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVRepairClub@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
