How to Hook Up a Mobile Home to an Electrical Source

Trailers and mobile homes can plug directly into a power grid or use a generator.

A mobile home can have all the conveniences that electricity, lighting and appliances offer simply by plugging the mobile home in to a power source. The power source can be a generator or a larger grid power source from a stationary home or an park's electric hook-up. It only takes a few minutes to be able to use your light switches and kitchen gadgets.

Things You'll Need

• Power cord, 10 feet long or more
• RV female power cord end
• Generator or power source

Instructions

1. Locate the plug on your mobile home by walking the perimeter and finding the small, covered square that hides the plug. It is generally on the opposite side from the front door.

2. Purchase a power cord end, if needed, that converts the RV power cord to a male end. Generally these additional ends are three-pronged and two and a half inches in diameter but check your mobile home plug size before purchasing one.

3. Connect the power cord to the external power source.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your power source has an appropriate output for the amount of power you will be using in your mobile home.

• Follow all external generator safety tips to avoid poisoning or electrocution.

• Keep fingers out of the power outlet and away from the prongs of a plug that is in use.

References

• Mobile Home Doctor: Mobile Home Electrical Basics
• Consumer Product Safety Commission Safety Alert: Portable Generator Hazards
• The Electric Generator Guide

Resources

• Peninsula Light Company: Guidelines for Residential Electrical Service Hook-up
• Atlas Mobile Home Directory: Mobile Home Set Up
• Mobile Home Parts Store: Electrical and Lighting