I posted this (50 amp) question on all experts and this is the answer I recieved from Bob Thompson, Master electrician.
http://www.allexperts.com/user.cgi?m...34&qID=4606119
The link will probably only work for about 3 days, text is below.
Answered Question
Subject RV service
Question Hi Bob,
Some RV's have a 50 amp service at 220 volts. I have a friend who says that means he actually has 100 amps available - 50 amps on each leg. Is this correct, I argued that if he has a 50 amp breaker that's all he would get is 50 amps because you only have the current for one cycle. Which one of us is right?
Thanks for your help!!!
Tim
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Answer Tell your friend to pony up...you are right. That's why it's ALTERNATING current...when one phase is positive, the other is negative and vice versa. You'll only get 50 amps.
Bob Thompson
Master Electrician
Previous business owner.