AC and 20 amp

[bluvalley]

Hello,

I have a quick, possibly dumb question. I've booked at a campground in August that has my site of choice available but it only has 20 amp service. Since it is that time of year I may need my AC. Will I do any harm to my electric if I use the 20 amp service? I don't have a microwave or any other appliance that might overload things.

Also, is there a difference between 15 amp service and "true" 20 amp? The campground says that this particular site has "15-20 amp service"

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
James

[j54mark]

While 20 amps may be nominally available, the outlet and your plug will likely only pass 15 amps. There are true 20 amp outlets and plugs, but they are rarely seen.

I think there are some newer AC designs that, at least in the smaller sizes, will start on less than 15 amps. But unless you have such an animal, what will happen is the 18 or so amps it tries to draw through a 15 amp plug will heat up the plug and outlet, cause both to oxidize increasing resistance, causing the unit to try and draw even more amperage.

Your AC compressor may not start at all on 15 amps, and if it does it will shorten its life.

Mark

[juel]

Are you saying that you have to have a generator to use the AC? Do campgrounds let you use a generator? I have a 2600w that I doubt will pull the AC and it's incredibly loud. I haven't taken the Argosy out yet but I've been wondering what to do about the AC. It's HOT in Oklahoma.

[Silvertwinkie]

30 amps is what I'd connect to and use the AC, if not avail, I'm fantastic venting it, both at full speed, but no AC.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by juel

Are you saying that you have to have a generator to use the AC? Do campgrounds let you use a generator? I have a 2600w that I doubt will pull the AC and it's incredibly loud. I haven't taken the Argosy out yet but I've been wondering what to do about the AC. It's HOT in Oklahoma.

Juel,

Most campgrounds have the standard 30A RV type plugins, if they have hookups at all. I have actually only been to one campgrond with 15A service. It's ok for plugging in for lights and charging etc, but not for A/C.
You should not need a generator at a campground with hookups.
When you book or search for a campground, just make sure they have solid 30A service. Then your trailer's power supply cable will plug right in and give you solid power for your A/C.

[j54mark]

A 2600 watt generator (probably rated at peak power output) is basically a 20 amp source as well.

A 3K or 4k generator MAY start your AC. Depends upon the AC and its power requirements, state of tune of the generator, and altitude. You still need a 30 amp outlet. Many have two 15 amp outlets, and you are no better off.

Mark