What Things Use Power in Amps

[kscherzi]

Today I did a little experimenting. I plugged in my Kill-A-Watt, a device that measures electricity into the main 30A cord going into the trailer. Here's what I learned.

• 0.30 Amps - Minimum draw with everything off. Mostly the power converter. This load factors into everything measured below.
• 0.50 Amps - Radio on.
• 3.10 Amps - Refrigerator on electric.
• 0.50 Amps - Refrigerator on propane.
• 11.9 Amps - Water heater on electricity.
• 0.50 Amps - Water heater on propane.
• 2.70 Amps - AC (fan only)
• 14.0 Amps - 15,000 BTU AC on full blast.
• 17.6 Amps - Momentary peak when AC starts.

Voltage was at 121.4 volts for all tests except when the AC kicked in the voltage dropped to 118 volts.

[cwf]

Yup.... Pretty close on our 34' with heat pump loads. Thanks for taking time to do this!!

[NavyCorpsman]

Its always nice to know what's really going on. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

[xrvr]

Gonna copy that for future reference. Thanks,Jim

[TomKirk]

This is ALWAYS good stuff to know.

Thanx for sharing that.

Tom

[joyful2]

Watt about your water pump? (electrical pun, please excuse) ...or are you always hooked up to pressurized water?

[Tater]

Very good information. Thank you for taking the time to gather this information.

[kscherzi]

I forgot about the water pump, but I'd have to fill the tank and it was getting late. I can check it later.

Part of the reason for doing this is to figure out if the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator would work for the AC. According to their spec it puts out 16.5 amps continuous. So in theory it would work, but barely, only because the fridge and water heater would also most likely be running (on propane). I'm confident the two Honda's would work, but prefer a simpler solution (if it would work).

[nickcrowhurst]

This thread from ten years ago gives amp consumption for my 1988 Excella: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...ter-15625.html
Nick.

[larryglarson]

Thanks, really good to know.

[Seecue]

Thank you! My reply to this thread also serves to bookmark it!

[WendyW.]

I found this a few months ago on Do It Yourself RV --

120 Volt AC RV Appliances And Their Estimated Current Draw

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

I forgot about the water pump, but I'd have to fill the tank and it was getting late. I can check it later.

Part of the reason for doing this is to figure out if the Yamaha EF2400iSHC generator would work for the AC. According to their spec it puts out 16.5 amps continuous. So in theory it would work, but barely, only because the fridge and water heater would also most likely be running (on propane). I'm confident the two Honda's would work, but prefer a simpler solution (if it would work).

I have the Yamaha 2400iSHC generator and it will run the AC. I did not try to run anything else though.

[BAB]

Thanks for doing this. I found a simpler solution was to sell the two Honda EU2000's and but a Honda EU3000iHandi. Used it all last summer and worked great.

[HiJoeSilver]

Thanks, good info, I was wondering if I'd need to upgrade my 30A to 50A (knowing it'd be close) with the addition of an electric/propane fridge, but it looks like as long as the AC, water heater, fridge, and microwave aren't running at the same time I shouldn't have to worry. Just need to make sure I only keep the electric element in the water heater on only when i'll actually be using lots of water, eg.showers.

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by BAB

Thanks for doing this. I found a simpler solution was to sell the two Honda EU2000's and but a Honda EU3000iHandi. Used it all last summer and worked great.

Our experience as well ...and you have to enjoy that electric start on the 3000iS.

[NWRVR]

Thanks for taking the time and sharing.

[dalemonroe]

My water pump draws 7 amps (12 volts)

[Skater]

I'd recommend measuring the 12 volt devices directly, rather than through the converter.
Or, at least, realize that what the 12 volt devices draw via the converter isn't going to be the same as what it draws from only the battery, because the converter isn't 100% efficient.