Can I use 1875 watt hair dryer when on 30 amp electric hookup?

[Hlifson]

Hi all! We have only boondocked for the past 2 years, and will be using electric hookup for the first time. Can I use my hair dryer, or will it blow a fuse? Sorry, very electrical-knowledge challenged! Thanks so much!

[LeviGergen]

I just used my 1600 Watt hair drier with no problem while plugged into 30 amp shore power. Hope that helps.

[Hlifson]

Thanks so much! My hair dryer is 1875 watts. Worried that will trip a breaker. What do you think?

[Belegedhel]

The good old equation P=I*V should help.

Power+Amperage*Volts
1875watts=I*120V
So I=15.6 Amps.

So, if the only thing you are running is your hair dryer, you are pulling 15.6 amps. Now, you might trip a 15A breaker in your trailer, but you are far from exceeding the 30A capacity being delivered to you. Remember also, that all of your appliances are additive, so if your air conditioner is pulling 20A, your microwave oven is pulling 10A, and then you turn on your hair dryer, you will be trying to get 45.6A through a 30A connection... Expect it all to shut down.

good luck!

[wulfraat]

You are fine

[Bill M.]

So what if you trip a breaker. Just flip it back on. You will need to have the hair dryer on a breaker that is not running anything else at the time.

[pcskier]

Also, run it on medium if it starts tripping a breaker.

[OTRA15]

Bingo!

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Hlifson

Thanks so much! My hair dryer is 1875 watts. Worried that will trip a breaker. What do you think?

When you plug it in at home, does it work OK on a standard 15 Amp circuit, or do you have to use a special 20 Amp outlet like those for air conditioners etc.?

[mpsgolf]

My daughter just took a trip in our AS and with A/C running her hair dryer tripped a breaker. First time for us.

[AirMiles]

One must be careful of how many appliances are running with a 30A Airstream, especially when the A/C is running. We have tripped breakers with the A/C and Microwave running and usually remember to turn the A/C off when microwaving. Both can run together sometimes, but if the converter is also charging the batteries it likely will trip the breaker. I wouldn't run that hairdryer with the A/C and Microwave running. You can usually get away with the A/C and one additional appliance.

[perryg114]

Turn off everything else that is big like the AC and microwave and electric water heater if you have one. You might consider getting a compact travel size hair dryer as well. Make sure you know where the breakers are located.





Perry

[uraljohn]

If the electrical post that is at our sight has an additional standard plug in outlet (15/20 amp) I always plug in a 25 or 50 foot 12 gauge extension cord to it and run it to the awning area of the AS. Any high draw appliance, hair dryer, crock pot, toaster oven, coffee maker etc. gets plug into that extension cord. That frees up the 30 amp circuit to the AS to run the A/C, Micro, H2O Heater, etc. We always set up a nice table and 2 chairs under the awning area. Makes for convenient place for those items on the extension cord. DW does not mind drying hair outside. Your results may not be the same!

[HHPJ]

Just stay away from the vintage hair dryers...

[Bobbo]

Turn off air conditioner and electric water heater element while using blow drier and you will be fine. My wife blew the breaker a few times before she finally learned this. We have never had a problem with the refrigerator on electric, but it is possible.

[GMFL]

Watts/volts=amps
1875/120=15.6

[Hlifson]

Thank you, everyone, for your help. I will turn the hair dryer on the lowest setting. I haven’t looked for the breaker box yet, but I’m sure I’ll find it. Safe travels out there!

[rucos]

buy a lower wattage one for the trailer ....we got one about 8-900w? ....wife likes it and its easy to use on inverter while boon docking

[drbrick]

No hair don't care

[lakemaiden]

If you are staying in a campground, the common shower area is always a safe bet...or get your hair styled, like I have done, so that you can let it dry naturally...