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07-28-2015, 12:22 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2008 31' Classic
Rochester
, New York
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 41
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15 Amp Service
We are looking at a state park that only has 15 amp service. We have a 31 foot 2008 Classic Limited and have the 15 amp to 30 amp connector. I am sure that we cannot run our AC, but can we run the refrigerator, fans and lights? I would plan to run the hot water heater off of LP.
Thanks in advance for all replies
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07-28-2015, 12:30 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
1978 31' Sovereign
Cookeville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 113
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15 AMP is like having it plugged in at home. Should be fine with Lights, Fans, TV and fridg.
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07-28-2015, 01:06 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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15 amp service will run everything but AC, just be careful running high demand items at the same time, like hair dryers, microwaves, and coffee makers.
I have been able to run my AC off of a 15 amp circuit, but this likely wont be everyones experience.
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
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07-28-2015, 01:11 PM
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#4
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I also can run my AC on 15 amp service, everything else goes to propane (fridge, water heater, no microwave).
I'd rather have AC than use appliances on line voltage!
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07-28-2015, 02:36 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicNo13
I also can run my AC on 15 amp service, everything else goes to propane (fridge, water heater, no microwave).
I'd rather have AC than use appliances on line voltage!
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Lol, a man of my own thinking...
I think air conditioning is among the best inventions of the modern era...
I am working in the shop today, heat index is 107, taking a break in my COOL Airstream is the boss!
Got to cool down and dry out!!
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
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07-28-2015, 02:37 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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15 Amp Service
Telluride!
I am red with heat index envy!
Dang it!
Oh, the heat index has creeped up to 108....
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
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07-28-2015, 02:43 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Beware of running the AC on a 15 amp circuit. It may fire up and even run but you are risking severe damage to the compressor that will not become apparent until some time in the future (typical symptom: AC compressor failure.)
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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07-28-2015, 03:30 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
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My understanding of the problem tied to running on 15 amp service is low voltage. The compressor motor needs X watts. Watts = Volts x Amps. If voltage falls then the motor will try to pull more amps. More amps creates heat, potentially leading to burnout. A 15 amp circuit can be wired with smaller gauge wire. Too much draw on such a circuit can lead to low voltage.
I suggest checking voltage inside the trailer. First before turning on the AC, and again after its running. If voltage is below 110, certainly below 105, turn off the AC. If it stays above 110 it should be okay to run the AC all day without damage.
Anyway. This is what I understand.
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07-28-2015, 05:36 PM
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#9
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I guess 15 amps over 23 years on my classic is really pushing things!
Original cold Penguin 1!
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07-28-2015, 05:38 PM
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#10
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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My unit has a low voltage alert and cut out.... Below 107 volts it disables the compressor.... Until that day, I'm running on 15 amps wherever I can!
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07-28-2015, 05:39 PM
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#11
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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Besides 15 amps is 15 amps!
Voltage and voltage drop is something different.
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07-28-2015, 06:18 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
Kitchener
, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 945
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Funny thing the breaker inside my trailer for the A/C is 15 amps. Everybody is saying the A/C needs more than that but how is that possible?
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07-28-2015, 06:36 PM
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#13
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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You figured it out! Amps is amps, however voltage drop from inferior wire size, or run can cause an increase in amp draw!
Check your start voltage, if you're close to 120v, your drop at start will be down around 109, and stabilize around 113-115, which is within most specs.
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07-28-2015, 06:42 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
2019 23' International
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 457
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kscherzi
My understanding of the problem tied to running on 15 amp service is low voltage. The compressor motor needs X watts. Watts = Volts x Amps. If voltage falls then the motor will try to pull more amps. More amps creates heat, potentially leading to burnout. A 15 amp circuit can be wired with smaller gauge wire. Too much draw on such a circuit can lead to low voltage.
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As I recall from school, lower voltage at the unit due to the resistance in wiring that is not heavy enough (ie 15 amp circuit) will cause the compressor motor to run more slowly. An electric motor is also a generator (although less efficient) and its motion generates a "back-EMF" or reverse voltage that opposes the incoming current. If the motor runs too slowly then there is insufficient back EMF to regulate the current and the windings will overheat. The motor's acceleration period is what causes the surge when it first kicks on. That's also why your battery powered drill will fry if you keep the power on while it is stuck.
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07-28-2015, 06:43 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
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The National Electric Code states that a circuit breaker can support only 80% of the breaker rating as a full constant on load. So a 15 amp breaker is rated only for 12 amps continuous load. An air conditioner causes a power surge during startup and for a few micro seconds the current draw can easily exceed the amp capacity of the breaker and then the current draw drops to run mode. Thus if the air conditioner cycles, there may little or no spare amp capacity for the other items that are also running on the circuit.
By using a #12 gage wire extension cord to the external power source, there will be less voltage drop and increased amperage draw and less chance of tripping the breaker at the power source.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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07-28-2015, 10:06 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
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Linked here is a thread where I measured current draw with my kill-o-watt. I was plugged in at home into a 20 amp circuit. No problem running the AC at an acceptable voltage.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...ps-135252.html
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08-08-2015, 08:15 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2008 31' Classic
Rochester
, New York
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 41
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All - thank you for the good responses and discussion. Turns out the 15 amp service as quoted on-line is actually 20 amp. We hooked up yesterday evening about 5PM and everything is working well. Temperature was in the 70's with a nice breeze off the lake, so we did not need the A/C. Today's high is in the 70's and my try the A/C just to check out. Our A/C is on a 20 amp circuit.
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08-08-2015, 08:38 AM
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#18
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Regular Guy
1978 31' Sovereign
Hot Springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 603
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A side note: How the Wally Byam caravanners made it through the African plains is a marvel to me. 2-30 A/C, 2 windows down, 30mph.
We have it good.
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08-08-2015, 12:14 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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Here are my draws...
Nothing on
0.1
Refrigerator only
1.0
Refrigerator and all interior lights
2.1
Air Conditioning and everything above
16.0
My AC is an original Armstrong 11,500 BTU, not super efficient... But it is reliable!
__________________
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