OK to Run AC on house 110 volt?

[Chasmorgan]

Is it okay to run my trailer Dometic on house current? Trailer came with an adapter and I use a 10gauge extension cord. Don't want to harm AC unit! Thanks for the help!

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by Chasmorgan

Is it okay to run my trailer Dometic on house current? Trailer came with an adapter and I use a 10gauge extension cord. Don't want to harm AC unit! Thanks for the help!

Depends,
How long is the cord and what is the voltage at the trailer with the AC running?

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Chasmorgan

Is it okay to run my trailer Dometic on house current? Trailer came with an adapter and I use a 10gauge extension cord. Don't want to harm AC unit! Thanks for the help!

Sounds okay, especially with the 10ga drop cord, but what amperage is the circuit you are plugging into and how long a run from the breaker panel? I managed to burn up a medium sized window unit that way one time.

Aaron

[Kevin245]

Not sure what circuit size you would draw on, but I would not use an extension cord with anything less than a 30 amp service. Even then I avoid extension cords if at all possible. You may "get-by" using a 20 amp circuit if you don't use any other cord other than the service cord that came with your AS, and don't run any other appliances. Keep the cord length to the absolute minimum though.

Remember voltage drop is the enemy of all things electrical.

Best of Luck,

Kevin

[Silvertwinkie]

Will it work. Yes. Can you risk burning out the compressor? Yes. There is a reason the RV power cord that comes with the RV is a 30a connector and the cord is the size it is. The cheater plug that converts the 30a to standard house plug is only rated at about 15 amps. There have been owners who have reported the cheater actually melting. You might get away with it, you might not. A new A/C unit is over $400, plus installation if you can't do it yourself. A dedicated 30a is not really all that expensive and in most cases less expensive than replacing the compressor.

[utee94]

My 15K BTU A/C unit draws 14.1A at the rated maximum capacity, that includes both compressor and fan.

If your voltage at the trailer is still right around 110VAC with the A/C running, you should be fine.

-Marcus

[nick6930]

I just did a bunch of research about this topic, there are several other threads about it. The plan and simple answer:

you need a 30 amp service, a 20 amp does not cut it. You need 23-24 amps to run an AC unit a 20 amp breaker only gives about 16 amps.

You can not go below 105 volts. Using a volt meter you will notice that with the AC running on a 20 Amp service you go below this. Mine went down to 100 volts. This can burn up you AC.

If you have your doubts go out and buy a volt meter that plugs into the outlet and see for yourself. Maybe your unit is small enough but dont run it long when you below 105 volts.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I run my trailer's A/C while plugged into my house with no problems. I use the 15 Amp dog bone that came with my trailer. [no extension cords] Make sure your voltage stays at or above 105 volts. My house outlet is 120 volts and 20 AMPs. Our power in the city is pretty consistant.

My Yamaha 2400 generator is 2400 watts max / 2000 watts rated. And 20 AMPs max / 16.7 AMPs rated. If portable generators can power the A/C without damage, I don't see why you house would. If power to your house is weak or if you are trying to run father than 25 feet using extension cords, then that changes the whole story about using your house's power. Also, if your house's recepticle is not a tight fit for the plug, don't use it.

[dlb435]

I've done this for years with no problems. Just be sure and use a heavy duty extension cord and keep the load down below the 15 or 20 amp rating of your receptical.

[Chasmorgan]

Thanks to all for the advice. Appears risky so I'm having a 30amp box installed later this week. Thanks again!