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Old 06-04-2017, 11:00 AM   #1
Duramax
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Is it ok to run A/C while hooked up to house power?

If gotten different advice on this. I just brought my Montana highcountry home yesterday. I have it hooked up to house right now. We are trying to get everything organized in there but is so hot. I haven't used the ac because I always heard it could damage them? Is this true?
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Old 06-04-2017, 11:27 AM   #2
rohrmann
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It depends on what size circuit you are plugged into. If it's only a 15 amp outlet, don't even try it. If you have a 30 amp or 50 amp RV outlet that you are connected to, you can run your A/C. If you plan on having your rig connected when loading or unloading regularly, you might consider having the proper outlet installed if you don't have one now. You can also use a generator if you have a large enough one.
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Old 06-04-2017, 01:47 PM   #3
1retired06
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
It depends on what size circuit you are plugged into. If it's only a 15 amp outlet, don't even try it. If you have a 30 amp or 50 amp RV outlet that you are connected to, you can run your A/C. If you plan on having your rig connected when loading or unloading regularly, you might consider having the proper outlet installed if you don't have one now. You can also use a generator if you have a large enough one.
Right on. Not designed for 15amp operation
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Old 06-04-2017, 11:32 AM   #4
mlh
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I just installed a 15000 BTU Coleman AC on my motor home. It was pulling 16 amps on startup and 2.5 amps running. I don't see how you could hurt anything with a large enough cord. To be sure check the voltage in side the camper with the AC running.
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Old 06-04-2017, 11:55 AM   #5
waynemoore
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When I had the house built I had a 50 amp RV service installed along with a dump station. I can run both ACs at the same time. Maks it nice because we can use the RV for exter sleeping space when we have lots of guests.
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Old 06-04-2017, 01:03 PM   #6
dfb
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I have turned the 15k on via a long extension cord to the house...no problems. If the circuit trips then it's too much..
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Old 06-04-2017, 04:55 PM   #7
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I have turned the 15k on via a long extension cord to the house...no problems. If the circuit trips then it's too much..
It may be a 20 amp plug....
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Old 06-04-2017, 02:04 PM   #8
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I have run my 15k rear A/C on a 20 amp house circuit with no problem. But it will trip a 15 amp circuit.
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Old 06-04-2017, 02:46 PM   #9
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Ditto to BB TX. However, I will add that the drop cord gets pretty hot. I think part of the problem was I used the 50 amp with 30 then 15 amp adapters. Then a 50 foot drop cord. I think the resistance gets quite high with that length, and with higher resistance you get higher amps required.
I live in Mesa, AZ and when it is around 100 outside, the amps used by A/C goes up quite a bit. In the cool morning (ha cool - 80 degrees) it only pulls about 16 at start up and then 13 or 14. But after a while it pulls 15 - 16 all the time. I now have a 30 amp RV line and no worries...
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Old 06-04-2017, 03:03 PM   #10
richfaa
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We have 50 amp service here at the S&B and we can run one A/C ok on 30 amps never tried it on anything less.
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Old 06-05-2017, 12:03 AM   #11
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Built a 24 ft x 50 ft metal building and installed a 50 amp service. Also installed 6 LED lights on the ceiling and 4 110 volt plugs on each wall. Can run both AC units and can work and repair anything day or night.
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Old 06-05-2017, 06:31 AM   #12
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I have a dedicated run for RV. I have a 30A breaker, romex 10/2 W/G and a 30A RV receptacle. I connect with a 30 to 50 amp receptacle. I can run one A/C all day with no problem. Wiring and connectors stay cool. Wouldn't try both A/Cs though.
PS: 10 gauge is 30 amp rated not 12 or 14 gauge.
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Old 06-05-2017, 10:29 AM   #13
mjammersc
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Here is link to how to wire a 30A receptacle. Home Depot & Lowes carry the box usually. You can also do 50A but the wiring and cable runs are more complex/critical. For loading/unloading and basic setup powering, 30A works for me - just run one AC only.


http://www.myrv.us/Imgs/PDF/30-amp%20Service.pdf
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Old 06-05-2017, 10:30 AM   #14
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Here is the 50A diagram/info if you want that


http://www.myrv.us/Imgs/PDF/50-amp%20Service.pdf
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Old 06-10-2017, 10:27 AM   #15
kozzy
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I installed a 30 AMP outlet when I had the house built, plenty to run 1 ac and some other things. Minimum, you can run 1 ac on a 20 AMP circuit, not a 15 though
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Old 06-10-2017, 09:25 PM   #16
dieselguy
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mlh ... your 15K A/C will pull more like 14 - 16 amps running if the compressor is on. 2.5 amps was the fan draw with the compressor cycled off.
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Old 06-11-2017, 03:08 PM   #17
WaltBennett
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I've run our 15k btu on a 20 amp circuit for years at home. Works fine - but I don't use anything else.
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Old 06-11-2017, 03:26 PM   #18
navybanker
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Have a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter. Usually plugged into 20 amp receptacle at home. Have not attempted to run AC on this connection. Wondering if need a true/safe 30 to 20 amp adapter. Searched the internet and have not found what I think is a true 30 to 20 just 30 to 15. The ones I use are the "yellow" adapters with a short length of wire and not the small black ones like sold at Walmart.
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Old 06-12-2017, 09:06 PM   #19
Buckeye83
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We added a 50 amp plug for our last rig and use it 2-3 weeks a month through the summer. We run both a/c's and fridge.

Just make sure when you add breakers to your home panel you try to balance the load on the panels bus bars.
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Old 06-14-2017, 07:11 PM   #20
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Bought one of these: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...x-30-amp/20811 several years ago and installed it on my outside garage wall. Worked great for operating the A/C and other appliances.
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