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[richardr]

Originally Posted by tractors1

A plain old extension cord will work fine if you're not running the AC as everything else is low amperage. You will need an adapter from the 30 amp trailer cord to the 15 amp house outlet. Camco 12 in. Power Grip Dogbone Electrical Adapter with Easy Grip Handle-55165 - The Home Depot

My understanding is the AC draws 11.5 amps. Therefore as long as one is careful and doesn't run other item, a 15 amp service should power it without problems. Is this incorrect?

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by richardr

My understanding is the AC draws 11.5 amps. Therefore as long as one is careful and doesn't run other item, a 15 amp service should power it without problems. Is this incorrect?

Yes, it will draw about that when it's running. But it will draw more when it's starting - just like your home AC.

There are "soft start" kits for AC units, which basically add a capacitor to provide startup amperage, so that it doesn't have to take it from your power source. But, that may not be needed. Easy way to check is to see if it works as is. If I were wanting to run my trailer's AC using a 2000 watt generator, I'd make sure it had the startup kit anyway, because it helps prevent problems or damage to the AC unit.

Also be aware that altitude plays a big role in how many amps a generator can produce. For example, while a Honda 2000 generator may be sufficient to start the Dometic Penguin II AC unit at sea level, it might have problems doing so at 5000 feet.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[float5]

Originally Posted by richardr

My understanding is the AC draws 11.5 amps. Therefore as long as one is careful and doesn't run other item, a 15 amp service should power it without problems. Is this incorrect?

I understand that you can or will ruin your A/C not running it on 30-amp, if you only use 15 amps. Can't say where I got this but that is my understanding. I would not take a chance on it.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by richardr

My understanding is the AC draws 11.5 amps. Therefore as long as one is careful and doesn't run other item, a 15 amp service should power it without problems. Is this incorrect?

I use a 12 gauge 50 ft cord as I often plug in trailers next to my shop; haven't had any problems with it in 10 years. The startup current spike is quite brief.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by richardr

My understanding is the AC draws 11.5 amps. Therefore as long as one is careful and doesn't run other item, a 15 amp service should power it without problems. Is this incorrect?

Hi: richardr... Worked for me!!! I always start the fan only first and let it run a while... then start the compressor but then my A/C is a manual unit with separate controls. Now we have a new breaker panel in the house and a 30 Amp line to the garage for the trailer plug in!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Jimrules]

Escape had this 15amp to 30amp adaptor (and some other gifts) waiting in a drawer when we picked up our 19' in March.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by tractors1

I use a 12 gauge 50 ft cord as I often plug in trailers next to my shop; haven't had any problems with it in 10 years. The startup current spike is quite brief.

I'll second that. Have occasionally run the A/C in the driveway on 15 amp circuit (with no other loads) and have been fine. Same now with mini-split that draws a little less than the overhead Dometic.

[float5]

What I saw on running A/C on 15 or 20 is that you can overload the household and have an unsafe situation unless you know and do, or don't do, this, this, this. I have also heard that people have ruined their A/C. As one person said about it, you can not wear your seatbelt many times and not have any collisions but so what? He said it was an unsafe practice to run the A/C that way. Just notice to people who don't care to hope that nothing happens.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by float5

What I saw on running A/C on 15 or 20 is that you can overload the household and have an unsafe situation unless you know and do, or don't do, this, this, this. I have also heard that people have ruined their A/C.

I respect your concern, but I really see it no different than someone going out and buying a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner. They are typically plugged into a regular 15 amp outlet in your house. Manual says dedicated circuit, but how many people even do that? There should be no problem running an 11,000 BTU A/C unit as long as you don't run anything else with a large load simultaneously on the same circuit (both trailer & house).

[Nrgtic4]

Originally Posted by tractors1

If you have a 30 amp service installed by an electrician get the order in writing that specifies 30 amps @ 120V. Several have had their 30 amp receptacle installed with 240V supply line.

Charlie,
Thinking of doing this. Why 30 amps at 120V supply line vs 30 amp @240 V supply line?
What's the difference and disadvantages?

[JohnB]

Everything in the trailer that is not 12 volt is 120 volt.

Typically a 30 amp service would be for something like a clothes dryer which is usually 30 amp at 240 volt. An electrician may just guess that you want a 30 amp service for such an appliance and not your trailer.

If you plugged your trailer in a 240 volt circuit you would probably destroy everything??

[Nrgtic4]

Thanks for the great info. :-) I'm calling electricians for quotes and wanted to be prepared with an answer in case they ask why a 120 volt supply line

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by Nrgtic4

Charlie,
Thinking of doing this. Why 30 amps at 120V supply line vs 30 amp @240 V supply line?
What's the difference and disadvantages?

Nothing in your trailer will run on 240VAC. You could run 240V electrical to the location, but you need the one outlet for the trailer to be configured as 120 VAC. A second outlet for 240 VAC might come in handy for other things (welder, etc.)

[Nrgtic4]

Thanks for the answers:-) If I do this I'll make sure that it's a 120 v supply line

[float5]

Originally Posted by Nrgtic4

Thanks for the answers:-) If I do this I'll make sure that it's a 120 v supply line

Also, see Brian's post #10.

[Nrgtic4]

I will Cathy, thanks :-)