Running Air Conditioning on 15 amps

[Eggscape]

Starting to do some summer camping plans and if this summer is anything like last summer, air conditioning would be a bonus.

Looking at some of the private campgrounds and many have 15 amp sites as well. Not wanting to limit our selves in selection…Have you run your air conditioning successfully on just 15 amps for an extended period of time?

Our batteries would be charged and the hot water heater would be off. I think I read that the draw from the ac is a bit less than 15 amps but our trailer is buried in snow and it is always nice to hear about real world experience.

I would put the fridge on propane if that made the difference of cooling off or not.

[7Gentex]

Which A/C?


Per the spec sheet, (this one for the Coleman Mach 10 13,500) draws less than 15 amps while running in desert conditions.

Startup amp pull (LRA) might be a challenge, though the Mach 10 does have a "soft start"...............? Still 63 amps though for a VERY short time.

Curious - what is the spec for the A/C circuit breaker in the trailer?

I have a 20 amp circuit, 120v plug near where my trailer with the Mach 10 13,500 will be parked - hoping that will be sufficient for the A/C.

[cpaharley2008]

The standard a/c is 11,000btu Dometic according to my information which should operate off 15 amp as long as nothing else is drawing power? If it exceeds the 15 amp then the circuit breaker should activate.

[hrewer]

We run ours at home on 15 amps. But we haven’t run anything else with it.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

The standard a/c is 11,000btu Dometic according to my information which should operate off 15 amp as long as nothing else is drawing power? If it exceeds the 15 amp then the circuit breaker should activate.

Can it start on only 15 amps? What does the manual say?

Circuit breakers do not act instantaneously, and the speed of response depends on the degree of excessive current. A very brief surge over 15 amps won't trip a 15 amp rated breaker.

And doesn't Escape provide a 20-amp circuit for the air conditioner?

[Vermilye]

I've run my 11,000 BTU Dometic AC on a 15 amp circuit with no problems. That said, the quality of the 15 amp circuit needs to be considered. A 15 amp receptacle with a short run to the breaker panel with wiring in good condition will easily supply the necessary starting current. Long, poorly done wiring and/or low voltage to the receptacle may present a problem because of the voltage drop caused by the increased resistance.

Worst case - a 15 amp circuit supplied by a 2K generator. While the resistance of the short generator wiring might not be a problem, the inability of the inverter (if the generator has one) and/or the limited horsepower of the generator engine can limit the inrush current to the point where the AC will not start, or trips the generator protection.

[Eggscape]

Thanks for the replies.

Of course my cable to the campsite 15 amp post will be good…it will be how good that circuit breaker on the post is.