Run Dometic 11,000 btu A/C on 15 amp service

[DougO]

I have an E19 on order and just wondering if you can run the Dometic 11,000 btu A/C on a 15 amp shore power service? I searched a bit but did not find the answer. Thanks.

[7th Heaven]

Originally Posted by DougO

I have an E19 on order and just wondering if you can run the Dometic 11,000 btu A/C on a 15 amp shore power service? I searched a bit but did not find the answer. Thanks.

I don't know about 15, we have often run the AC on 20A but not much else.

[Ops]

I'd been doing some mods in our 21NE and wanted to be comfortable in the heat of the day. Over 3 days I had the A/C running, originally with a 14/2 extension cord that I had in the garage, and noted the A/C was not running smoothly, with the compressor kicking on and off sporadically.

I hoped it wasn't a failure developing with the unit, since it was barely a year old with maybe 3-4 hours of usage over that time. I wondered if the length of power cord and the gauge were causing this issue. I felt the cord and plug and found it quite warm. It wasn't handling the demand load of the compressor as it kicked on and off. Not enough to kick the breaker...certainly enough to disrupt the units operation (and potentially causing damage) but certainly a potential fire risk.

I had a 12/2 cord purchased specifically for use with our Honda 2200 generator and switched over to the heavier cord. No problems after that, no heated up cord, no A/C acting funny and nice cold air being generated safely.

If you are using a heavier cord (i.e.: 12/2) and 50ft or less, you shouldn't have any issue operating your A/C unless there's other heavy loads on the same circuit. And before you ask, the trailers 30amp cord won't reach the 15amp plug...thus the extension required.

[cpaharley2008]

Sometimes an extension can/should not be used............

[oldwave]

Originally Posted by Ops

I'd been doing some mods in our 21NE and wanted to be comfortable in the heat of the day. Over 3 days I had the A/C running, originally with a 14/2 extension cord that I had in the garage, and noted the A/C was not running smoothly, with the compressor kicking on and off sporadically.

I hoped it wasn't a failure developing with the unit, since it was barely a year old with maybe 3-4 hours of usage over that time. I wondered if the length of power cord and the gauge were causing this issue. I felt the cord and plug and found it quite warm. It wasn't handling the demand load of the compressor as it kicked on and off. Not enough to kick the breaker...certainly enough to disrupt the units operation (and potentially causing damage) but certainly a potential fire risk.

I had a 12/2 cord purchased specifically for use with our Honda 2200 generator and switched over to the heavier cord. No problems after that, no heated up cord, no A/C acting funny and nice cold air being generated safely.

If you are using a heavier cord (i.e.: 12/2) and 50ft or less, you shouldn't have any issue operating your A/C unless there's other heavy loads on the same circuit. And before you ask, the trailers 30amp cord won't reach the 15amp plug...thus the extension required.

I would us 10 gauge for that application

[Kingfish]

I just used mine for a week with the power cord plugged directly into a 15amp outlet. Used an adapter of course. Worked fine. Turned A/C off if I used microwave or toaster. I wondered how it would perform with extension cord though?

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by oldwave

I would us 10 gauge for that application

That’s what is installed on ours too.

[7th Heaven]

Originally Posted by 7th Heaven

I don't know about 15, we have often run the AC on 20A but not much else.

I should have clarified as others have ... yes a heavy duty cord that is able to safely carry the appropriate Amps is assumed & expected.

[Tim Orr]

I also wanted to know so pulled a cord into the house and plugged into a regular 15 amp recepticle. Started up the AC and ran for about 10 min and decided that was all I needed for a positive test. I wouldn't try it with electric hot water going as well. Mine is a 2014 E21 with the Dometic 11,000 btu AC

[Jbpouns]

Similar to your question, I have an adapter from the 30amp to a traditional 110V outlet plug-in. I hooked that up to my generac inverter generator, with no problem and ran the A/C overnight for 8+ hours.

I’m considering trying to use that same adapter and plugging it into a friends garage - just a more traditional GFI outlet. Anyone have any thoughts or input on that?

Thanks!