AC working on “shore power”

[Bama Hammer]

I have been researching off grid power options (mostly generators) lately with the main intent on powering our Air Conditioner while boondocking. Now i am not the most electrical savvy but do understand some basic terminology... so standing by to be schooled!

We have a 2400BH with a 15,000 btu a/c. While running the a/c most other electrical devices are turned off, except for the converter and a light or two.

So to my point... i have run the a/c a couple times with no problem while the RV is plugged into a standard wall outlet to our house. This is a 15 amp plug and have not had any issues. Am i in jeopardy of burning up the compressor on my a/c unit? And if not then why do so many people recommend a 3000 - 3500 watt generator? Could i get away with a 2000 watt?

Thanks for the help!

[GHen]

Depends on if your AC has a soft start module.

I run my 15k on a Honda 2000 companion, the one with the 30 amp plug. But I can’t have anything else on, it also is running at max power. So it works, but I normally run 2 Honda 2000 that are connected. The Honda 2000 will NOT run either of my kids AC units. I have read people are having more success with the Honda 2200 companion.

With that all said, 2500 plus is normally needed to run AC.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by Bama Hammer

I have been researching off grid power options (mostly generators) lately with the main intent on powering our Air Conditioner while boondocking. Now i am not the most electrical savvy but do understand some basic terminology... so standing by to be schooled!

We have a 2400BH with a 15,000 btu a/c. While running the a/c most other electrical devices are turned off, except for the converter and a light or two.

So to my point... i have run the a/c a couple times with no problem while the RV is plugged into a standard wall outlet to our house. This is a 15 amp plug and have not had any issues. Am i in jeopardy of burning up the compressor on my a/c unit? And if not then why do so many people recommend a 3000 - 3500 watt generator? Could i get away with a 2000 watt?

Thanks for the help!

You may be plugged into a 15 amp outlet but are you sure it is on a 15 amp circuit??? With all else turned off (except converter) I have run a 13K a/c on a 2000 watt generator and also at home on a 20 amp circuit but if you do the math your 15K a/c and the converter should trip a 15 amp breaker. When you hear folks recommend a 3500 watt generator it is mostly from experience.
JM2¢, Hank

[flybouy]

Typical 15k ac takes 12.5-13 amps to run, not start at 120 volts. To get amps from generators say a 3,000 watt unit divide watts by volts so 3000/120=25. A 2000 watt would be 2000/120=16.7 amps. So if you are 'getting away" with running on a 15 Amp circuit I think you are asking for trouble.

[CedarCreekWoody]

In some areas household outlets are actually on 20 amp circuits with 15 amp outlets. Mine is that way. I can run an A/C on a 12 guage cord but the cir unit is not 15 amp. Yours may be the same.

[German Shepherd Guy]

Your altitude will have a lot to do with it too. I live at 8,000 and my 3500 will JUST start my ac unit. And it is not pretty. You loose a percentage of your rated power (On a generator) with each 1,000 ft of elevation. So if you plan on heading into the mountains in Utah or Colorado and boondocking you are going to need a lot more than the 2,000.
Oak

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by Bama Hammer

I have been researching off grid power options (mostly generators) lately with the main intent on powering our Air Conditioner while boondocking. Now i am not the most electrical savvy but do understand some basic terminology... so standing by to be schooled!

We have a 2400BH with a 15,000 btu a/c. While running the a/c most other electrical devices are turned off, except for the converter and a light or two.

So to my point... i have run the a/c a couple times with no problem while the RV is plugged into a standard wall outlet to our house. This is a 15 amp plug and have not had any issues. Am i in jeopardy of burning up the compressor on my a/c unit? And if not then why do so many people recommend a 3000 - 3500 watt generator? Could i get away with a 2000 watt?

Thanks for the help!

The short answer is no, running your A/C on a 15 amp house circuit will not damage your compressor. Be aware, you are pushing the absolute limit of your 15 amp circuit however. Overloading the shore power circuit causes heat. The point of a 15 amp breaker is to protect the circuit wiring and therefor in your case the home from the wiring overheating and causing a fire. Our 3k generator still runs at high RPM when we use our A/C and we have the smaller 13.500 BTU unit. We use the generator sparingly not because of the noise level, it's pretty quiet, but just to save wear and tear. Most often we're outside the Cougar during the main heat of the day.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by flybouy

Typical 15k ac takes 12.5-13 amps to run, not start at 120 volts. To get amps from generators say a 3,000 watt unit divide watts by volts so 3000/120=25. A 2000 watt would be 2000/120=16.7 amps. So if you are 'getting away" with running on a 15 Amp circuit I think you are asking for trouble.

Running specs for Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU:

A Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU:
Compressor-rated load amps: 13.2
Fan motor-rated load amps: 2.7

Start up will be higher but there is a start up capacitor that aids start up and the amperage draw will be momentary. Most A/C breakers are 20A. I would hesitate running an A/C on 15A shore power. Many 20A shore power circuits actually do use 15A outlets as noted; 20A outlets have a bit different pin style.

[GHen]

I agree, most builders will put 20 amp circuits (breakers and wires) to the garage and outside outlets. That’s because of the use of power tools in the garage maybe an air compressor and adding a fridge or freezer even those are suppose to be on a dedicated circuit.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by GHen

I agree, most builders will put 20 amp circuits (breakers and wires) to the garage and outside outlets. That’s because of the use of power tools in the garage maybe an air compressor and adding a fridge or freezer even those are suppose to be on a dedicated circuit.

But don't just assume it is a 20 amp circuit. Verify by checking the breaker and see what other loads may be on the circuit (such as fridge, etc.) While installing 20 amp circuits seems to be the practice around here I've had electricians tell me that many areas of the country routinely install 15 amp circuits.

[Roscommon48]

the question: 'Could i get away with a 2000 watt?' Quick answer, NO


You can run a 13.5K ac on a 2200 honda, and it is MAXed out, anything more is a no

[JRTJH]

This is similar to the question: Can I tow my 40' fifth wheel with a Toyota Tundra or do I need to buy a F150/1500?????

When in doubt, consult the air conditioner manufacturer's recommendations. The Dometic user's manual stipulates minimum generator size recommendations.

Dometic's recommendations:
Single air conditioner use: 3500 watt generator
Double air conditioner use: 5000 watt generator.

(but who thinks they would have any expertise?)…

So, the "argument becomes" Should you, can you or will you burn things up???