AC Requirements

djkrs2 · 08-03-2012, 01:14 PM

First... I searched and didn't find the answer to this.

We recently returned from our first camping trip in which we actually needed the air conditioner. It worked flawlessly. We always plug the trailer into a standard outlet when we get home so that things like the refer, T.V. and microwave will work if we want to use them. It FINALLY got to be summer here in Western WA and I thought I'd see if I could use the AC if I didn't run anything else so that perhaps I could enjoy a little break from the heat. I turned it on and it did nothing. I can select FAN on the thermostat and it runs fine but when I turn it to COOL and move the temperature selector all the way down it does nothing. Now, I know I don't have 30 AMP service but my son was able to run his AC in his motorhome one time while he parked it in our driveway for a short period. It would work unless he used some other appliance and then it just tripped my breaker in the garage. Should I get something out of the AC or does modern technology somehow know that there isn't enough amperage to have it run correctly?

Thanks,

therink · 08-03-2012, 03:01 PM

I know that on mine, sometimes I get nothing either. Something in the ac unit has to reset. If you haven't already, turn it on cool and leave it a minute or two. If it doesn't fire up, I would then check the factory wiring to make all connections from the thermostat were made properly.
Household 20amp should run it ok along as the extension cord used is heavy enough and not longer run than 50' or so.

djkrs2 · 08-03-2012, 05:21 PM

Perhaps I didn't give it enough time.

Thanks.

chuck&gail · 08-04-2012, 06:20 PM

You need to check the voltage INSIDE the RV when the A/C tries to run. If it is below 110 VAC, just turn it off. Voltages below that have been known to burn up A/C's. If above 1109 VAC, then it is something else.

Note a dip below for a few seconds when compressor starts is normal.

fla-gypsy · 08-10-2012, 06:10 PM

Low line voltage. You need a dedicated 20 amp circuit and 10 gauge power cords.

christopherglenn · 08-10-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck&gail

You need to check the voltage INSIDE the RV when the A/C tries to run. If it is below 110 VAC, just turn it off. Voltages below that have been known to burn up A/C's. If above 1109 VAC, then it is something else.

Note a dip below for a few seconds when compressor starts is normal.

Wow, you must have a HUGE ac..

djkrs2 · 08-24-2012, 12:47 PM

Well I guess I just didn't wait long enough. It seems to be working fine. I always do buy heavy gauge extension chords for use outside so I was sure it wasn't that. I am going to get a dedicated outlet put up for just this purpose but I didn't get to it before the heat set in. But its over now so I don't need to worry. So much for summer in Washington.

Thanks for everyone's replies.

Halibutman214 · 08-24-2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djkrs2

Well I guess I just didn't wait long enough. It seems to be working fine. I always do buy heavy gauge extension chords for use outside so I was sure it wasn't that. I am going to get a dedicated outlet put up for just this purpose but I didn't get to it before the heat set in. But its over now so I don't need to worry. So much for summer in Washington.

Thanks for everyone's replies.

MY A/C is 13500 BTU and while I don't have a dedicated circuit I run it off my 20 amp service in the garage and have never had a problem with it, my toy hauler A/C, or my Camper.

**hankpage** · 08-24-2012, 01:59 PM

My A/C Has a six minute time delay before it starts ... Like you said you didn't wait long enough. ... I panic every time I wait for it to start.

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