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d-mac1's avatar
d-mac1
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013

30 Amp vs 50 Amp

I've only boondocked to this point and going to some campgrounds beginning Saturday and the first one will only have 30 amp service. I've got a surge protector/power meter that I use at home when plugged in and will have that, but my question is, what will be the impact of only 30 amp service?

I'm guessing we'll be able to run the A/C (only have one unit), but not at same time as microwave. Hopefully we can run A/C and TV...or I'll hafta fire up the genny.

And what happens when you draw too much current?

Thanks.
Toy Haulers
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Jun 28, 2013
    You should be able to run both the AC and the microwave at the same time. Most rigs with 30 amp hookups/converters have both and run 'em at the same time without issue. But you won't be able to run the washer/dryer combo or the second AC (the one you don't have anyway). The worst that will happen is you'll have to go reset the circuit breaker on the power pedestal. AC and TV shouldn't overtax 30 amp service unless you have one h**l of a TV!

    30 amp service should support without issue a 3,600 watt load, and when the compressor on that AC starts up, you'll get a momentary 2400 or so surge, so there's usually room for a 1000 or 1200 watt microwave to be running.

    But don't even think about the AC, the microwave, AND an electric coffee pot at the same time.

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