AC voltage and line loss
Hey guys, I have a 96 Bounder 34j with two brand new Coleman 13,500BTU AC units.. the weather is extremely hot right now and everyone is running their AC’s... even with my Hughes Autoformer I’m runnin...
Forum Discussion
(copied from link below): Section 210.20(A) of the code basically says that a circuit breaker for a branch circuit must be rated such that it can handle the noncontinuous load plus 125% of the continuous load. (A continous load is one where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.) In other words, the breaker needs an extra 25% capacity of the continuous load for headroom. That, of course, means you need a larger, more expensive breaker.
https://blog.schneider-electric.com/datacenter/power-and-cooling/2014/06/12/clearing-confusion-80-vs-100-rated-circuit-breakers/
No one actually applies this rule as it is not required for an RV because all items are short term or thermostatically controlled so by definition an RV is not a continuous load. However as you have experienced it is easy to have the air conditioners run continuous for 10+ hours and the EMS will hold the RV very close to 30 amps for well over the 3 hour requirement. Then you have the booster that will draw more amps to get the voltage corrected.
IMO this can put you in the continuous service definition. Ever wonder why so many 30 amp connectors and adapters are burn, worn, and heat damaged? OK not just this but I believe it contributes significantly.
This is part of the reason I suggested all breakers off if running 2x A/Cs. Yes you will be running on battery power for the 12 volt systems while the 120 volt system is under stress. That last 4 amps can make a difference. Turn the rest back on an hour or so after sunset when the system is less stressed. Otherwise make do with one A/C or find 50 amp power.
JMHO
https://blog.schneider-electric.com/datacenter/power-and-cooling/2014/06/12/clearing-confusion-80-vs-100-rated-circuit-breakers/
No one actually applies this rule as it is not required for an RV because all items are short term or thermostatically controlled so by definition an RV is not a continuous load. However as you have experienced it is easy to have the air conditioners run continuous for 10+ hours and the EMS will hold the RV very close to 30 amps for well over the 3 hour requirement. Then you have the booster that will draw more amps to get the voltage corrected.
IMO this can put you in the continuous service definition. Ever wonder why so many 30 amp connectors and adapters are burn, worn, and heat damaged? OK not just this but I believe it contributes significantly.
This is part of the reason I suggested all breakers off if running 2x A/Cs. Yes you will be running on battery power for the 12 volt systems while the 120 volt system is under stress. That last 4 amps can make a difference. Turn the rest back on an hour or so after sunset when the system is less stressed. Otherwise make do with one A/C or find 50 amp power.
JMHO
