Can a 30amp A/C run on 20 amps?
One of my sons bought a travel trailer to use as 'seasonal' for him and his family. Dealer will deliver and set it up. One a/c unit. Only NOW....does he tell me his site is 20 amp....with a "promise"...
Forum Discussion
Dutch_12078 wrote:
His A/C alone does not draw 30 amps, but more like 12 or 13 while running, with a higher momentary starting load. As long as the voltage is adequate, it'll run fine on a 20 amp circuit, although the amount and type of other items that can be used at the same time will be limited. The A/C would have to be shut off to use a microwave for example, but it is doable and done by many RV'ers, most commonly when plugged in at home.
dutch hit the nail squarely on the head. it all depends on the CG voltage at your pedestal. nominal voltage is 110/120 volts. as voltage decreases amperage pull will increase. ohms law says: amps = watts/volts.
let's say for sake of discussion the air conditioner is rated at 1400-watts and the voltage at the post is 110. 1400/110 = 12.72 amps. if the voltage at the post is 120 the air conditioner would pull 11.6 amps; 105 volts would pull 13.3 amps. all your son need to is determine the wattage of the air conditioner, measure the voltage at the post and do the math.
