Forum Discussion

carp65's avatar
carp65
Explorer
Mar 27, 2016

Use of only 30 amp service

We have a newly purchased 2015 Tiffin Allegro Open Road, 37',V-10.

Was wondering if we can operate on only 30 amp service if we are
very careful with our electric useage. Only one A/c at a time,
and don't run the toaster and coffee pot at the same time. Things
like that. We have so many power things--front night shade, awning,
two inside TV's, combo washer and dryer, etc. Appreciate any and
all comments

17 Replies

  • I have a 30 amp connection in my storage garage. I can adjust the inverters for a 30 amp setting. I run the fridge but turn off the hot water tank and the compressor that keeps the air valves working (not needed while in storage).

    I run one air unit (13,500 btu) and the house/chassis battery charger. We seem to use about 20-22 amps in this scenario.

    So, on your Tiffin, you should do just fine if you watch your electric usage.

    MM.
  • Easy, simple rule to follow - single AC and the water heater on gas. In cold heater substitute the AC (unless it's a heat pump) for a space heater.
  • 325 watts fridge
    1200 13500 btu air conditioner (but may draw up to 1900 watts)
    1200 water heater on electric

    2725 total You will be fine on a 30 amp and will have enough power to operate the converter, too.

    Duty cycle on an absorption fridge is 2:3 so it is on 40 minutes of each hour.

    Cycling on a ten gallon electric water heater is 15 minutes every four hours if no water is drawn off. Time to first cycle is about 90 minutes on electric.

    In the time before I had a hybrid inverter/charger I would flip the water heater off before I cooked or used the coffee maker.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I solved my coffee pot on time down to 5 minutes total for a 10-cup brewing. Then it pours up the brewed coffee into a thermos carafe. The thermo carafe keeps the coffee piping hot all day long so there is no power time required to keep it hot. We are bean coffee lovers so this Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Maker Model DGB-600BC works just great for us.



    Roy Ken
  • Yes. A/C, Fridge, and HW heater running together will probably use more an 30 amps, but that's why the HW heater can run either gas or electric.

    Mike
  • As you said, careful monitoring of your electrical use and you will have no problem. One thing that you do not want to forget about is your inverter/charger. If not set fairly low, the charger portion can use a lot of incoming power. Things like your power awning and front shades are probably 12 volt items. The microwave and your AC should able to both be run at the same time. Be sure to turn your hot water heater and refrigerator to LP. In a short time you will figure out what you can and cannot run together.