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DutchmenSport's avatar
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013

AMPS

Just did a laymen's test on my new Outback to check the amps each major device is pulling. I have a surge protector that reads out the volts and the amps. When I finally realized this, it was very easy to figure out what each "item"was pulling. Here's what I found out. This may be helpful for someone ... maybe not ... but here it goes:

With nothing running, there is a constant 3 amp draw all the time. This must be the converter, the satellite receiver, and 2 televisions plugged in but turned off all the time.

Subtract the 3 amps constant draw and:

The air conditioner pulls 10 amps
The microwave pulls 13 amps
The water heater pulls 12 amps

My camper is 30 amp, so if all 3 items were running at the same time, I'd blow a 30 amp breaker. It totals 38 amps.

More important, I'm plugged into a 20 amp at home. Been running the air conditioner, pretty much non-stop since we purchased the camper. Have not blown the breaker yet. When trying the microwave, we shut off the air conditioner.
And the water heater is running on propane.

Running the air-conditioner still leaves enough "wiggle room" at home (20 amp), to comfortable enjoy the television (1 amp when turned on) and sleep in in every night when not camping!

Good to know what the limitations are.

Just an FYI!

8 Replies

  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Sep 11, 2013
    Your amps are not correct
    The roof AC will pull at least 14 amps at 95 degrees ambient- Subtract 1 amp for every 10 degrees below 95. Most compressors will pull at least 11 amps and most are 12.9.
    The M/w will pull anywhere from 9 to 11 amps
    The refer will pull 2.6 amps
    The Water heater will pull 10.5 to 11.0 amps
    That 3 amps is the Converter and possibly the refer---- 2.6 amps if on. Doug
  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    Turn the AC down another 5° so I'll be more comfortable tonight. Oh yeah, leave the remote for the TV on the couch so I won't have to hunt for it.

    Peg Leg
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    316 kWh per month just to "idle" is a bit curious. This is 50% MORE kWh than I use in TWO MONTHS, refrigerator, lights, hobby stuff etc.

    Maybe I read something wrong...
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    Ah thanks. Yes refer is on electric.

    Air Conditoner was on cool, not blowing air only.

    Did not consider hair dryer. Wife never uses one when camping, and the electric heater (ceramic), well ... it's summer right now. When it get's time to use it, I won't be concerned about the air conditoner. Still, I can check it out seprately... Good advise there too. I didn't think of that.

    And I like the idea of marking each item with the amp draw so I won't forget.... good advise there, thanks.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2013
    DutchmenSport wrote:
    With nothing running, there is a constant 3 amp draw all the time. This must be the converter, the satellite receiver, and 2 televisions plugged in but turned off all the time.
    and perhaps the refer. 360w is a pretty heavy 'idle' draw, but in the ballpark if your refer is on electric (and on).
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    It is my habit to check the amperage/wattage draw of everything I buy. I then use a paint pen or marker to mark the underside or backside of the item. It is a handy base figure for future reference. It is good to know when troubleshooting a problem to compare against the original draw.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Sep 11, 2013
    Space heater and hair dryer will also be right up there with the big items.
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    Was the A/C compressor running or just the fan? Normally its the amp spike when the A/C compressor starts that trips a breaker.

    I watch the read out on my unit as well. It's interesting to see what the different loads pull.

    Thanks

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