Can you run a 220v A/C unit off a 50 amp service?

Charlie D. wrote:
I am about as confused as anyone can get. The little research I have done shows a split unit. If so, where are you going to put the condenser?

They look like this



The condenser/compressor are typically mounted on the tongue, either above or behind the propane tanks. I also could be mounted on the back.

Running the 2 refrigerant pipes is the challenge.





If you have a strong back wall, they make brackets so you can mount it directly to the wall.

I am about as confused as anyone can get. The little research I have done shows a split unit. If so, where are you going to put the condenser?

Big Katuna wrote:
220 wont be more efficient than 120. Watts is watts.

In another forum I'd call you an evil name for a half truth like that.
But not here.

Yes watts are indeed watts but amps are 1/2 on 240 what they are on 110 and that means less expensive wire, lower voltage loss and several other advantages. THIS IS WHY 50 amp service is 120/240 volt instead of just piping in 100 amps at 120 volt. Same watts either way but less voltage drop and less copper.

nicpaige wrote:
So it sounds like 50/50 on the subject.

NO ! If wired properly, it is 100% AFFIRMATIVE !

If you are confused, hire an electrician.

So it sounds like 50/50 on the subject.

cavie wrote:
You cannot access 240 volts in a standard 50 amp RV service panel. Sq bolt in breakers will not go in either.

If the OP is putting in a mini-split a few wire mods is the least of his worries.
This is not some bolt on project.

wa8yxm wrote:
The short answer is yes. PROVIDED you are on 50 amps and not 30 it won't work at all on 30.

The longer answer however is a tad more complex.

Now normally 50 amp service is L1-N-L2 back at the transformer there is one winding. L-1 and L-2 are the ends of the winding. N is a center tap. So it's 120-120 or 240 volt overall.

And your A/C will work

Some parks however .. "Cheat.. They feed 100 amps down the wire, and use it to feed both legs of the 50 amp outlet.. An Intelletec EMS will detect this as 30 amp service (For that is how the voltages are "Split" when you use a 30 amp dogbone)

Since there is zero leg to leg voltage. the 240 volt unit will not work in such a park or on a 30 amp site..

Thus I would NOT recommend such a unit.

You do not feed or push amps anywhere. Amps are drawn by the equipment utilized. Campsites do no hook to 100 amp breakers.
50 amp service is conned to a 50 amp breaker. It's 120/240 50 amps. 240 is fed to your RV. 240 cannot be accessed in 90% of RV's

You cannot access 240 volts in a standard 50 amp RV service panel. Sq bolt in breakers will not go in either.

220 wont be more efficient than 120. Watts is watts.
Who cares about efficiency anyway. I have paid for electric by meter never.
You can run the 120 version on 30A which makes it 100% more effective.

The short answer is yes. PROVIDED you are on 50 amps and not 30 it won't work at all on 30.

The longer answer however is a tad more complex.

Now normally 50 amp service is L1-N-L2 back at the transformer there is one winding. L-1 and L-2 are the ends of the winding. N is a center tap. So it's 120-120 or 240 volt overall.

And your A/C will work

Some parks however .. "Cheat.. They feed 100 amps down the wire, and use it to feed both legs of the 50 amp outlet.. An Intelletec EMS will detect this as 30 amp service (For that is how the voltages are "Split" when you use a 30 amp dogbone)

Since there is zero leg to leg voltage. the 240 volt unit will not work in such a park or on a 30 amp site..

Thus I would NOT recommend such a unit.