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ford_truck_guy's avatar
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jul 14, 2015

running 2 15k ac's on 30amp

If I have everything shut off except the 2 15k AC's , according to the chart below , It looks like it would be ok? This is just to test both at the same time to see how fast the trailer cools down.. we have a dedicated 30 amp circuit with a 30 amp rv plug run to the pedestal at our house.
I am the first to say that I am 100% clueless when electric is involved. .

Roof Air Conditioner (Continuous)
11.4
Roof Air Conditioner (Initial Start)
Up to 16
Electric Water Heater 12
Microwave 13
Converter 8
Refrigerator 3.5
TV or VCR 1
Hair Dryer 2
110 Volt Light 1

10 Replies

  • CJW8's avatar
    CJW8
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2015
    Since you admit you have little electrical knowledge, don't try this yourself. Get an electrician. Is your 30 amp breaker in the main panel a double breaker? That means twice as wide as a normal 15 or 20 amp breaker. If so you are half way there. The rest involves removing panel covers and you shouldn't do that unless you are qualified. This is where you need an electrician.

    Here is what I did to run both AC's.
  • TInmania's avatar
    TInmania
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2015
    ford truck guy wrote:
    If I have everything shut off except the 2 15k AC's , according to the chart below , It looks like it would be ok? This is just to test both at the same time to see how fast the trailer cools down.. we have a dedicated 30 amp circuit with a 30 amp rv plug run to the pedestal at our house.
    I am the first to say that I am 100% clueless when electric is involved. .

    Roof Air Conditioner (Continuous)
    11.4

    Did you actually measure that draw? Specs for a brand new Dometic 13.5k btu ac show the most efficient model rated at 11 amps for the compressor and 2.5 amps for the fan. A 15k is 12.9 for the compressor and the same 2.5 for the fan.

    Either way 11.4 seems great if that is what it is actually drawing for compressor and fan.



    Mike
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Jul 14, 2015
    NinerBikes wrote:
    fla-gypsy wrote:
    The practical application is it won't work for long


    Agreed.


    These are my thoughts....I guess we will have to wait till next week when we go away and actually have 50amp service....Thanks all !
  • NinerBikes's avatar
    NinerBikes
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2015
    fla-gypsy wrote:
    The practical application is it won't work for long


    Agreed.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2015
    What 15k btu air conditioner only draws 11.4 amps?
    For a test, I would shut everything off except the airs, start one, then the other, and crank the temp down so they don't cycle.Worst case, you pop the breaker.
  • dave17352's avatar
    dave17352
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2015
    Read the 2nd paragraph.

    this is what i was thinking of

    Or read the whole thing pretty much explains it all.

    If it was 105 outside myself I would start one and turn it to max cool and then start the other and turn it to max cool. That way neither would shut down and restart. Once the super hot part of the day was over I would shut one down and then you could use the other equipment in your rig. I think that would be doable on the really really hot days.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2015
    Synchronized hot re-start puts the quash on this idea unless you like wearing roller skates.
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2015
    Should be OK but close. You don't want anything else on, including the converter if your batteries should be low and sucking converter power.

    Start 1; wait a minute, then start the other.

    Spending 5 bucks for a cheap volt meter to check voltage would be a good investment. You could just check any outlet in the trailer. Stay above 105.
  • dave17352's avatar
    dave17352
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2015
    I would think it would work if they don't both start at the same time. Also if you AC's have a soft start? I think they even make some kind of switch so they can't start at the same time. But as you said with everything else off. Including the converter charger.

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