voltage drop in hot weather
Hi, I'm currently in Peachland BC. The temperature today was as high as 41 C (105 f). I was running the air conditioner on a 15 amp shore power connection. I normally shut down at 109 volts but ...
Forum Discussion
Several things... First: The voltage of 107 was most likely with the A/C compressor running and likely running for a while.. The danger is not in running it at 105, it is in STARTING it at 105, Unit draws way more power when starting than it does one second later. Then as the coils heat up (The Evaporator) it draws more and more.. here are some facts.
I have two A/Cs recently the front one, a Carrier Air V, begain tripping on me (Tripping the circuit breaker that is, 20 amp) Finally I wrapped a clamp on ammeter around the proper wire and observed.
Fan only, just a few amps, then the compressor kicked in and there was a spike too fast for the meter to respond to and display, then it settled down to the proper 13 to 14 amps (the meter does not do tenths, I have another meter that does but did not wish to dig it out) Then after a few mintues of run time, as temps rose, the current clmibed to 21 amps and then CLICK to zero.
Finally I went topside (next AM) with screwdriver brush and air hose and jet.
Removed covers.. Removed a lot of "Stuff" (Fibrous stuff that builds up on condenser coils) using brush and compressed air, Re-covered save for 7 screws I replaced this AM (6 were missing, I put one in my pocket so I could buy the right size) Breaker has not tripped since.
Your readings, at the RV end, I would not worry about 107 running,,,, I might about less than 110 with the compressor IDLE.
I have two A/Cs recently the front one, a Carrier Air V, begain tripping on me (Tripping the circuit breaker that is, 20 amp) Finally I wrapped a clamp on ammeter around the proper wire and observed.
Fan only, just a few amps, then the compressor kicked in and there was a spike too fast for the meter to respond to and display, then it settled down to the proper 13 to 14 amps (the meter does not do tenths, I have another meter that does but did not wish to dig it out) Then after a few mintues of run time, as temps rose, the current clmibed to 21 amps and then CLICK to zero.
Finally I went topside (next AM) with screwdriver brush and air hose and jet.
Removed covers.. Removed a lot of "Stuff" (Fibrous stuff that builds up on condenser coils) using brush and compressed air, Re-covered save for 7 screws I replaced this AM (6 were missing, I put one in my pocket so I could buy the right size) Breaker has not tripped since.
Your readings, at the RV end, I would not worry about 107 running,,,, I might about less than 110 with the compressor IDLE.
