Takamine wrote:
When I'm at home, I use an adapter and plug my TT into a 20 amp outlet. I've heard that you shouldn't run your A/C when only plugged into 20 amps, but the breaker for the A/C in the TT is only a 20 amp circuit. Should there be any issue running the A/C with only 20 amps, if nothing else is running? Thoughts?
Thanks
*IF* nothing else is running, the converter can be drawing around 3-5 amps. AC units draw in the 12-15 amp range depending on rating and make/model. So you could be drawing around 15 to 20 amps "if nothing else is running." Have you verified that the house wiring is #12 gauge or #14 and do you know how far it is from the receptacle to the panel?
Voltage is everything when running AC units. You should have a voltmeter inside your TT to monitor voltage. An LED type is more accurate and don't cost much. Voltage can fluctuate so don't assume it's always going to be okay. If it starts dipping below 110 volts, you want to pay attention. Note that AC units momentarily draw 50 to 60 amps on startup and voltage can dip very low, well below the 104 or so volts that can damage AC units.
Note that AC units draw more current as voltage goes down. So that 15-20 amps noted above go higher.
If you read manufacturer's specs, an extension cord over 50' should be at least #10 ga. Do NOT use a cheapo "heavy duty" extension or #14 or smaller gauge. "Heavy duty" means nothing at a retailer. The cheap connectors and plugs on low cost extension cords can get hot and even go up in smoke in some cases. Best thing you can do is find a high quality true heavy duty cord with MINIMUM #12 ga. Making one up from scratch is also a good option.
Always, always make sure the plug blades on your shore power cord and ext. cords are kept clean and shiny with sandpaper or emery cloth. And never plug in unless the power is turned off. Converters have an inrush current (due to capacitor charging inside) that causes pitting on plug blades and inside receptacles & connectors. The pitting attracts dirt and carbon, leading to a poor connection and overheating. In the very beginning, I had a couple of cheapo extension cords go up in smoke. Then I installed a 30 amp RV outlet in the carport.
Be aware that if you fail to monitor voltage and it frequently dips below around 102-104 volts, you can cause damage to the motor windings in an AC. The damage is cumulative over time and one day can fail for no apparent reason. New AC units are not cheap. And just because some people "do it all the time" doesn't mean you won't ever have a problem.
