We haven't camped in our trailer for almost 2 years. We have a trip,scheduled to MB in July. We just recently got the trailer back after having it repaired for a tree limb going through the roof. Had the trailer checked while there, wheel bearings, brakes and other maintenance items. We want to make sure everything is in working order before getting so,far from home. We have turned on the frig and it cools, going to,connect water to make sure hot water heater works. We want to make sure the AC cools so my question would it be ok to turn air on (with everything else electric turned off) to just test that it cools. We have a 20amp circuit at the house would not run it long at all just enough to,know it comes on and cools. Planning on testing early on the morning so it is not crazy not. Thanks

I run my air conditioner all the time using my garage 15AMP receptacles. Works just fine if you have the SAFE ZONE 120VAC.A 20AMP service would be even better...The air conditioner should be the only biggest wattage unit on when using it. i.e. If I have the Air Conditioner 'ON' and turn on my Microwave it will trip the house breaker on my 15AMP Service.Another large wattage item in my trailer is the roll around high wattage Vacuum when I am cleaning the floors.Roy Ken

I cant run mine on a 15 amp, and you really shouldn't if its not getting enough power. It will likely run on 20 amp, just make sure nothing else is on in the trailer, or on that same circuit in the house.

It depends on where you plug it in. Find a dedicated circuit or one with no load.In my case, I normally plug in to the standard receptical on the side of my house, which is fine for everything EXCEPT the AC. I tried to start it one time and the voltage dropped too low and it would not start. Too long a wire run and too much on the circuit.If I want to run my AC, I use a HD extension cord and plug into the washing machine outlet in my garage. By code for many years the 120V receptical for washers must be dedicated, even in my home built in 1981. Newer homes have other dedicated circuits now, but in mine the washer is the only one. With nothing else on that circuit, the AC fires right up and runs great. Note I said the 120V receptical for the washer. If you have an electric dryer DO NOT attempt to plug into it. Electric dryer circuits are 240V NOT 120V. Until as recent as 1996 code permitted the installation of a 3 prong dryer receptical NEMA 10-30 which is a 240V 3 wire (hot / hot / ground). It looks A LOT like a NEMA TT-30r which is the 30A plug for trailers, also a 3 wire but 120V (hot / neutral / ground). With a little effort a it can be made to fit with disasterous results!

Mine will spin the fan on 15amp but will not start the compressor.It will work just fine on 20amp.To be extra safe check the voltage before and after you start the AC and the compressor kicks in. Make sure voltage is within norms(108-130 I think)

Testing AC at home | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

ksg5000
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
You should be OK hooking up to a 20 amp outlet .. if you have to use an extension cord the shorter/fatter the better. Keep an eye on voltage when running the AC - if it drops below 109 volts turn off the Air Conditioner.
Fastfwd75
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
Mine will spin the fan on 15amp but will not start the compressor.
It will work just fine on 20amp.
To be extra safe check the voltage before and after you start the AC and the compressor kicks in. Make sure voltage is within norms(108-130 I think)
PUCampin
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
It depends on where you plug it in. Find a dedicated circuit or one with no load.

In my case, I normally plug in to the standard receptical on the side of my house, which is fine for everything EXCEPT the AC. I tried to start it one time and the voltage dropped too low and it would not start. Too long a wire run and too much on the circuit.

If I want to run my AC, I use a HD extension cord and plug into the washing machine outlet in my garage. By code for many years the 120V receptical for washers must be dedicated, even in my home built in 1981. Newer homes have other dedicated circuits now, but in mine the washer is the only one. With nothing else on that circuit, the AC fires right up and runs great.

Note I said the 120V receptical for the washer. If you have an electric dryer DO NOT attempt to plug into it. Electric dryer circuits are 240V NOT 120V. Until as recent as 1996 code permitted the installation of a 3 prong dryer receptical NEMA 10-30 which is a 240V 3 wire (hot / hot / ground). It looks A LOT like a NEMA TT-30r which is the 30A plug for trailers, also a 3 wire but 120V (hot / neutral / ground). With a little effort a it can be made to fit with disasterous results!
ScottG
Nomad
Jun 25, 2014
Yes, it will run fine on 20A.
kodiakcanuck
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
I cant run mine on a 15 amp, and you really shouldn't if its not getting enough power. It will likely run on 20 amp, just make sure nothing else is on in the trailer, or on that same circuit in the house.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2014
I run my air conditioner all the time using my garage 15AMP receptacles. Works just fine if you have the SAFE ZONE 120VAC.

A 20AMP service would be even better...

The air conditioner should be the only biggest wattage unit on when using it. i.e. If I have the Air Conditioner 'ON' and turn on my Microwave it will trip the house breaker on my 15AMP Service.

Another large wattage item in my trailer is the roll around high wattage Vacuum when I am cleaning the floors.

Roy Ken

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Testing AC at home

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