Volts and Sillcone

Power companies usually spec 120VAC +/-10V and appliance will not have problem with that.

If you are having a problem, it is usually caused by a heavy load (like an air conditioner) which has a very LARGE starting load. If your wiring and power source are not in good condition you might drop down to even below 100V for a fraction of a second. You need a special kind of a meter to "capture" such a short drop in voltage.

Hi,

I start using an autoformer when voltage sags to 107 volts.

Thanks for more info I'm saving guys.

114VAC is fine!

ScottG wrote:
114VAC is fine!

.Thanks for the good luck comment also Scott.

My 2010 TT is loaded with silicone, it was used to seal about everything because it was cheap and good.

Today there are better and cheaper sealants, so silicone has fallen out of favor. Especially since it is hard to remove.

Since I do not repair what is not broken and the few crack in the sealant are closed with whatever sticky goo I use, it has not been much of an issue.

Good luck

While the standard "nominal" voltage throughout north america is 120 volts and most things are designed to run optimally at 120, some equipment & appliances (motors are a good ex.) are designed to run at lower voltages because it allows for lower voltage at the point of use. RV AC units are rated for operation at 115 volts. The different RV AC unit manufacturers will have specs for operating voltage. AirXcel for ex. says:

However, the voltage will vary and the air conditioning system will perform satisfactorily within plus or minus 10% of the rated (115) voltage (domestic USA). Therefore, the voltage has to be
between 103.5 volts and 126.5 volts.

Low voltage is a common problem in CGs, esp. in older ones. The Progressive Industries EMS will cut you off at 104 volts while the TRC SurgeGuard cuts off at 102 volts which is lower than what AirXcel specifies. Some, like me, use 105 volts as a safe min. The SurgeGuard voltage of 102 is too low IMO.

If voltage is low at an RV AC unit, it is hard on it both under running and startup conditions. If voltage is too low, it's hard on the motor windings and over time, can lead to motor failure. During the momentary startup, the inrush current can be 60+ amps (depending on make & model). You can be just above the low voltage threshold and the motor can struggle to start and damage the winding. The damage is cumulative and one day the AC unit can fail for no apparent reason.

Checking the voltage without load is not a good method for deciding if the voltage is adequate. If you have a permanent voltmeter inside, you should monitor periodically throughout the day.