13.5 rear AC amps

[Ramair]

I believe that my rear Dometic 13.5 ac is out of Freon. Everything was working great until a fan blade broke and cut into the condenser fins. Replaced the fan and all is working but not blowing cold air. When running fan only all is working but when switching to cool (ac) I hear the compressor kick in but not blowing cold air. Called dealer and was advised to check the amp draw of the compressor. I know when all is good its should pull 12.5 amps, what would it pull if it was out of Freon. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[time2roll]

Triker33 wrote:
Sounds like the cut condenser fins may have sprung a leak.
And it is now time to replace the AC.

Yes by the time you diagnose, repair leak, install freon valves, charge with Freon you are probably less than $100 away from a new unit installed with a warranty.

[Dale_Traveling]

My Carrier 13.5 BTU roof A/C demands 11.2 amps with the compressor and fan operating. With only the fan measured 4.4 amps.

Both the interior and exterior air temps at 74 degrees, 90% humidity and scattered light rain. Coach is in the driveway and I don't run the A/C unless I'm in it. Measurements were a few moments after initial start surge. Test equipment used was a Simpson model HE-95 clamp on amp meter. Last calibration is unknown.

Suspect without a freon charge you will see an decrease below what a functioning system will demand. Split the difference and call it 7.8 amps.

[dougrainer]

Kayteg1 wrote:
My 13500 AC draws 6.9 amp.
The 15k Carrier did draw 8.
The label is always saying much more because of starting current.

What outside temp were those amp draws taken at? There is NO WAY a 13.5 or 15k would draw less than 10 amps(compressor only). For a AC rated at compressor draw of 12.9 amps(average on most) you would have to have outside ambient of 45 degrees to get it down to 7.9 amps. At 45 degrees, why would you need the AC to run. The "label" has nothing to do with actual running amps. According to the Carrier specs, they have NO 13.5 or 15k that draws less than 12.7 amps(compressor only) at 95 degrees. Doug

[Kayteg1]

My 13500 AC draws 6.9 amp.
The 15k Carrier did draw 8.
The label is always saying much more because of starting current.

[wa8yxm]

Mandalay Parr wrote:
Probably a lot less. Don't know for sure.
Give it a try.
Let us know what you find.

Delete the word "Probably" in the above post. For sure a lot less, Give the following test.

hook up your clamp on ammeter to the wire going up to the roof (At the circuit breaker is the easiest hookup)
Turn on in FAN ONLY mode.. measure amps (like 1-2?
Not switch to cool. it will spike then drop down. If no Refrigerant you will likely see 5 amps or less (about double the fan or less)

That ... Is the state of one of mine just now

NOTE: When the first of my two 13.5's failed, I replaced it with a 15K.. Amp draw is... IDENTICAL to the older 13.5.

Given the fact that the last several years have all set the "Hottest year on record" redcord. .I'd recommend the upgrade.

[RoyB]

My roof 13,500 BTU Air conditioner will not run from my EU2000i Honda Generator. The front panel says 120VAC 13.3AMPS... I got it to run one time by only plugging the 13.500 BTU air conditioner into the Honda 2KW generator by starting the fan first but when it recycled a few minutes later it tripped the generator breaker...


google image

If I plug my trailer into a 20AMPS House Service connection using a RV Adapter long plug (AMAZON) the 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner runs great. Plugging into a 15AMPS House service connection runs most of the time but as soon as anything else in the trailer with mid to high wattage turns-on it trips the house breaker.

I would always plug into a 20AMP House circuit if I was going to use my Roof Mounted Air Conditioner.

Roy Ken

[dougrainer]

4 to 6 amps. Doug

[Triker33]

Sounds like the cut condenser fins may have sprung a leak.
And it is now time to replace the AC.

You may think about a Heat Pump 15K unit.

[Mandalay_Parr]

Probably a lot less. Don't know for sure.
Give it a try.
Let us know what you find.