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psmoore's avatar
psmoore
Explorer
Jun 23, 2013

Amp question

Been on vacation for 10 days now. 4 total campgrounds. At first three, Fort DeSoto State Park in Clearwater, Fort Wilderness at Disney, then one in GA while hooked to shore power had no problems running both A/C units. At the one I am in now i tried running two as always power lost to rig. No circuit breakers on my rig tripped. Power back on. Called front desk and was told I could not run 2 A/C units on 30 amps and it was my rig. Turned off one. Tripped three more times with one ac and tvs going, a laptop and two ipads charging. Called and they tested the power to the pole and I dont remember the numbers, but he said they were right. End up complaing that with all running and one ac I was only pulling 17 amps at the time of the last power loss. They moved me and so far no problem, but now I am doubting if I should be running all that?

Le i said I havent had a problem for about 10 days now. Any suggestions? Or tips?
Class A
  • garry1p's avatar
    garry1p
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    The correct way to connect and disconnect from a power pole is to flip the breaker off before plugging in or unplugging.

    I suspect 98% of campers don't do this and the result is pitting the plug causing resistance and quickly wearing out the CG power plug and causing excessive heat on the campers plug.
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    For what it's worth, when both my ac units are running, they draw about 19 amps. That leaves plenty for anything else except the electric water heater or microwave. If I turn the microwave on, the EMS sheds one ac until the microwave is done.

    The OP needs to move to a better park or to a site with better wiring.
  • Coyote74's avatar
    Coyote74
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    How many amps does a heat pump type, cole-mach w/2 compressors draw on a 30 amp pedestal.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 23, 2013
    I have run 2 A/C's on 30 amps but it was TIGHT and I mean TIGHT. (right at the long term trip point) It is not often you can do it.

    You have to clean the A/C and basically run NOTHING else in the RV. and the park has to have good power feed lines (no aluminum) I'd give it a 1 in 100 chance or working or less.

    In short, the park told you the truth.
  • roam1's avatar
    roam1
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    I've been running 2 ac's on 30A at my house for weeks now in 90 degree weather. Like others have said, watch what else is being used as 2 ac's on 30A is close to the 30A limit. I also suspect a weak power system in the campground.

    Another thing to look for is dirty, corroded, are weak contacts in your plug connections. Dirty, corroded, or weak contacts will add resistance in the line, resistance will drop more volts as amps go up. Sometimes cleaning the contacts will help if you are on the edge.
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Jun 23, 2013
    I think you might have had a low volts problem with the park power. If the volts drop the amps a load requires will increase for the amount of work, or watts. Watts = Volts * Amps AKA Ohms Law. 3360 watts with 120 volts will draw 28 amps. Drop the volts to 110 and the amps will raise to 30. Probably a problem with the camp site power point such as a loose terminal. Hard to fix when the camp ground is busy since they will probably have to shut power off to multiple sites to effect repairs.
  • fpresto's avatar
    fpresto
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    Running two A/Cs on 30 amps puts you close to the limit by them selves especially if the compressors are cycling. What else is running? Water heater? Entertainment center? Coffee pot? Are the batteries charging? In other words to run two A/Cs you have to shed loads or you will easily exceed 30 amps draw.
  • psmoore's avatar
    psmoore
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    I do have an EMS, and we were completely losing power then it would come back on. Didnt lose power once in new site, but did not attempt both ac's.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Jun 23, 2013
    Most folks don't realize how much amperage each appliance pulls. A/Cs are the worst, but only on start up. Also, if it's hot, the amps from the pedestal can drop way low. Without an EMS to shed items it's dangerous to run both airs on 30amps if the CG is supplying a low voltage from the pedestal. I have 3 A/Cs and only run one if on 30amps. Remember the equation Watts = Amps/Volts.

    A 30 amp service supplies you with 3600 watts. A 50 amp service will produce 6000 watts....but, there's more....the 50 amp service has two 120V feeds which doubles the wattage to 12,000. Quite a difference....

    If your coach does not have and EMS and from your desc it does not, be sure to grab a Progressive Industries Surge protector with Voltage Protection. These little devices will protect your RV investment many times over...JMHO..Dennis
  • JR45's avatar
    JR45
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    If you are running your hot water heater on electric, switch to gas and get one of these.
    http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/ac-voltage-meter/29375
    JR

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