Dumb question alert. Can I use 15 amp power?

RoyB wrote:
I see some folks still say to NOT USE the 13,500BTU airconditioners on a 120VAC 15AMP circuit.

Again I have no problems whatsoever running my COLEMAN MACH III Plus 13,500BTU model 8333D Air conditioner from a 120VAC 15/20AMP receptacle in my garage. I have been doing this for around five years now at this location with no ill effects using my 50-foot 10-gauge (10-3) extension cord and RV30A-15A 18-inch long "dogbone" adapter.
The spec sheets on both my air conditioners says it will draw 13.6AMPS in the LOW position and 14.3AMPS in the high position.

All I can say it works fine for me for whatever that is worth... Maybe you guys are referring to the 15,000 BTU air conditioners or maybe the newer COLEMAN MACHIII PLUS air conditioners draw more current??? My air conditioners are used in my 2004 and 2008 RV trailers.

I can only report findings on what happens to me in my situations...

My Roof mounted RV Coleman MACH III Plus model 8333D air conditioner used in both trailers should not care if it gets its 120VAC at 14.3AMPS to operate from a house panel 15AMP circuit breaker or a RV panel 15AMP circuit breaker. I haven't physically checked the breaker size in the WFCO RV panels. I think they are 15AMP breakers.

It works just fine for me with any of those two 120VAC power sources...

I will continue using my garage standard 120VAC 15A/20A receptacles for my two 30AMP Rv trailers connected to it as I have been doing for the past few years. Each RV trailer is on a separate 20AMP circuit breaker in my house AC power panel but the receptacles used are the 15AMP style receptacles... I just re-checked this again in the garage a few minutes before posting this.


I only have one 20AMP style 120VAc receptacle used in my house wiring that was installed to operate an air compressor unit which is no longer hooked up. My fifth wheel trailer is using this 20AMP style receptacle.


I am sure my success is using the proper sized 10-3 GAUGE HD 50-foot extension cords and RV30A-15A long adapter. I have however used 12-3 GAUGE 50-foot extension cords as well with no ill-effect.

Can only report what I am seeing here... Works for me... Maybe I should report more on the 20AMP aspect of my hookup verses the 15AMPS??? I really should just install a 30AMP connections on the outside wall wired to the same 20AMP circuit and change the house circuit breaker to a 30AMP size and be done with it I guess... It probably wouldn't cost over $50 with everything available from LOWES.

just my thoughts
Roy Ken

In your home where you are getting very close to a true 15 amps, I am sure it would be fine, since you are within your A/C amp specs. I've hooked my TT A/C at home on 15 amp just to try it and it ran fine, but would pop the breaker if anything else was used.

But at a campground, I highly doubt you are getting anywhere near 13 amps, especially a campground still using 15, it's likely old equipment.

I tried running mine at a campground that only had 15 amp, had every single other electrical item off in the trailer and it started up, but it was humming really low, like it was struggling for every ounce of energy. Turned it off and went back to the old classic stand up fan...

If someone has the specs on their A/C unit like you do, and use the right equipment, like you are, they may get away with it. But a newbie going out on their first trip, I don't suggest it...