Electric overuse?

[turtletalk]

It is most convenient for us to plug in electric blankets, electric heater, electric frying pan, electric toothbrushes, radio, chargers for phones and also use the microwave. It seems to me that the wiring in our 2001 TC would not have been designed to anticipate this use. Whenever I wonder about a TC use issue..I just read this friendly forum and ask my "friends" for advice! Any experience or advice about electric overuse? Thanks, Ann

[pianotuna]

Constant use for a 30 amp service should be 80% of capacity or 24 amps.

I chose to replace the "stab" connectors that were used in the outlets in my RV. I recommend that to anyone using high draw items (such as the electric fry pan).

[ChooChooMan74]

Just remember, 30 amp CB will not trip at 30 amps. I found that out when MY Progressive Industries panel said I was pulling 38 amps!! Granted, I would have tripped the CB eventually.

Goodson Engineering wrote:
The first (and most common) misconception is that a breaker trips when its nameplate rating is exceeded. One fire text has stated (incorrectly) that a circuit breaker will trip in several minutes with a small increase in current over its rating[1]. Actually, a 20 amp breaker must trip at a sustained current of 27 amperes (135 percent) at less than one hour, and at 40 amperes (200 percent of wire rating) in less than 120 seconds—far different from what the cited text implies. These two trip points (135 percent and 200 percent) are defined in NEMA Standard AB-1, MCCBs and Molded Case Switches[2]

SOURCE: Goodson Engineering - Forensic Engineering * Fire Investigations

[RoyB]

A 30AMP electrical setup is enough for most of us to use for these things. If you draw too much by having too many high wattage items being used at the same time the circuit breaker will trip...

It all should be self protected in this manner...

A 120V 30A setup should give you a total of 3600WATTS to use. Add up your appliances

GOOGLE SAYS

Roy Ken

[coolmom42]

Don't do it all at the same time, for sure. You are likely to blow a fuse. You should carry spares. Locate the fuses and learn how to change one.

But do you REALLY use all that stuff? I can't imagine that your toothbrushes and other chargers have to be plugged in all the time. And you could easily use a regular skillet on the stove instead of an electric skillet.