Running a/c on house current

[babamartha]

I'm told that my Kodiak 160SVT a/c should be able to run on household current. It's plugged in via extension cord to an outside outlet. My microwave only works on 30 amps and so I'm thinking the same is true of my a/c. What's the truth?

My household a/c is down and I'm wondering if I can just sleep in my camper. We're in a heat wave here in Maryland.

[pianotuna]

mr_andyj wrote:

The heating element on the fridge does draw a lot of amps.

325 watts / 120 volts = 3.25 amps.

[mr_andyj]

My electrical is all on one 120 volt circuit, one regular house hold looking plug.

I had refridge on electric and did not know it and the AC did have trouble starting up. I was using a long under-rated extension cord, at least 30 footer.
The heating element on the fridge does draw a lot of amps. Otherwise the AC should be fine unless there is huge amp draw somewhere else.

I have had the little ex cord get hot. I thought the worst would be that cord melts and shorts out, but yes, the AC compressor could be hurt from too low of voltage which is much more expensive than a cheap cord.

[CA_Traveler]

Or buy a 30A RV extension cord (with 30A M F plugs) for about $40. I carry extension cords and when needed for a CG I've got what I need.

[naturist]

babamartha wrote:
My extension cord is one of those orange 25' jobs.

Yeah, lots of “orange 25’ jobs” cords are too light for the task at hand. If you go to Lowe’s or Home Depot you can find extension cords labeled with what loads they will carry. You need one rated at least 15 amps, and for very little more, you can get one rated 20 amps, which would enable you to plug into a 20 amp circuit and use some lights and other small stuff, should you have a 20 amp circuit available, like at many campgrounds, where you often find 20 amps even when 30 and 50 are not available.

And yes indeed, make sure the electrician knows the receptacle is to be 120 volt for an RV, not the much more common 240 volt for a drier or welder. Plug into a 240 volt receptacle, you will fry everything in the RV.

[pianotuna]

BabaMarth,

Make sure the electrician knows it is 120 volts! There have been more than a few folks where an Oops happened.

[theoldwizard1]

babamartha wrote:
I also spoke with an electrician about running a dedicated 30amp receptacle.

Correct answer !

[freetime58]

babamartha wrote:
My extension cord is one of those orange 25' jobs.

Does us no good to know the color.......the gauge is stamped into the outer jacket of the cord........every foot or so.......for 10 gauge it would say 10/2, meaning 2 10 gauge conductors and a ground.

[ferndaleflyer]

I have a place Near BWI and when we are up there we run our A/C from a plug in the garage that has a 20 amp breaker---it has never kicked off. Got our cord at Harbor Freight. Down here in NC now ROASTING outside so staying in. Heading to Pigeon Forge next week. Hope its cool

[Lwiddis]

Orange colored extension cords...for visibility. Doesn’t indicate wire size...capacity. You really need some basics on electricity. Your response causes me concern. “I ordered a super heavy-duty outdoor extension cord.” What gauge?

[babamartha]

Okay, I ordered a super heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. I also spoke with an electrician about running a dedicated 30amp receptacle. I'm leaving this afternoon for a short camping trip with my granddaughter and one of her friends. I'll handle all of this when I get home.

If the extension cord does the trick, I'll be sleeping in the camper for two weeks. My home geothermal system needs to be replaced and it's on order. We're in the middle of a heat wave here in Maryland.

Thanks, everyone, for your assistance! You're the best!

[CA_Traveler]

Plus the typical 15A household plug is one of several on the circuit. Meaning other househould loads on that circuit need to be considered.

[CA_Traveler]

babamartha wrote:
My extension cord is one of those orange 25' jobs.

It could be 16ga (small) and even aluminum wire. Get at least 12ga if not 10ga.

[ford_truck_guy]

I spent a week in my fiver with the 15k ac running off a regular, household outlet..

I just ran my 50 amp cord to the outlet and use a 50-30 reducer plugged into a 30 to 110 reducer.

[bukhrn]

I know it's a little late right now, but for future reference, have an electrician run you a dedicated 30 amp receptacle, i did, and it is well worth it, I would have done it myself but I'm not all that comfy working with electrical.