Testing AC at home

I run my air conditioner all the time using my garage 15AMP receptacles. Works just fine if you have the SAFE ZONE 120VAC.

A 20AMP service would be even better...

The air conditioner should be the only biggest wattage unit on when using it. i.e. If I have the Air Conditioner 'ON' and turn on my Microwave it will trip the house breaker on my 15AMP Service.

Another large wattage item in my trailer is the roll around high wattage Vacuum when I am cleaning the floors.

Roy Ken

I cant run mine on a 15 amp, and you really shouldn't if its not getting enough power. It will likely run on 20 amp, just make sure nothing else is on in the trailer, or on that same circuit in the house.

Yes, it will run fine on 20A.

It depends on where you plug it in. Find a dedicated circuit or one with no load.

In my case, I normally plug in to the standard receptical on the side of my house, which is fine for everything EXCEPT the AC. I tried to start it one time and the voltage dropped too low and it would not start. Too long a wire run and too much on the circuit.

If I want to run my AC, I use a HD extension cord and plug into the washing machine outlet in my garage. By code for many years the 120V receptical for washers must be dedicated, even in my home built in 1981. Newer homes have other dedicated circuits now, but in mine the washer is the only one. With nothing else on that circuit, the AC fires right up and runs great.

Note I said the 120V receptical for the washer. If you have an electric dryer DO NOT attempt to plug into it. Electric dryer circuits are 240V NOT 120V. Until as recent as 1996 code permitted the installation of a 3 prong dryer receptical NEMA 10-30 which is a 240V 3 wire (hot / hot / ground). It looks A LOT like a NEMA TT-30r which is the 30A plug for trailers, also a 3 wire but 120V (hot / neutral / ground). With a little effort a it can be made to fit with disasterous results!

Mine will spin the fan on 15amp but will not start the compressor.
It will work just fine on 20amp.
To be extra safe check the voltage before and after you start the AC and the compressor kicks in. Make sure voltage is within norms(108-130 I think)

You should be OK hooking up to a 20 amp outlet .. if you have to use an extension cord the shorter/fatter the better. Keep an eye on voltage when running the AC - if it drops below 109 volts turn off the Air Conditioner.

Thanks for all the replies. The 20 amp circuit is a dedicated one that we run the pool off. We are planning on unplugging the pool and plug going in the trailer. So,there would. OT be anything else on that circuit. Turning off all electric in the trailer. Also it is connected to a PI surge guard. Got to flip,switch one and watch it and just long enough to feel,the cool and shut it down.

Do you have a generator?

No long extention cords unless it's 12AWG and you will be fine.

2012Coleman wrote:
Do you have a generator?

No we don't have one. We could rent one I guess if that would be a better alternative.