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Topic: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage? (Read 427 times) previous topic - next topic
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Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
I'm planning to move the MB to a different covered storage unit.  Right now I'm at a campground with a covered site, very nice place but expensive.  It has worked great so far to be able to work on my projects.
A couple places have only 20 amp electricity available so I'm wondering what can I keep running on 20 amp.  I'd like to keep the air conditioner running on low to keep the humidity down.  Will the air conditioner work OK on 20 amp? 
Anything else, such as battery charger?  fridge on A/C?
Thanks!
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #1 –
My personal experience.
A lot will depend on how long, and what gauge, , wire will be required to get from the electric plug to the RV.
In my case, voltage drop is the big limitation. 120 volts +- 10% is the safe voltage range for operating motors like you will find in the A/C unit.
At home, I'm lucky to see 112-114  volts inside the camper, so I don't try to use the A/C.

Perhaps a dehumidifier set in the shower would work to keep the humidity down plus then let you run the fridge, battery charger, etc.


Ed

Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #2 –
Quote from: folivier  - 
I'm planning to move the MB to a different covered storage unit.  Right now I'm at a campground with a covered site, very nice place but expensive.  It has worked great so far to be able to work on my projects.
A couple places have only 20 amp electricity available so I'm wondering what can I keep running on 20 amp.  I'd like to keep the air conditioner running on low to keep the humidity down.  Will the air conditioner work OK on 20 amp? 
Anything else, such as battery charger?  fridge on A/C?
Thanks!
Forrest, I have 20 amps at my storage unit but would not consider running the a/c if I were not there. It sounds like you want to leave it running 24/7. Running it nonstop on low runs the risk of it freezing up. I'm not sure what happens when it freezes up and you don't turn it off, but it can't be good. I would also be surprised if storage mgt would want you to run it 24/7. It uses a lot of juice. Just my 2 cents.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #3 –
"... be surprised if storage mgt would want you to run it 24/7. It uses a lot of juice. "

Same here.
Our storage place limits use of the power to a battery charger only.

Ed
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
I have 20 amps at my storage unit but would not consider running the a/c if I were not there.

Actually that's our same situation.  I'll run the A/C if I'm working inside but turn it off when we leave.   But I'd be scared to death to leave it running all the time on a 20 amp connection.
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #5 –
The breaker on the A/C panel in my MB is 20 amp.  So there should be no problem running the air conditioner on a 20 amp power supply assuming the power supply is adequate.  My question was what else if anything can I run besides the air conditioner? 
I could always add a trickle charger to the house batteries rather than run the converter. 
Does anyone know how many 120VAC amps the fridge uses?
I have no problem running the air conditioner continually while I'm not there.  It's been doing that for over 2 months now with no problems.  That's what it is designed for, to be run.  And I've done that on other RV's and window units in my shop.  I've only ever seen a freeze-up if the unit needs cleaning or servicing or if the night time temp drops down below 50, which ain't gonna happen here.  And even in that case the compressor won't be running.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #6 –
Having stored away from home for years, a couple of thoughts come to mind.

1)  Is it a dedicated 20 amp circuit for your storage spot only?  All the ones we have encountered that are 20 amp have been a shared circuit.  No way you can rely on on a shared circuit for power if something is important.  We lost both coach and chassis batteries the year we stored under those conditions because the breaker kept tripping with no one around for days/weeks at a time to realize it.

2)  If dedicated, does the lease agreement permit this usage?  Where we store now they do, but they'll put you on a meter and charge you for usage.  And yes, they do check.

3)  I would NOT trust leaving anything perishable in the fridge if I couldn't check the coach daily, regardless of what amperage the storage spot has.  If you want to leave it on to keep it cold, that's one thing, but power outages do happen and you can return to quite the mess/stench when it does (Murphy says it will be when, not if  ;)  )
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #7 –
On my 1989, it is pretty surprising what will run. At my home, the only external plug is on a 15A circuit. Off that 15A, I can run roof A/C, the electric water heater, and the fridge, along with 12vg lighting without tripping the breaker- basically all of the largest load items in my RV.

I wouldn't run A/C in storage, even if I wasn't paying the bill. I'd expect to eventually freeze up coils or do something to damage the compressor.
1989 MP
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: folivier  - 
 
 I'd like to keep the air conditioner running on low to keep the humidity down.  Will the air conditioner work OK on 20 amp? 
Anything else, such as battery charger?  fridge on A/C?

A roof top air conditioner draws 12-15 amps, depending on the model. The refrigerator uses 3-amps, when operated on A/C power.
The battery charger will use anywhere between 2 and 10 amps, depending on the battery's needs and the 12-volt power presently being used inside.
Our LD will pop a 20-amp breaker if the A/C, refrigerator and charger are all on at the same time.
On a 15-amp circuit, we can run the A/C if the refrigerator is set to run on propane and the charger is turned off.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #9 –
One thing to consider. Environmental heat. Ours blew because extra heat from summer cooks the cable outside. Can even melt the ends of cords over time.

Gets hot out here. We use a 30a in summer
Lydia.
Current: 2020 JLUR w 15’ Squaredrop
Former: 2006 30IB Anniversary Edition
Re: Running air conditioner on 20 amp in storage?
Reply #10 –
I can vouch for that..with a dedicated 30amp service for my RV in AZ both early summers [STILL 115 to 120 degrees!!!] I had to re-do the ends of three different 30 amp cords..melted them/burned the contacts.
At 10:17 AM 8/8/2017, you wrote:

Quote

One thing to consider. Environmental heat. Ours blew because extra heat from summer cooks the cable outside. Can even melt the ends of cords over time.
Gets hot out here. We use a 30a in summer Lydia.

2006 30IB AE

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"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."