Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: running a/c on non-campground outlets? (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
running a/c on non-campground outlets?
Yahoo Message Number: 105591
When you are parked in your friend's driveway, is it safe (for the a/c's compressor) to plug into a normal house outlet (using the proper power cord, of course, with an adapter for the plug) and run the a/c unit? -Lance
Re: running a/c on non-campground outlets?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105595
the only problem I can see is the length of your extension cord. The longer the cord, the more voltage drop you will encounter. This may lead to breakers being tripped. John 85'FL.
Re: running a/c on non-campground outlets?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105601
Quote
When you are parked in your friend's driveway, is it safe (for the a/c's compressor) to plug into a normal house outlet (using the proper power cord, of course, with an adapter for the plug) and run the a/c unit? -Lance
I have often run my AC on a 50' long #12 extension cord from an ordinary outlet.  There are three things you need to watch.
 First, and this is important, run your refrig on gas while the AC is in use.  The refrig can pull 4 or 5 Amps which, with the AC running, may well cause the breaker to trip.
 Second, use an outlet fed by a 20Amp breaker if at all possible.  If you are on a 15Amp breaker, you may occasionaly trip it.
 Third, if you use an extension cord, to keep the voltage drop small make sure it's at least a #12.  If you have an AC voltmeter, plug it into a coach outlet with the AC running and make sure the voltage is nicely over 100 Volts; say 105 Volts or so.  The man who serviced my AC said it would run OK down to about 95 Volts.  "If it gets too hot", he said, "the compressor has an overtemp switch to turn it off."  However, I never like to push the envelope so I make sure it has a higher voltage.
 Another tip is that when running the AC, always pull all the cord out of the coach and spread it and any other cord used out on the ground.  When running at high current, the cord will be just barely warm to the touch.  However, when it's all piled up in one spot, especially if it's inside and piled up in one spot, it won't cool and will get quite warm; not good.

Linley
 
Re: running a/c on non-campground outlets?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105622
Quote
When you are parked in your friend's driveway, is it safe (for the a/c's compressor) to plug into a normal house outlet (using the proper power cord, of course, with an adapter for the plug) and run the a/c unit? -Lance
Only use a 20A circuit (most wall circuits), and make sure nothing else is running on that circuit in the house.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit