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Topic: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Yahoo Message Number: 56153
We are visiting our daughter and son-in-law in CT, in heat and humidity as bad as back home in TX.  Don, our SIN, has offered to add a 30 amp outlet next to the garage, so we can use the A/C while parked in their driveway.  I searched the archives, but can't find specific info on how to go about this.  Even if we have to hire an electrian to do the work, I'd like to know the correct way to do it, as electricity is still magic as far as I'm concerned.

Sharon N.
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56154
Good news!  You don't need fancy electrical magic, just an adapter so you can plug your Lazy Daze electric cord into the existing garage outlet.  As long as the outlet is appropriately grounded and has sufficient amps, your'e all set.
I've run my 13,500 BTU AC on a 15-amp switch without any problems, but I haven't tried to run the microwave at the same time, just a light or two.

You can get one for $2.69 at Campingworld.
 http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=24493

Joanne
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56155
Quote
.. you can plug your Lazy Daze electric cord into the existing garage outlet.  As long as the outlet is appropriately grounded and has sufficient amps, your'e all set. I  haven't tried to run the
microwave > at the same time, just a light or two.

The AC draws a bit less than 15 amps so this really does work.  But be sure nothing else is drawing current on that circuit AND run your refrig on propane as well avoiding the microwave or more than a light or two.  Hook up with as short a cord as possible and get the best quality adapter available.

Linley
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56156
I've plugged
Marti
2011 Blue MB
Seattle
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56158
I find it's OK to run the refrigerator AND the 15000 air conditioner from a 20 amp outlet.  But NOT from a 15 amp outlet.
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56161
Quote
"Don, our SIN, has offered to add a 30 amp outlet next to the
garage, so we can use the A/C while parked in their driveway."

Quote
Sharon N.
Sharon

You've heard the down and dirty way to go about it from others, and yes, it will work! However, it's not the clean and simple and permanent solution you're looking for.

A discrete 30 (or 50) amp breaker must be mounted in the service panel between the main breaker and the sub-panel(s).(Main breaker 'OFF' while working please).

Then the appropriate gauge of "Romex" (electrical wire) needs to be run from that new 30amp breaker to an outlet box mounted outside near where you park. That box can be had at Camping World as item #20811. Hopefully the service panel is located near the driveway/garage or you will need a bunch of Romex. I have this arrangement at my house, only I had to run the feed line clear to the other side of the house up through the attic.
 This can be done by the average person (with the help of information garnered at a home improvement store) or it would be an absolute snap for any electrician worth his salt.

Good luck and work safe.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56162
"lfgcfg"  wrote: Hook up with as short a cord as possible and get the best quality adapter available.
 Here is one link to a 30A>15A adapter:  http://www.dyersonline.com/pc- 959-96-125v-30amp-to-125v-15amp-trailer-park-outlet.aspx
 CW and other supply places will likely carry the same item.  I suggest avoiding the cheaper "one piece" adapters.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56163
Quote
I find it's OK to run the refrigerator AND the 15000 air conditioner from a 20 amp outlet.  But NOT from a 15 amp outlet.
Bob, You are correct based on information a RV tech shared with me recently.  He stated that the 15,000 AC will draw about 15 amps or slightly less, however, the converter also draws 3 - 4 amps at which point you are beyond the 15 amp limit of your dogbone 30/15 adapter.
 The tech said that he has seen people get away with this practice for a while but eventually the AC will burn up.
 The LD manual states: " This adapter (30/15) will allow you to operate light duty electrical items, but not sustain prolonged air conditioning operation due to its lower amp rating."

Malcolm
2002 Mid Bath
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56165
Quote from: Sharon N."

"Don, our SIL, has offered to add a 30 amp outlet next to the garage, so we can use the A/C while parked in their driveway."

Sharon N.
You guys are great!  Thanks so much for the replies, and especially to Steve S., for his explicit instructions.  We have a 30'LD, with the 15,000 A/C, and we know, from experience, that it won't work on a 20 amp circuit (at least, safely!)  This information will allow us to go ahead and have this work done.  Thanks again.

Sharon N.
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56166
I cannot run my LD's 15,000 BTU air conditioner from a 15 amp outlet even if it's the only electrical item operating
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56167
Possibly there is something different about your 30 footer's wiring but a 20 amp outlet safely powers my 2004 26.5 MB's 15,000 BTU unit all day long on very hot humid Florida days. I run it whenever my LD is parked
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56172
If you would like an amusing (in retrospect, sometimes hilarious) historical perspective on camping, including electrical hookups, I recommend Andy Baird's reproduction of a May 1937 Popular Science article, "How To Get the Most Out of Your Trailer Trip."
 http://www.andybaird.com/travels/1937/index.html

Thank you, Andy.

Will
Re: Adding a 30 amp outlet to run a/c while parked
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56174
The different reports of what works and what doesn't may be attributed to different line voltages as well as length and size of the extension cord and house wiring
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer