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Saturday, June 4, 2011

At the beach & 15amp questions

There has been some discussion about whether I can plug my RV into an outdoor outlet at the beach house, using a 30amp to 15amp converter. I would need to run the rooftop A/C to keep KitKat cool during the day. My  refrigerator is small and runs only on electric, whenever I plug into shore power it goes on, not sure how to disconnect or unplug it. If I have the A/C running and the refrigerator on at the same time using the 15amp converter - I was told it would probably trip the breaker. I don't want to try it - afraid it will damage something.

I was told the breaker would shut everything down and then I would know it won't work.

I am currently parked at the KOA campground on the island, and there is a free shuttle bus in town that can take me from the campground to the beach house.

Has anyone run their rigs A/C on 15amp house current?


Today's pics at the beach



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10 comments:

  1. GaelynJune 4, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Can't believe 15amp would operate the AC. Beach looks inviting.

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  2. acwhiteJune 4, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Teri, 15 amp is not enough to run the a/c in my opinion....It could burn the compressor up.....Stay safe and at least have 30 amp for the a/c...

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  3. RuthJune 4, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    No, Teri, unfortunately 15amp is not enough to run your A/C. Even if you turn the fridge off. Hope it doesn't get unbearably hot for you.

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  4. Sam&Donna WeibelJune 4, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Teri, 15 amps would not be enough for the A/c to start, they usually pull 18-20 amps on start and then settle down to about 15 while running, remember each time the A/C cycles on and off when it come back on the start load will be 20 amps for a second or two. plus the fridge is always on and is pulling another 10 amps on start and 5 amps running. Your may find a 20 amp outlet that will get you by with just A/c and the fridge going. Another consideration is the adapter or extension cord, you must use at least 10 or 8 gauge wire 3 conductor which is like is like the cord on you RV about as big around as your thumb.Stay away from those orange garden type extension cords as they will not carry the current load of your A/C and will get hot and melt the ends. I believe they are only 12 gauge wire. If you know an electrician he can put an ammeter on your rig and measure how much current it uses exactly.You can buy a 50 foot or 25 foot length 30 amp extension at Walmart they are about 29 dollars for the shorter one but have the big wire and you can also get a 30 to 15 adapter end there. That is the kind of extension to use so they don't cause a fire.Be safe out there..Sam & Donna...

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  5. ain't for city galsJune 4, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Just want to say I think it is great how you ask your questions and every one comes up with advice. I have learned a lot ...it takes a village!

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  6. momi yayaJune 4, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    I know you are enjoying the beach. Nice photos.

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  7. MerikayJune 4, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Love that first wave picture! It says it all.

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  8. Four Windows with a ViewJune 4, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    I haven't read your blog for awhile and you've come so far!! Congratulations.

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  9. JOJune 4, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    WOW great info from Sam & amp. I knew not to run the a/c from the house oulet but they really covered it well.
    Ocean looks so good.

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  10. Sue and DougJune 5, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    nice beach pictures today!..and we would also say you need at least 30 amp to run the aircondtioner!

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Hi, I welcome your thoughts and comments.