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Topic ClosedPlease help me with 30 amp ??
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Please help me with 30 amp ??
    Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 9:16pm
Originally posted by furpod

Also, if you are going to run a new circuit.. run a 30A. Takes up the same space in the box and in the wall.. Then you can use everything in the camper, and the cost difference will be minimal.


Agreed, but have it wired with #8 AWG and run it as close to the RV as possible. Install an RV 3 pin socket.
Charlie
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dsmiths View Drop Down
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:44pm
when the pod is parked I have it plugged into the garage outlet. I use a 10 gauge 50 foot extension cord, it is plugged into a GFCI 20 amp circuit. It runs the AC , TV with no problem I have never tripped a breaker.
Dane and Donna Smith
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SNO4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 122 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 11:15pm
At home we have run our Pod AC on a 20 amp breaker with a 12 gauge extension cord. (Which we carry with just in case of "whatever") We have only tried this a few times getting things ready but we don't run much of anything other than maybe the fridge this way.
One of these days we're going to get ithings wired up properly with a 30 amp breaker and a 30 amp box in case we need it for "whatever".
Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod
(and Brewer too)
2011 RP 177
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hogone View Drop Down
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Posts: 1049 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 6:51am
when i returned from my most recent trip i plugged the pod in and turned on the ac (it was smokin hot out!)  i used my regular 30 amp cord and also used one of those orange ext cords (probably 16 guage).  not only popped the breaker (15 amp), but the orange cord was very hot.  I thought i had done this before (used with AC), but apparrently not.  never again!!!!  I will now always use my 30 amp ext cord, or get a much heavier guage regular ext cord. AC ran fine on the 15 amp breaker with proper cords. hogone
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hogone View Drop Down
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Posts: 1049 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 6:55am
one other question.   is that cord (the orange one that got hot) shot?  hogone
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Posts: 4517 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 7:43am
At our walk thru, this past Friday. The tech told us specifically not to do that. Said that the a/c should only run when plugged into a campground or a generator that was 3500 watts or larger. He didnt talk about wire gauges or anything but did say it could melt the hockey puck cord adapter. 
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 8:34am
Originally posted by Leo B

At our walk thru, this past Friday. The tech told us specifically not to do that. Said that the a/c should only run when plugged into a campground or a generator that was 3500 watts or larger. He didnt talk about wire gauges or anything but did say it could melt the hockey puck cord adapter. 


I rest my case re dealers and their knowledge, or lack thereof. Unfortunately dealers often cover their lack of knowledge with incorrect information.

A 15 Amp house breaker will run the AC if connected with a proper cord and if the breaker runs nothing else in the house or in the Pod. It's marginal, but it will work. A 20 Amp circuit is better and a 30 Amp circuit is ideal. Wire gauge is critical for operation and safety. A #10 or short #12 is fine. Anything less is a fire risk and potentially damaging to the AC motor.

He was right about the hockey puck. The little black plastic pucks are an invitation to trouble. I think the heavier molded yellow rubber ones are better, but they are also rated at 15 Amps. The dog bone adapters should be fine.

As a side note there needs to be more awareness of extension cord capabilities. Not all extension cords are equal.
Charlie
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 9:27am
Originally posted by hogone

one other question.   is that cord (the orange one that got hot) shot?  hogone


Your cord is probably OK, just inspect it. Any signs of damage like melted or discolored material and it's trash. Otherwise watch for overheating when in use.

Your tale is an excellent example of the effects of voltage drop on motors. An AC motor is essentially a constant power device. If the applied voltage drops due to a small wire (high AWG number) cord the motor will draw more current to compensate. The effect is more current through the breaker (pop), fire hazard in the cord (sirens), and potential damage to the motor ($$$).

A little understood fact is that a circuit breaker is sized to protect the wire, not the appliance. It is primarily a fire safety device. A 15 Amp breaker will protect #14AWG wire; a 20 Amp breaker protects #12AWG wire. So a #16AWG extension cord on a 15 Amp circuit can actually catch fire without the breaker tripping.

 
Charlie
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Posts: 4517 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 1:13pm
Thanks CharlieM. I is really a shame that you get get the right answers out of the Technicians!!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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hogone View Drop Down
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Posts: 1049 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 6:27pm
charlie:  no apparrent burns/discoloration but the cord seems or I should say is wrinkly (tuff to describe!!) I have no problem trashing if a potentail hazard.   hogone
Jon & Pam
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