Author |
Share Topic Topic Search Topic Options
|
techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9062
|
Topic: Please help me with 30 amp ?? Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 11:26pm |
Agree on many points here. You are ok on a 15 amp circuit at home, just don't use a cheap extension cord.
|
|
 |
henksailor
Newbie
Joined: 25 Jul 2014
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5
|
Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 12:54pm |
Both CharlieM and Furpod (great name - with 3 dogs, that might be our R-Pod's nickname!) are right. If you do go up in breaker size, make sure you rewire to handle that capacity. If you plan to put in a 20 amp, you might as well put in a 30 amp since you'd be rewiring anyway.
|
 |
hogone
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Apr 2013
Location: High Ridge, MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1060
|
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 9:43pm |
thanks charlie.....i will never stop. hogone
|
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2023 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
CHEESEHEAD
|
 |
CharlieM
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1797
|
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 7:49pm |
Hogone,
On the extension cord, always err on the side of safety. If you want to trash it I won't tell if you don't.
On the AC motor you really can't tell. The danger is from overheating. If you didn't smell the essence of burning motor you're alright.
Camp on!
|
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
|
 |
ToolmanJohn
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Apr 2014
Location: Connecticut
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 451
|
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 7:48pm |
I would bet the cord is not a large enough gage. You need a very heavy duty cord for a long run. A regular cord can overheat. Remember, the R-Pod would also be trying to charge your batteries while running the A/C , and add to the amp burden the extension cord and house breaker must carry.
When I use my Honda 2000 genny to run the A/C, I shut off my converter charger breaker in the Pod.
|
 |
hogone
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Apr 2013
Location: High Ridge, MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1060
|
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 6:30pm |
sorry, one other question. when you say potential damage to motor, you mean air conditioner moter? how would you know? when I hooked it up with the big boys (cords) everything worked nicely. hogone
|
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2023 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
CHEESEHEAD
|
 |
hogone
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Apr 2013
Location: High Ridge, MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1060
|
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
2013 RP177
2023 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
CHEESEHEAD
|
 |
Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4518
|
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
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
|
 |
CharlieM
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1797
|
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
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
|
 |
CharlieM
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2012
Location: N. Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1797
|
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
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
|
 |