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Topic ClosedAC on House power?

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henryv View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: AC on House power?
    Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 10:47am
I visited a local RV store. I was looking for a 30a extension cord. Ended up ordering one online. I had been running my AC on house power with an adapter that connects to a regular house outlet in the garage. The AC was running fine. But the store owner told me not to do it! Said it would burn up my AC! Whadayaknowaboutthat!?
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 11:50am
A/C motors can burn up if they experience low voltage. That's why we use surge protectors that include under/over voltage protection at campgrounds. At home, on a normal 15 or 20 Amp circuit, the A/C will be OK if you use a heavy duty 30 Amp (#10AWG) extension cord and it is not longer than 75 ft or so. A medium duty extension cord (#12 AWG) is OK for 25 ft. Never use a light duty extension cord. 
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 12:03pm
I discovered during a heat wave this spring, with a guest in our camper, that even 12 gauge was pushing it when running the A/C.  My cord was very warm.  Switched over to the 30 amp cord (and outlet).  You can use a 15 or 20 amp outlet with the 30 amp cord with an adapter, as Charlie mentioned.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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henryv View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 2017 at 9:15am
techntrek: what is a regular house outlet, 15 or 20 amp? So I can use my 30 amp cord with adapter to the house outlet without fear of burning up my AC? That's not what the owner of the RV place said.
CharlieM: Can you recommend a good under/over surge protector?
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 2017 at 10:37am
Charlie
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 2017 at 7:50pm
henryv, most household outlets are 15 amp, except in the kitchen where they are usually 20 amp.  Either is fine to run the A/C as long as you use a heavy-duty cord to attach to the pod.

Charlie, I agree, as I've detailed in the past the dealer I bought my pod from was worse than useless on two different technical issues.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 2:31pm
I have a pool out back, and where the pump is there is also an outlet (traced back to 2 20A fuses in the garage box).  Since I'm in Dallas, I leave the camper hooked up and don't let the interior get above 85 if I'm only a few weeks between trips.  I'm using the 30A cord & surge protection also - does anyone foresee any problems?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 2:51pm
If you haven't already plugged into the outlet by the pool, DON'T. Your comment on two 20A breakers suggests the pump is 240V. IF THIS IS TRUE you may fry the camper. It is possible to wire a standard 120V receptacle to a 120/240 line but it must be done properly. First, measure the voltage at the receptacle with a voltmeter. It must read 120V, not 240V. Next, find the cable leading from the garage to the pool site. It should be 12 AWG three conductor w/gnd for a total of 4 wires. If it's only two conductors w/gnd (total three wires), it's not capable of providing correct 120/240 service. If, however, there is only one 20A breaker the pump is probably 120V and the outlet should be just fine. Err toward caution and don't hurt yourself or the camper. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 8:18pm
Thanks Charlie, I measured it when I got home and it's 120. Advice much appreciated!
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henryv View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 1:20pm
So let me get this straight. Because I know zero about electricity. The potential problem in hooking up your R-pod to the garage outlet is not in the power, which is 120v like all house outlets, but the problem could develop with a less than adequate cord. Right?
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