AC on House power?
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10327
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 7:25am
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Topic: AC on House power?
Posted By: henryv
Subject: AC on House power?
Date 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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Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 11:50am
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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.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 12:03pm
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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 ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2017 at 9:15am
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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? ------------- |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2017 at 10:37am
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2017 at 7:50pm
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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. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: YODT
Date 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? |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 2:51pm
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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.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: YODT
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 8:18pm
| Thanks Charlie, I measured it when I got home and it's 120. Advice much appreciated! |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 1:20pm
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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? ------------- |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 8:38pm
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Henry,
Simply put, the gauge of your extension cord and the length could adversely effect your performance. So a good 14GA cord not a 100" long would be recommended. The shorter the better. Liken it to a garden hose. A hundred foot hose, with a 1/4" diameter, will not supply the water a 25' hose, 1/2" diameter does. Makes sense. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 10:42pm
Unless I'm missing something, Mike, I wouldn't recommend a 14GA extension of any length for an A/C. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 6:22am
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Charlie,
Absolutely agree with you, wasn't thinking. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |