15A 120VDC Power Question
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6385
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 3:29pm
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Topic: 15A 120VDC Power Question
Posted By: JohnBG
Subject: 15A 120VDC Power Question
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2015 at 5:48pm
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I stopped in at the Wally-Mart and picked up a 30A female to 15A male 1' long adapter cable. I would like to use it to get the fridge cold before going on a trip. I am assuming that 15A would be enough to run the fridge and the lights, but the water heater and A/C would be too much for a 15A house circuit. Does that sound right?
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Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2015 at 5:57pm
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Good to see you got the dogbone style and not the hockey puck style. I measured my A/C at 1000 watts running, with the fan on low, so you should be able to run yours from a 15 amp outlet w/o any worries. Make sure the electric element in the WH is off or you'll trip the breaker if you fire up your A/C. ------------- 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: JohnBG
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2015 at 6:00pm
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Wow! I can run the A/C on low? I was just hoping to test the fridge and charge the battery.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2015 at 8:20pm
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Should be ok. Be sure you aren't using a cheapo extension cord. ------------- 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: mcclurey
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 12:42am
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Running your fridge and a few lights is ok on 15A 110 however if you are going to do some driveway camping or tinkering in your pod and want to use the AC / Water Heater etc on electric then I advise installing a 30A service receptacle and breaker. It's not a big deal or cost to do it. I just installed one this past weekend. Installed a receptacle and metal gang box in garage that I bought at Home Depot along with some 10-2 wire and a 30A breaker that I also bought at Home Depot. Total it cost me $18.00. If you aren't familiar with electrical work then have someone who does install it. A general handyman should be able to do it. ------------- Missouri Matt |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 6:29am
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The problem with running the AC on a 15a circuit is the wild card, POD battery charger. If it kicks in pulling a full load along with the AC, it isl purported to you over. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 12:19pm
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I installed a 30 amp outlet in our garage about 10 years ago and it is the way to go if you can do it. Especially a non-weatherproof one in a single gang box since they are as cheap as mcclurey said. But the OP will be fine runnging the A/C as long as he's plugged in directly or only uses a RV extension cord. I wouldn't run the electric water heater element since they are rated closer to 1500 watts. The microwave would be pushing it since there are so many models out there, you would need to check the nameplate rating. ------------- 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: Mark4224
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 5:50pm
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Podster, You are exactly correct. Pulled our 179 from 2 weeks in storage, plugged it into a 15a plug turned on the a/c and it tripped the switch. Tried diff outlets same thing. Until it dawned on me that the battery was pulling as well. Gave it a couple hrs and no longer tripping the switch.
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 7:42pm
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Yes, my 13,500 BTU POD A/C pulls right at 15amps plus some dust so it's right on the fringe here. I must install a dedicated 20 or 30 amp circuit. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: JohnBG
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2015 at 12:17am
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I will have to look into putting 30A receptacle in the back yard near where I store my pod. ------------- 2010 R-Pod RP-171 2010 Honda Ridgeline TV |