I need HELP!!!: Can I run the AC on standard 110 VAC / 15 amp

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Can I run the AC on standard 110 VAC / 15 amp

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16073
Printed Date: 20 May 2026 at 10:12pm
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Topic: Can I run the AC on standard 110 VAC / 15 amp

Posted By: TimeOutside
Subject: Can I run the AC on standard 110 VAC / 15 amp
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 3:27am

Noob here.

When purchasing my first camper the other day, a used 2012 RP177, I asked what limitations there would be running the camper using the 30 amp to 15 amp adapter. The dealer told me that I should not run the (Dometic) air conditioner on a 15 amp circuit, because in the long run it would strain and burn out the compressor. This does not make sense to me. I understand the Dometic to pull 1000 to 1100 watts on starting. (Eventually, I plan on getting a soft-start.) That's only 10 amps. Although I haven't grabbed the specs and added them up, I don't expect the other main appliances like lights, fridge, bathroom fan, propane water heater, TV, etc. to total up to be more than 5 watts. (Yes, the coffee pot, microwave, etc. will bring up the total to over 15 watts if the AC is running. But I can turn off the AC if I want to use these items.)

Anyway, I don't know what I don't know. Is there an issue with running the AC when on a 15 amp circuit?

Thanks,

Andrew

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Some ideas are so preposterous that only an intellectual can believe them. - Malcolm Muggeridge

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 12:10pm

We have run our AC on a 15-amp circuit. You can't run much else; in particular the microwave oven or other high-amp things. So if you're running AC, make sure most everything else is turned off.

If you exceed the 15 amps, the circuit breaker will pop, and that is it. It won't damage the air conditioner.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: TimeOutside
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 12:35pm

Thank you for that clarification.

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Some ideas are so preposterous that only an intellectual can believe them. - Malcolm Muggeridge

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 1:04pm

What GlueGuy said. You should be good to go as long as nothing else is running. Judging from the age of your Rpod, you probably do not have a power conditioner, like a Hughes Autoformer Watchdog, built in. They do sell models that can plug into the pedestal before you plug in the camper. They will condition power and detect low voltage or over voltage and shut power off before any damage is done to the camper's electrical system. Also, a soft start on the Dometic AC will help it start easier with less of a hit on the power.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: TimeOutside
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2024 at 5:39am

Thank you. I do have a surge protector with a circuit analyzer, but I do not have a power conditioner. Is under/over voltage or dirty power really an issue I need to be concerned about?

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Some ideas are so preposterous that only an intellectual can believe them. - Malcolm Muggeridge

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2024 at 7:10pm

Originally posted by TimeOutside

Thank you. I do have a surge protector with a circuit analyzer, but I do not have a power conditioner. Is under/over voltage or dirty power really an issue I need to be concerned about?

Anything that has a circuit board will probably not like dirty power. Your fridge probably has a board in it. Also, anything plugged in will be vulnerable.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500