RV air conditioner OK to use 20 amp outlet?

ronjhall · Jul 7, 2012

I use a Kill O Watt monitor to check voltage on our RV. May not want to put on a 20 amp circuit. But it will still monitor voltage inside RV.

Bird · Jul 7, 2012

Ron, that Kill O Watt is something I've never seen. I can see how it would be useful, though.

kenmac · Jul 10, 2012

It may work . But compressors like more amps at start up. Also, Do you know if the wire is rated for a 20 A plug ? do you know how long the wire is run to the 20 A plug ?

bucktaker · Jul 10, 2012

Dont use a ext cord unless it is the larger gauge it will melt the connector and cause more problems with voltage drop. Occaisionally check the cord to be sure its not melting from hihg current draw.

It will work but as other have said limit the other usage of applicances while the air is on. My wife knows to turn the air off when drying and styling her hair

kenmac · Jul 10, 2012

the biggest question would be the length & size of the wire to the outlet. In the A/C business . I've seen 25-30 ft of # 12 wire run to a 30 amp disconnect box for the A/C condenser. If he has an amp meter. He can put it on the compressor wire & at start up he will be able to tell the amp draw

AGRIMAN · Jul 10, 2012

My camper requires 50 amp but a lot of times the site will only have 30 amp service so our combo is one a/c unit and either the hot water heater, the microwave or the 2nd a/c unit.

I noticed that most of the time a site will have two 30 and no 50 so I'm going to buy one of those adaptors that let's you connect to both the 30 at once.

Wnc3 · Jul 10, 2012

I noticed that most of the time a site will have two 30 and no 50 so I'm going to buy one of those adaptors that let's you connect to both the 30 at once.[/QUOTE]

So will that give you 220 with 60 amps? But only if each 30 amp outlet is served by separate legs, correct?
If so send me one...

JMER817 · Jul 15, 2012

Well back from the camp-out and everything is good! My friend actuall had 10 gauge wire ran from his house out to his pond (150ft) to run his aerator. Plug and breaker are 20 amp. I ran my 20ft cord and 25" extension to the outlet. Ran the AC all day without any issues. I checked the voltage numerous times at one of the outlets on the trailer and showed 114 everytime. Listened to the AC unit thruought and checked the extension for any heat issue and none.