Running AC Off of House Current/Please respond

[Olive600]

I've been told that running Betsy's AC off of my home's current could burn out Betsy's air compressor. I just had a neighbor, the same guy who sold Betsy to me, tell me I've been lied to and the only thing that will happen if there isn't enough current to run the compressor is that a fuse will blow. He verbally attacked me, and I'm still shaking and very upset. I'd like to know the truth. Do any of you know for certain what's true?

Thanks,
Nikki

[Paulette]

As long as you have electricity, it shouldn't matter if it comes from a house or a pole t a campground. Run the AC. If the fuse keeps blowing, then turn it off. That's my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

[VickieP]

I always thought that running the ac with low power would cause the compressor problems, so I did a search. Others may disagree, but this is what I found.
http://www.rvtrax.com/RV%20Air%20Conditioners.pdf

It reads, in part:
Another common problem is the 30 or 50 amp voltage supply being too low. Operating voltage should be at least 105 volts AC.
A dirty plug connection, using a long or small extension cord, electrical adapters or a burnt shore power receptacle outlet
are the most common causes of compressor overheating and failure.
Never use a 15/20 amp electrical adapter when operating an A/C unit.
A 30-amp service is only capable of running one A/C unit. A 50-amp service is required to run two or more A/C units.

More links: http://www.rvcomfort.com/rvp/service/electrical_qu.php
http://kriegerelectric.com/Cautions-RV.html

BTW: Do not let him talk to you like that! JMHO, just because he is a man and used to own your rv, doesn't make him an expert, but more likely an old codger who doesn't think he needs to research and ask questions, because he already knows it all.

[VickieP]

And then again, it's always interesting to read the varied responses here

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fusea ... page/1.cfm

[Sandersmr]

The A/C I have in my trailer is actually a window A/C designed to run on 15/20 amps. That said, when I run the power to the trailer, if I'm using other powered devices, I won't have the A/C on because the voltage may be pulled down below 105 volts. Otherwise, I will run the A/C off the house power. In fact, it saved me one night last summer when the house A/C went out and the had to order a new compressor. I slept in the trailer.

[Bethers]

I've run my AC off house electric many times. I had the proper voltage. Make sure that you run nothing else at the same time and that you have nothing else pulling from that fuse in the house. I ran mine frequently at a friends house in Alabama. Needed it. We plugged it into a receptacle that wasn't pulling anything else and if I needed to use my microwave, I'd turn off the AC, for example. The 20 amps is enough for the AC, but not for it and the microwave, or a hair dryer, for example. When I'm on 30 amps I can do both.

And I'm sorry he was so rude.

[JudyJB]

I have run my AC off my son's house current several times with no problems. I have an adapter so I can plug into an outside plug, even. I did the same thing briefly in California last summer for a couple of days.

Now I did not run a hair dryer, the microwave, a coffee pot, or any other high-voltage products at the same time. That was a year ago in very hot weather, and have not had any problems with my AC since then.

[avalen]

Living in Arizona in my fifthwheel over 4 summers,
I ran my a/c 24/7 and only when we had power
brownouts did it cause the circuit breaker
to trip. I used it so much I wore out the fan
motor and replaced it, the compressor was
fine.

[Acadianmom]

You need to get a voltage meter that plugs into an outlet in your motorhome. It will tell you how much power you are getting. I will try to post a link to the one I have.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... eter/29375

You can damage an air conditioner running it on low power. I have run mine at people's houses and sometimes it works and sometimes I trip their breaker or mine. If you are using an extension cord be sure it is a 30 amp one. As Beth said, nothing else should be on the outlet circuit you are using.

I have run into low power problem at campgrounds. In the summer when it's hot and everyone is running their air conditioners there can be low power problems.

Martha

[Olive600]

Thanks again, everyone. I understand now. Really appreciate the support.
Nikki

[BirdbyBird]

What others have said.... I have often run my AC of house current or from poles at a Fairground dog show The plan as others have noted is not to run any of the other big power draws in the rig at the same time. The condition of the electrical circuits of the house you are "borrowing" electric from is also important. My daughter's rental house in Charlotte, NC can not handle any additional draw so I don't try to connect when in their driveway. I think they pop their own fuses from time to time. You also need to plug into a house circuit that is not being used by the folks in the house. When Nan plugged us in around her property last winter she made sure that we were all connected to different circuits and fuses.....

[Bethers]

Just teasing about the "please respond" in your header. Like you could stop most of us.

[retiredhappy]

Nikki, remember the voltage meter I showed you that I use to check the power at the electric post and then keep plugged into an inside outlet. If the power falls below 108 your AC will run but work so hard it "may" burn out your compressor. I often run my AC when I'm loading my rig on an electrical cord but ONLY run the AC, nothing else. Also, have been told not to use an extension cord that is longer than 50' and to be sure to use a heavy duty one.

As for the jerk that sold you the unit, has he explained the floor being rotted out? Its men like him that made us form our own forum - no men - no testosterone!!!

[Olive600]

Karen,
Volt meter arrives from Amazon tomorrow. Extension cord meets all the requirements. The circuit is not dedicated/isolated whatever that's called, but I will find out what else is on it and be sure that nothing else is drawing power when the AC is on. That's if I run it at all. I also ordered the surge protector and the GPS. The land line compartment cover has been replaced, and I have a new gel battery for the coach. All the seals have been checked and repaired where necessary. The hot water heater has a new anode rod. And of course there's a new floor. The new shower head is on its way. There are probably other things I don't remember right now. It's been a h**** of a day. Thanks for checking in.

Nikki

[VickieP]

Okay, Ms. Energizer Bunny, don't forget to take a break now & then!