13.5 A/C

["D"]

Can you run a 13.5 on 15 amp for a few minutes to test?

 

[fluffywhitedogs]

Maybe, depending on what else is on that circuit. Turn off everything else in the trailer including the converter. I can run it on my 15 amp house circuit for a while, but I think something else in the house kicks on because then the breaker flips (and it's not only when the compressor comes on, it seems pretty random.)

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Forgive me, what is a 13.5 ac unit

 

[fluffywhitedogs]

Forgive me, what is a 13.5 ac unit

A 13.5btu air conditioning unit

 

[Joe Hogan]

Running draw for a new 13.5 btu a/c is 12-13 amps in a ‘spec world’.
However you will need a “soft start“ device as most motors pull significantly more at start up without some type of modification.

 

["D"]

Maybe, depending on what else is on that circuit. Turn off everything else in the trailer including the converter. I can run it on my 15 amp house circuit for a while, but I think something else in the house kicks on because then the breaker flips (and it's not only when the compressor comes on, it seems pretty random.)

thanks, I checked again and it is actually 20 amp with ground fault. I'm gonna try it. Just bought a used camper and want to make sure a/c is cold before a trip.

 

[sanda]

I run my 15k unit on 20 Amp often, no soft start.
Make sure no other loads on circuit.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Connect to the AC service. Be sure everything else is off or flip the breakers except for the Air Cond breaker in the converter panel. Then turn on the Air Cond. If it runs, then the answer to your question is YES. If it trips the 15A or 20A breaker, whichever it happens to be, then the answer is NO. There will be no harm done either way. That's the purpose of circuit breakers.

You need to run a temperature check on the unit. Easy to do. Use a duct thermometer and measure the air intake/return air temperature inside the RV. Then after the Air Cond runs for a few minutes, measure the air out of the system at the vents. There should be a 20-degree to 25-degree difference. If the differential is less, then the unit may need service or may need refrigerant. They can be recharged and checked for leaks. This is in spite of being told it is a sealed system and can not be serviced. Also, check the air filter and observe the evaporator coil for dirt build-up. Carefully clean as needed.

I had Shrader valves installed on ours, had it recharged, and it has been good for going on 3 years now. Why was it low to start with? No clue other than the fact it sat and was not used for 3 years prior. I have the thermostat set at 80 degrees and let it run as necessary.

Bob

 

["D"]

Ran a test on both a/c's today. One at a time. Had no problems and both cooled down the air.

 

[DennisT]

Just watch the extension cord you have plugged into the outlet.

Used to run ours periodically off a 20 amp outlet and the extension cord would warm up a bit.