30W to 15W Adapter Tripping Breaker

[Buc]

I tried plugging our travel trailer in to our garage outlet using a 30>15 power adapter. Is it normal for this to trip the circuit breaker in the house if I run the A/C in the trailer while it’s plugged in?

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Yes. This is not a 30 watt to 15 watt adapter. It is simply a plug adapter that allows your 30 Amp plug to be plugged into a 15 Amp socket.
In my old 5er that used a 30A cable/plug, I could run a light or two and the A/C on a 15 amp circuit. If I turned on too many lights or the microwave, the breaker popped. This is normal. Your A/C is pulling more than 15 Amps on startup.

 

[Buc]

So, it should be fine as long as I don’t run the AC or microwave?

 

[GTS225]

Probably. You might be able to run the micro, or maybe the A/C on low cool. Mine does, anyway, and it's hooked to a 15amp breaker in the garage.

Roger

 

[Buc]

Thanks @GTS225

I’m not well versed in electronics, but am trying to learn everything I can.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

While I agree with others that you should be able to run your AC from a 15amp service, you say it trips the breaker. That raises the question of what else is on the garage circuit. Refrigerator, freezer, washer, etc.

In monitoring the system in our TT, with the AC running and the microwave and the converter, we are at 26 to 28 amps. That is about max for a 30 amp service. Certainly, a 15 amp breaker won't handle that load. Choose one or the other but not both.

It is best to install or have installed a proper 30 amp RV outlet. Problem solved. I installed my own, but I am rather versed in electricity and the NEC code for such to be legal.

Bob

 

[GTS225]

Bob's right......I failed to think along the lines of what else might be powered off your 15 amp breaker. In my case, it's a detached garage with a 50 amp service from the house. Only lights and outlets,and nothing else is turned on at the time.

 

[Buc]

Thanks. I’ll look into getting a dedicated outlet in the garage. It’d be nice to be able to use the trailer as a guest house.

 

[GTS225]

Thanks. I’ll look into getting a dedicated outlet in the garage. It’d be nice to be able to use the trailer as a guest house.

Yes, it would come in handy. However, you might want to check your local ordinances, or bylaws if an HOA might have jurisdiction.

Roger

 

[Buc]

Yes, it would come in handy. However, you might want to check your local ordinances, or bylaws if an HOA might have jurisdiction.

Roger

We’re fortunate to live in a house with no HOA or city ordinances. Boulder County is pretty easy to deal with.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Bob's right......I failed to think along the lines of what else might be powered off your 15 amp breaker. In my case, it's a detached garage with a 50 amp service from the house. Only lights and outlets,and nothing else is turned on at the time.

In the trailer, is the water heater on electric? About 10 amps. Is the converter on and heavily charging the battery? About 3 to 5 amps. Refrigerator on electric? About 2.5 amps. Plus the nominal starting current of the AC at about 12 to 15 amps. A 15 amp breaker won't handle that load.

 

[Fish]

If you put something in, just go ahead and put in a 50 amp.

I put in a 30 and then traded. For something that took 50 amps. Like less than a year later.

 

[Buc]

If you put something in, just go ahead and put in a 50 amp.

I put in a 30 and then traded. For something that took 50 amps. Like less than a year later.

Good point. I might just get a full pedestal with 50, 30 and standard plugs like at campgrounds. Might as well have the extra power out there.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Good point. I might just get a full pedestal with 50, 30 and standard plugs like at campgrounds. Might as well have the extra power out there.

That’s what I am having installed.
A note on that…a few local electricians have had problems getting the boxes. I bought one on Amazon and am having the local electrician install.

 

[Buc]

That’s what I am having installed.
A note on that…a few local electricians have had problems getting the boxes. I bought one on Amazon and am having the local electrician install.

That’s what I was thinking of doing as well. I’m pondering a crushed gravel pad and a picnic table and fire ring. Might as well go all out for backyard camp outs with the kids.