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Old 04-15-2015, 01:05 PM   #21
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The RV is equipped with a 30A connection. I will be using house current @ 15A
I am aware of what you have that is why I posted the above! Safe or Sorry Your Choice Youroo!!
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Old 04-15-2015, 01:18 PM   #22
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If sorry is a tripped breaker...Ive had bigger disappointments. But if the son owns the house, that would be the best logical solution...
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Old 04-15-2015, 01:43 PM   #23
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40 feet is pretty long for a 15 amp extension cord almost maxed out. there is a good likelyhood it'll heat up and could cause shorts, meltdown, or worse, a fire. I would suggest a heavier gauge cord.
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Old 04-15-2015, 01:43 PM   #24
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I don't know the specs of your certain A/C, but my guess is that it draws more than 20amps to run. Not good on a 15amp circuit! Won't cut it. It's easy enough to replace the circuit breaker in the house with a larger one IF, and I say IF the wiring will accommodate the extra load. Spend the extra bucks and do it right [and safe] and hire an electrician. IMHO
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Old 04-15-2015, 01:47 PM   #25
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I don't see where you're located (may be in one of the posts but I've not picked up on it) or when you'll be needing to stay in the drive, so for 1 week, do you need an air conditioner?
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Old 04-15-2015, 01:59 PM   #26
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With that long a run and an extension cord and other possible loads, there is a high probability that you will have significant voltage drop. Of all the things in your RV the one that is most susceptible to a low voltage is the AC compressor. Even if you are successful running the AC for a while you could be setting it up for premature failure. Remember the wiring from your breaker panel to the 15A outlet is gauged for 15A. You may have a 30A cord on the RV, but the weak link in the system is the 15A house wiring.
My suggestion have a 30A line run for this and future stays or don't use the AC.
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Old 04-15-2015, 02:41 PM   #27
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newer houses may have 14ga on 15 amp circuits, most have 12ga. amp draw goes up as voltage goes down, so his breaker will protect him. get a volt meter and just check in a wall receptacle in the coach during AC operation. shoot for 108v or better, 106 at the very worst. check again later in the day at peak draw to see how your doing.
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Old 04-15-2015, 02:46 PM   #28
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Newbie here. My wife and I will be staying at my son's house for a week or so. We'll be in the drive way. My question is, can I run my air conditioner and other appliances using 15/20 amp circuit? The outlet is approx. 40' away and I'll be using a a 15 amp extension cord.

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Hi Vince!

We were all newbies at one time so no worries!

Here's a thought: are you going to be staying at your son's house often? If so, you might want to offer to pay to have a 30 Amp box installed on the side of the house. It is a DIY project if you *know* what you are doing and @ a $150-250 electrician's job depending on where your son lives
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Old 04-15-2015, 02:49 PM   #29
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newer houses may have 14ga on 15 amp circuits, most have 12ga. amp draw goes up as voltage goes down, so his breaker will protect him. get a volt meter and just check in a wall receptacle in the coach during AC operation. shoot for 108v or better, 106 at the very worst. check again later in the day at peak draw to see how your doing.
His house was built in the 60's. I wouldn't trust the older wiring. I should have mentioned, the house is located in southeast Pa. We will be there last week of April for a week, it shouldn't be too hot may not need AC. Then for another week at the end of April into June may be a bit warmer/hotter.
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Old 04-15-2015, 03:11 PM   #30
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A "60s house" may have aluminum wiring which will not take much overload. Be very careful with old wiring. Newer homes have copper. Huge difference!
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:16 PM   #31
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i believe aluminum was mid 70's mobile homes...dont know of any houses Ive seen with it. I do see 14 ga in houses nowadays and thats a shame.
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:31 PM   #32
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My son installed a 30 amp outlet for when I park in his driveway. It's a win/win. My dog and I get to stay in our own "house" and I babysit so son and daughter-in-law can have some time out.
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:35 PM   #33
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If you expect to need the AC, maybe you could rent a 30A genny?
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:44 PM   #34
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i believe aluminum was mid 70's mobile homes...dont know of any houses Ive seen with it. I do see 14 ga in houses nowadays and thats a shame.
Had a house built in mid/late 60's that had all Al wiring. I ended up putting copper pigtails on every outlet to protect against cold flow. You can get a nice metal all weather 30A outlet at Home Depot for $25. Run some #10 wire to a 30A breaker in box and you have a professional solution.
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:55 PM   #35
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fans were here afore a/c , and turn off the 110v side of the water heater
enjoy the time together
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Old 04-15-2015, 06:04 PM   #36
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I had a 30 amp outlet installed in the garage. I already had the parts and an electrician wired it up $100. That's the safest easiest thing to do. Burning up a converter or ac compressor is going to cost more than that. Not to mention the safety hazards.
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Old 04-15-2015, 06:07 PM   #37
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did the OP ever state that his son owned the house? i agree thats best. some times you do the best job practical. pennsylvania in april? I dont see much problem either way.
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Old 04-15-2015, 06:28 PM   #38
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i believe aluminum was mid 70's mobile homes...dont know of any houses Ive seen with it. I do see 14 ga in houses nowadays and thats a shame.
I helped an electrician buddy of mine upgrade my father's house that was built in the 1960's. We found Al conductors were original. Needless to say, we replaced it with Cu.
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Old 04-15-2015, 06:42 PM   #39
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Running A/C may trip. I just plugged a vacuum in at the house we tripped. So we had the electrician install two 30amp outlets at two different locations in our driveway so I will have not problem when using A/C or vacuum, etc. at the same time
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Old 04-17-2015, 09:11 AM   #40
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Just another thought. New construction might have a 20 amp plug with the sideways slot, older homes less likely. Go to the main service pannel in the home. Usually on the inside not far from the outside meter. Oper the cover, each breaker will have a number, usually The MAINs will be above 100, then the AC, elect. dryer, elect stove, elect hot water heater and any other electric major appliance that is wired in. Next lowest is usually 20 amps. Note the lables of the rooms or uses next to the 20's. Find a room usually the kitchen, rec room or garage, which is most convient to using an extenion cord (which must be rated 20 amps or higher).. If there are few plugs being used and not too far from the MH use one of these.

Caution, no easy way to to get 30 or more amps out of a normal home. Using extention cords under rated, less than 30 amps will cause them the heat up, a cheap cord will get hot and pop the breaker or melt. Play it safe use the generator to cool things down, turn if off and open the windows.
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