Operating My Dolphin On 30 AMP Service

[dlduck]

I just discovered something yesterday that I never knew before while reading thru my owners supplemental guide. It states my 23,000 BTU system on my 2006 Dolphin operates a two stage system in cooling, running a single compressor when cooling requirements are low, or with two compressors when max cooling is required. It further states that I can operate my basement air conditioner in a 30 AMP park. This amazes me because I always was under the impression that I needed a 50 AMP hook-up to operate my coach. Has anyone else with the same setup as my coach been able to successfully operate their basement unit on 30 AMP service without tripping breakers and experiencing problems? Also, have you experienced adequate cooling requirements using your basement unit on 30 AMP service?

Thank you,
Dave

[JJH3rd]

You have to find & use the "mystical switch" (see image). in the down position, the HVAC uses both compressors, & expects 50Amp service, in the up position it uses one compressor and can operate on 30Amp service.
In our '05 Dolphin, the switch is in the bay with the transfer switch, next ro the fresh water tank drain and the CATV socket.

[JJH3rd]

We have used the 30 selection for the HVAC for cooling when parked at a friend's home in Vermont on a 20Amp service so we had to be careful not to overload the circuit.

[dlduck]

J.J.,
Thank you very much for your response. I found my switch in the drivers side rear compartment. I am assuming from what you have said that if the requirements for cooling are quite high, then it is best to use 50 AMP service. Opposite of that, if requirements are low, then 30 AMP service can be used, but I would have to be careful on what else I could run at the same time, such as no microwave?
Thanks

[Old-Biscuit]

CORRECT.....


30A Service provides 3600W


50A Service provides 6000W PER LEG




30A Service.....
No A/C and Microwave at same time
No A/C and HAIR Dryer
No A/C and ????
Trail and error will ID which combos do not work together....no harm/no foul (just tripping of 30A CB)

[CamJam1]

I can confirm from personal experience that it doesn't cool worth a darn when operating from 30A. 50A is a must if you want to be comfortable in the summer, at least here the Southwest.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by CamJam1

I can confirm from personal experience that it doesn't cool worth a darn when operating from 30A. 50A is a must if you want to be comfortable in the summer, at least here the Southwest.

That’s for sure.

[Belgian]

I don't want to confuse the subject, but my switch is the opposite JJH3rd Mine is 50 amp up and 30 amp down. My MH is a 2004 so that may make a difference.

[inbogie]

Originally Posted by Belgian

I don't want to confuse the subject, but my switch is the opposite JJH3rd Mine is 50 amp up and 30 amp down. My MH is a 2004 so that may make a difference.

yep mine is too. 2005 dolphin 5320.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by inbogie

yep mine is too. 2005 dolphin 5320.

Mine is that way also. At this point I would verify whether the switch plate isn’t just spun 180 out. I can’t remember but isn’t the plate embossed with the 30 and 50 numbers? Are they upside down or right side up so you can read them?
I found the in the photo post #2 the fresh water low point drain is in that bay, mine 2005 6376 is in my wet bay with all the other valves. Just an observation

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by tmw188

Mine is that way also. At this point I would verify whether the switch plate isn’t just spun 180 out. I can’t remember but isn’t the plate embossed with the 30 and 50 numbers? Are they upside down or right side up so you can read them?
I found the in the photo post #2 the fresh water low point drain is in that bay, mine 2005 6376 is in my wet bay with all the other valves. Just an observation

Looked at my switch today and it is only marked on or off. On is up.

[Glamping2]

You can use 30 amp service with the switch in the proper position. But I would caution you to use caution. This summer in a 30 amp Park I burnt capacitors and circuit board on my ac. I would suggest as I have now investing in a surge control capable of both sensing high and low voltage as well as misswired. It also helps to have a cheap voltage gauge. Many parks can have 30 amp plugs but not adequate wiring to handle the load of many rv’s simultaneously. Which is what caused my problem. To many air conditioners etc. at the same time.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by tmw188

Looked at my switch today and it is only marked on or off. On is up.

50 is ON
30 is OFF
If you put it on the 30 or OFF only one compressor should come on. Unless it’s 70deg outside don’t expect much out of it. Power management has to been done by you in these particular coaches.

[Scooter]

Is this situation only for basement a/c units ? We have two roof a/c units and one stat inside. Have not noticed the switch in post #2 anywhere. Thanks