Community Forums

Macado · 06-03-2013, 10:56 PM

Have a Xantrax inverter that has a column for Shared power. I was told at dealership to leave it set on the 30 Amp position. I know when running the generator I can have both ACs running. Can I run both when at a park with 30 Amp service based on Xantrax system. Will it allow one AC to power up before letting the other AC power up. Should I change the setting to 50 Amp when 50 Amp is supplied?

Also what would be the minimum time for the Norcold refrigerator (4 door) to reach a reasonable temp. Last trip out took about 48 hours to get to 50 degrees. Sound like a problem?

Sorry for a lot of questions but still trying to figure all the ends and outs for this MH.

Mr_D · 06-03-2013, 11:06 PM

The amp setting limits how many amps the battery charger can pull. When at 50 amp sites I set it for 30 amps. At home, on 30 amps, I set it for 5 amps since the MH isn't being used.

docj · 06-03-2013, 11:07 PM

My understanding of the Xantrex control panel shared setting is that it is not a power management system; it is simply a way to reduce the charger's draw on the shore power circuit if you are connected to less than 50A. I have no idea why you were told to leave it on 30A; set it to 50A when that's what you are connected to. However, it will have no effect on your ability to run 2 A/C's other than it will limit how much the charger can draw.

As for the Norcold 48 hours seems too long. Was the coach level? I've had problems in the past with pre-cooling if the coach wasn't level.

alfetch · 06-04-2013, 10:39 AM

If you have a way to see the power being used, you'll be amazed to see the draw from the bulk load, the first charge of your three charge charging system integral to your Xantrex inverter/charger. Multiply by two if you have two inverters. That's why it's prudent to set the power share down in less than optimal power situations. I do the same as Mr. D.

As for the usage of two A/C units on 30 amps, my quick answer is no. I suppose if all other electrical loads were off you could. In 15 years of RVing with three different coaches, the practice of restricting A/C usage to just one when on 30 amp service has worked well.

Macado · 06-04-2013, 06:53 PM

Thanks for the help and advice. Really understand about the draw from the charger because after we got to the campground, I had the one AC on and looking to get hot water turned on the electrical part of the water heater. Luckily tripped the 30 Amp breaker on the pedestal. Only after the batteries were fully charged was I able to operate anything other than the one AC. So much to learn that I didn't need in a 5th wheel. Great forum with lots of experience and knowledge.

slabman · 06-05-2013, 07:45 PM

A 15k BTU roof air unit will draw about 16.5 amps, depending on coil condition. (A clean coil will lower the draw about 1 A). So two units on 30 amps won't work. However, I have actually violated this statement by turning off all current draws and run two a/C's on low speed for short periods of time.