Community Forums

Smithers · 08-30-2015, 06:05 PM

So, 3rd time this has happened to me.

I run on a 30 Amp service from the pole at a campground (No extension cord), if I run the AC & Microwave at the same time, the breaker at the service pole trips. First time I thought it was just old gear, maybe the second time too. But this week were at Clear Laker and the electrical looks very new, so it's not a "soft" breaker.

Determined that AC & MW are on different circuits but the same phase.

#1- I am surprised the 2 heaviest loads on are on the same phase.

#2 - I am assuming the breaker is tripping because the load is so unbalanced.

Considering moving the AC or MW to a different phase.

lynnmor · 08-30-2015, 06:17 PM

With 30 AMP there is only one "phase." Perhaps your 30 AMP breaker in the RV allows a higher load than the 30 AMP breaker at the pole.

cc8375 · 08-30-2015, 06:20 PM

I believe a 30 amp circuit is only one Phase. Check all the connectors, Tight, check all lugs or screws in the breaker box. It appear you are drawing More then 30 amps to kick the breaker. Did you check the voltage by chance? Is there any unknown source running? Hot water heater, converter etc.

"A 30 amp RV service is really just a glorified 120 volt single pole outlet. Electrical outlets are labeled with a NEMA code designation. The 30 amp outlet used in an RV application is designated a NEMA TT-30R and the plug is a TT-30P. The TT stands for Travel Trailer so you won't be finding this outlet in any residential environment. The P and R stand for Plug and Receptacle respectively. This is a 3 prong plug that consists of a 120 volt hot wire, a neutral wire, and a safety ground "

Smithers · 08-30-2015, 06:26 PM

Doh! HOT WATER HEATER.... The silent amp eater!!!

Bfmorgan · 08-30-2015, 06:27 PM

The microwave and AC together will be close to 23-25 amps. Add in the converter charging the batteries and you are at or over 30 amps. If you have an electric element in your water heater, or an inverter, then you will be well beyond 30 amps.

meganjoe · 08-30-2015, 06:52 PM

I'm surprised the 30 amp breaker in your camper is not tripping.. I would try to get a amperage reading at that breaker..

Maybe you have a problem with your cord or plug..

Joe

cc8375 · 08-30-2015, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithers

Doh! HOT WATER HEATER.... The silent amp eater!!!

When we are tight on power I will turn the Hot water heater off while cooking breakfast.

RVGuy1966 · 08-31-2015, 04:39 AM

that's why I always choose the 50 amp and use an adaptor. the fuse blows but inside so I never have to go outside to reset it.

wa8yxm · 08-31-2015, 06:35 AM

There is only one phase... (Long argument let's skip it) split into 2 legs on 50 amp and on sticks and bricks power.

There is also only one LEG on 30 amps

Theory is you SHOULD be able to run both A/C and Micro at same time but... Wait.. There is more

There is the Fridge 2.5-3.5 amps
There is the converter (very little power if batteries fully charged, GOES WAY UP if hungry) and possibly other stuff.. Televiosoins and such mostly don't count (less than 1 amp now days).

Next we have the quality of the power.. 30 amp parks tend to be older and somewhat "Anemic" when it comes to electricity.. This means you may only have 105 volts instead of 120, which means the A/C sucks more amps.

TDI-Minnie · 08-31-2015, 04:46 PM

My owners manual specifically says to turn off the AC when using the microwave.
I think the ACs don't have a start capacitor, so the draw at startup is very high. Once it's running, you could run the microwave, but I never do.
Same reason you shouldn't run the AC on 20amp residential.

meganjoe · 09-01-2015, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVGuy1966

that's why I always choose the 50 amp and use an adaptor. the fuse blows but inside so I never have to go outside to reset it.

Good idea...

Franka548 · 09-01-2015, 06:36 AM

I think that the OP has found his problem. 30 amp will not run the A/C, microwave and hot water heater. a lot of the units have a switch that only allows the microwave or the hot water heater but not both, or the microwave or A/C but not both.
Frank

cc8375 · 09-01-2015, 06:49 AM

"TDI - Same reason you shouldn't run the AC on 20amp residential"

I have run one Air for years on a 20 amp residential with No problems. I run Only the air with nothing else on. It draws about 13- 14 amps.

Old Scout · 09-01-2015, 06:57 AM

Think the OP understands that he is close to 30 amps--he is just curious as to why the 30 amp breaker on the "pole" always trips vs the 30 amp in his rig?????? Most of the conversation so far has been to explain why he is using more than 30 amps--think he knows that. The added resistance in his 30 amp cord might be the difference. I am not a big fan of using a dogbone adaptor to put 50 amps down a 30 amp cord--agree that the 30 amp breaker in the rig should protect the cord but any deterioration in the cord or plug-ends will not be protected once you are plugged into 50 amps--just saying......