Can I Use My Regular Outlet (20 Amp) During Winter?

Lincolnboy2 · 01-27-2012, 02:16 PM

At my house, parked, in the winter when I am not running a/c, why can't I just plug my shore cord into the regular outlet (obviously with the adapter) (upgraded to 20 amp) right by the coach?

I don't need all that power in the winter unless I'm getting ready to go somewhere and want to heat the coach up. In the summer, I do keep the a/c on (around 85) and need the extra amps while parked.

I now have it and a 50' extension cord running into the regular 30 amp plugin over on the north side of the house.

I am going to run an underground cable/conduit out there for 50 amp service eventually, but not any time soon. In the mean time, I am getting tired of looking at that extension cord snaking around the patio and landscape timbers and out to the coach.

Mr_D · 01-27-2012, 02:23 PM

I put a dedicated 30 amp circuit in for our older MH's. I haven't bothered to upgrade it to 50 amps as I haven't seen the need after 14 years. I run two 1500 watt heaters and a 100 watt light bulb with no troubles off the 30 amps. In the summer I just run a 20 amp cord to the MH since I don't keep heat in it or need the heat pumps then.

tncruiser · 01-27-2012, 02:24 PM

if you just want to keep your batteries charged and run a small electric heater (750 watts max)because your extension cord is kinda long it should work,just remember dont run anything else on that circuit you only have a total of 20 amps available and becuse of the line drop on a 50 ft cord Make sure it is at least a no 14 ,12 would be better)
im sure some one else will jump inwith the exact specs of your plan.but my advice should keep you out of trouble
brianj

jlyon69 · 01-27-2012, 02:27 PM

If you're just storing (keep batteries charged, ect), you only need 15 amp, done it for years.

mikelm48 · 01-27-2012, 02:32 PM

I keep mine in a storage lot, plugged into a 15A plug. I don't run refrig, hot water, etc. I leave the thermostat set around 45 so the gas furnace, which also sends warm air to the bays, will come on if it gets cold enough. Uses a bit of LPG, but have not had any freezing issues.

Lincolnboy2 · 01-27-2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tncruiser

if you just want to keep your batteries charged and run a small electric heater (750 watts max)because your extension cord is kinda long it should work,just remember dont run anything else on that circuit you only have a total of 20 amps available and becuse of the line drop on a 50 ft cord Make sure it is at least a no 14 ,12 would be better)
im sure some one else will jump inwith the exact specs of your plan.but my advice should keep you out of trouble
brianj

Thanks kind Sir! Yes, I just remembered, the pond pump is on that line too, and I think its about 650 watts or so. I have to shut it off when the Pet Love van is there and plugs in, that way it doesn't trip the breaker when they are there. So, I'll have to check it and see.

Thanks Brian!

Lincolnboy2 · 01-27-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikelm48

I keep mine in a storage lot, plugged into a 15A plug. I don't run refrig, hot water, etc. I leave the thermostat set around 45 so the gas furnace, which also sends warm air to the bays, will come on if it gets cold enough. Uses a bit of LPG, but have not had any freezing issues.

Thank you Sir! Appreciate the info!