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Telad5 · 06-14-2012, 10:58 AM

1997 Tropical - Generec/ shore power when try to run both a/c s breakers go?? Will run one OK is this a 30 amp / 50 amp problem & how can this be corrected to run both? ALSO with generator, the roof air will eventually blow breaker? Only had it 3 days / Thanks

Rook · 06-14-2012, 11:46 AM

Breakers open when there is too much load (current). Excess current (load) will usually significantly drop the voltage to the device running, as well. The easiest way to see what is happening is to measure the voltage at the running device with a voltmeter, normal would be at around 115 volts, and compare that to when another AC is turned on. A significant drop in voltage indicates a problem in the power source.....or the added device. You should never try to run 2 AC's on 30 amp shore service. Normally, your generator should provide enough power to run 2 AC's.

TXiceman · 06-14-2012, 01:14 PM

Where are the breakers that trip. On th epost, generator or inside the RV? Is your coach a 30 or 50 amp coach? What is the voltage at the u nits and cechk the amperage at the units?

ken

Telad5 · 06-16-2012, 12:48 PM

It is blowing the breaker in the coach - gen has two breakers - 1 30 amp & 1 20 amp - neither has blown, just in the coach. From what I can tell it is a 50 amp coach. Thanks

TheBeachHous · 06-26-2012, 12:39 PM

I'm guessing you have a Generac 5500 generator, which isn't strong enough to run both ACs, it isn't until you get into the big guys, 7500w and usually diesel, that you'll get something to run both units.
As for shore power, if you're plugged into 30amp service, that would explain your problem. If you're plugged into 50amp service and you're blowing breakers, you've got a problem somewhere... I'd get a volt meter and start checking stuff!!!
Good Luck!!!

Heater · 06-26-2012, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telad5

It is blowing the breaker in the coach - gen has two breakers - 1 30 amp & 1 20 amp - neither has blown, just in the coach. From what I can tell it is a 50 amp coach. Thanks

Is your shore plug a 4 prong or 3 prong? Most 30 amp coaches have a 50 amp generator. 30 amp for the coach and 20 amp for the rear Air.

larrykathy · 06-26-2012, 01:30 PM

We have the same motorhome, I can only run one a/c unit with the generator. It's a little confusing to me but I can select which a/c unit comes on by operating the zone control.
I think that zone 1 is the front a/c unit and zone 2 is the rear but you can easily change using the dip switches. Simply, I just turn off one zone when running generator or 20 amp. I can tell you how if needed.
When I'm on a 20 amp circuit, at home for example, only one a/c unit will run. I haven't tried the 30 amp or 50 amp since I don't have the circuit at home. Next chance I get, we'll be going to a RV park for a couple nights to check everything out.

TXiceman · 06-26-2012, 02:35 PM

5500 Watts is plenty to run two A/C units....had one and ran two with no problem.

Ken

larrykathy · 06-27-2012, 10:02 AM

Have you solved the issue with the Breakers?
Later

TheBeachHous · 06-27-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

5500 Watts is plenty to run two A/C units....had one and ran two with no problem.

Ken

If you're at sea level, maybe, however the wattage put out by a 5500w geny isn't usually close to 5500w they are usually rated at around 5k or some even as low as 4700, and if you have both both AC units running and they both cycle on at the same time if you are anywhere above 3k feet above sea level you'll kill the AC or the geny - maybe not all at once every time, but over time you will. Thats just a fact of life - simple physics - no arguing that point.