Using a house's electricity

[Au_tgr]

Hello - I want to plug into someone's home. What do I need to know? Can I run my air conditioner?

[DanNJanice]

A 15 amp outlet is right on the borderline as far as running the AC, but usually will run a 13.5K AC OK. A 20 amp circuit will run the AC, but quite possibly will pop the breaker, if you run additional heavy draw appliances like the microwave or coffee maker, hair dryers.
If you plan to run the AC, turn re-fridge and water heater over to propane and only run the heavy draw appliances when the AC is turned off.

[farnik78]

You will need an adapter and if you need an extension cord you want to use the heaviest one you can find. A light extension cord will get very hot and blow the breaker if you try to run the ac


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SOMBATFAMILY]

I run my 15K A/C and refrigerator before we pack up on 15amp outlet in my garage all the time and never trip the breaker.

[us71na]

Your first step should be to look at the circuit breaker in your trailer that protects the A/C unit. Then check the breaker on the circuit you plan to use. It should be the same size or greater than the one in your trailer a 20 Amp breaker is best. Then to be safe, check the wire size at the outlet you plan to plug into (some DIY people use #14 wire because it is cheaper on a 20 amp breaker, but it is only rated for 15 amps). It should be #12 wire with a ground.

As others have mentioned, you can probably run the A/C alone, any other electrical use could trip the breaker. Check the plug periodically for any rise in temperature.

My trailer A/C is on a 15 amp breaker. I have run it successfully off a 20 amp household circuit but have never run anything else when the A/C is running.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by SOMBATFAMILY

I run my 15K A/C and refrigerator before we pack up on 15amp outlet in my garage all the time and never trip the breaker.

Me too - mostly, but any additional load in our coach will cause the 15A circuit to trip. We get more headroom with the 20A circuit (don't have a 30A).

+100 on *investing* in a very good extension cord. It'll cost money but it'll save a ton of headaches and possible trouble. I have a 10g 50' copper cord dedicated to feeding he coach.

[Wingman]

Install a 30 amp hook up at the house. I'm thinking about it. Thinking of turning the camper into my man cave in the back yard when alone time is needed. Lol

[Atlee]

I installed a 30 amp box at the house. When I changed from electric water heater to gas water heater, it freed up a 220v outlet on the house breaker box.
I used just one side of the 220v breaker and ran the wire out to outside the garage. Ran electrical PVC conduit from the house breaker box, down the base of the wall of the garage, then drilled a hole just large enough to put the conduit through, then ran it to a fence post, up the fence post and into a junction box that has a 30 amp plug.

Been working fine for 15 years now.

Originally Posted by Wingman

Install a 30 amp hook up at the house. I'm thinking about it. Thinking of turning the camper into my man cave in the back yard when alone time is needed. Lol

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Atlee

I installed a 30 amp box at the house. When I changed from electric water heater to gas water heater, it freed up a 220v outlet on the house breaker box.
I used just one side of the 220v breaker and ran the wire out to outside the garage. Ran electrical PVC conduit from the house breaker box, down the base of the wall of the garage, then drilled a hole just large enough to put the conduit through, then ran it to a fence post, up the fence post and into a junction box that has a 30 amp plug.

Been working fine for 15 years now.

I did the same with a range 200v unused breaker. Just remember to change the breaker panel inside from 220v double to 2 single 30a breakers.

[wabirch]

My son got my 15k to work on a 15 amp circuit with a quick dial turn from high fan to cool, but the next load on the circuit tripped the breaker.
I am installing a dedicated 30amp box using 10 gauge. Will hope I can find a spray paint for box that comes close to garage color.

[33 RLDS]

I installed a 30 amp outlet and no longer have to worry about it. Cheap and easy.

[bap]

The OP is asking about plugging in at someone's home, not rewireing his house.

[Atlee]

In my original reply, I failed to note you are plugging in at a friends house.

In that case, try to use a 20amp receptacle. That will drive the AC with no problem, but do run the water heater on propane, and probably the refrigerator also. Plus remember to cut the AC off temporarily if you need to use the micro.

With a 15 Amp receptacle, you will be walking a tightrope running the AC. Sometimes you may be fine, other times, not so fine.

Originally Posted by Au_tgr

Hello - I want to plug into someone's home. What do I need to know? Can I run my air conditioner?

[Wusaah]

I keep my 4212 plugged in via a 15 amp and use a GOOD 10 gauge 50' extension cord. The residential fridge is always on and I can run 1 A/C and have not tripped a breaker.

[33 RLDS]

I would sneak up at night so they don't see you and use a green extension cord so It will be less noticeable on the lawn. If they catch you it could be theft of services charge so be careful