Can You Run RV Air Conditioner on 30 AMP

When you decide to buy an RV, all you think of is spending quality time with your family and friends camping or traveling around. You never realize that there will be so much electrical knowledge that you need to know. I had a similar experience. When I bought my first RV, little did I know that running an AC is not the same as what you do in your home. When you are running AC in your home, you are not worried about how much AMP it needs to run efficiently with other appliances operating.

However, that is not the case with RV AC, as running too many appliances along with the AC on an AMP that is not sufficient will cause the circuit breakers to trip and put a possible overload on the electrical cords. This is exactly what happened to me, and it took me by surprise.

So to prevent this situation from happening again, I did some research. The information I got is what I am going to explain in detail in this blog. Let’s begin!

How Many AMPS Does An RV AC Use?

Most average RV air conditioners use less than 14 amps. It is designed to operate on a 120V and 15A circuit. For example, if your RV AC has 13,500 BTU, it will consume between 11 and 15 amps.

However, the total amps the RV AC will use depends on the type and size of the air conditioner. The calculation of amps must also include other electrical appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, etc. that will be used along with AC.
So what about running your RV’s AC on 30 amps? Let’s find the answer to this question below.

Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on 30 AMPs?

To know the answer to whether you can run RV AC on 30 amps, there are a few considerations that should be taken into account. Yes, you can run your RV AC on a 30 amp, but only the fans of the AC will run and not the cooling function. So to make it run smoothly, you have to limit the power of other electrical appliances. Otherwise, the circuit breaker will trip as the use of additional appliances will require an additional 70 amps of 120 volt power.

Now, you might be wondering: if an RV contains 2 air conditioners, is it possible to run both of them at 30 AMP? Is it safe to do so? Let’s find out.

Can You Run 2 RV Air Conditioners on 30 AMPs?

Running two AC units is possible, but it is usually not recommended. It will have some limitations and require an energy management system. Typically, RV AC needs around 13 to 16 amps to operate. So running 2 RV ACs at the same time would exceed the available 30-amp capacity. It will cause several issues, like tripping breakers and overheating the wires. But there is a solution to this issue.

Moreover, you can install an ActiveStart Softstart, which comes with a 30 amp to 15 amp rating. You can use it to start two ACs on a 30-amp service. It will reduce the initial power surge when starting up and the strain on the electrical system. It also allows you to use other appliances not exceeding a total of 30 Amps. In addition, it comes with 2100 joules of surge protection as well.

Furthermore, you can have a 50-amp electrical service or use a generator to power multiple RV ACs

Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the electrical requirements is essential if you want to run an RV air conditioner. The majority of RV air conditioners use less than 14 amps. However, the specific type and size of the air conditioner, as well as the use of other appliances, will affect the overall number of amps required.
It is feasible to operate an RV air conditioner on a 30-amp service. But doing so requires careful power management and may reduce cooling capacity or require alternate usage. Due to the possibility of overloading the electrical system, running two RV air conditioners at 30 amps is generally not advised. Overall, being mindful of the electrical limitations and considering appropriate solutions ensures a comfortable and safe RV experience.