electrical question about my second ac

[Saltwater_buck]

We just had a second ac installed on our 30 amp crusader and I dont know what cord to use. Its a 20A with a straight blade coming out of the camper. Can I use a 15 amp heavy duty cord with a 20A end, plugged into the park 15 amp pedestal? Or do I NEED a 20A source?

[Saltwater_buck]

I built a cord with 25' of 10g with the 20A female(camper side), and 15A male(pedestal side). Just hooked it up and checking periodically. I have it plugged in my garage. Thanks for the help

[ScottG]

Swamp Man wrote:
If you have a twenty amp outlet, I would use a cord rated for 20 amps. Use of a smaller (less amp rated cord) is asking for trouble. The NEC (National Electrical Code) does not allow you to use wire related for less amps than the breaker it is attached to. If the installer used a 20 amp outlet, there is a reason.

That code does not apply to the cord that connects to the outlet. It's for the wiring between the breaker and an appliance or outlet.

[Kybiggray]

Guess I should clarify, I have 12 2 with ground wire ran from my ac to the underneath storage area of my 5ver. At that point I put a Heavy Duty Male end that matches the ordinary house plug, and from there I run the extension cord to the pedestal.

On a side note, I just finished tying my 2nd ac into the duct work, and put a chill grill on that had the hookup for the power and thermostat, then ran the thermostat wire over and put the 2nd ac on a seperate thermostat. A GREAT add. Fan will kick on and off and you have better control of the temperature. Total cost to do the project was only $145

[Kybiggray]

I changed the end on the camper to accept the extension cord. I didn't want to leave any chance for water to get into the extension cord and short out. I hope this helps.

[Saltwater_buck]

Kybiggray wrote:
I have the same setup as you, and I use a 12 gauge extension cord and plug straight into the pedestal. Has worked great for three years.

Thank you, I wanted to hear from someone who had this setup. So you just spliced in a new plug at the end of a heavy duty extention cord?

[Kybiggray]

I have the same setup as you, and I use a 12 gauge extension cord and plug straight into the pedestal. Has worked great for three years.

[Norskeman]

I have a Progressive EMS in our trailer - at 110 volts the AC unit was pulling 14 amps. I would look for something rated at 20 amps.

[Brandon327]

On the camper you have a horizontal and a vertical blade in the plug(20 amp plug)?If that is the case you are going to have to make your own cord like you are talking about. Most campgrounds only have a 15 amp plug but it is usually on a 20 amp breaker.

[Saltwater_buck]

Brandon327 wrote:
Just use a 12 ga extension cord.

I got a new 12G cord, but it doesn't have the one flat blade. So do I cut it off and wire in a 20A flat blade plug and just use the 15A socket? Or do I use my extra 30A cord with a 15A adapter for the pedestal and a flat blad adapter for my camper?

[Brandon327]

Just use a 12 ga extension cord.

[Saltwater_buck]

Swamp Man wrote:
If you have a twenty amp outlet, I would use a cord rated for 20 amps. Use of a smaller (less amp rated cord) is asking for trouble. The NEC (National Electrical Code) does not allow you to use wire related for less amps than the breaker it is attached to. If the installer used a 20 amp outlet, there is a reason.

So how would I know if the plug is 20A?

[Swamp_Man]

If you have a twenty amp outlet, I would use a cord rated for 20 amps. Use of a smaller (less amp rated cord) is asking for trouble. The NEC (National Electrical Code) does not allow you to use wire related for less amps than the breaker it is attached to. If the installer used a 20 amp outlet, there is a reason.

[Saltwater_buck]

ScottG wrote:
Yes, you can use a heavy 15 amp cord in the 15A outlet. The contacts are exactly the same size in both the plug and the outlets of 15A & 20A devices. (According to Leviton)
Also, you'll find the AC only pulls about 12A running and about 13~14A starting.

ok, that's what I was worried about, maxing out the 15A plug. That's for the quick advise.

[ScottG]

Yes, you can use a heavy 15 amp cord in the 15A outlet. The contacts are exactly the same size in both the plug and the outlets of 15A & 20A devices. (According to Leviton)
Also, you'll find the AC only pulls about 12A running and about 13~14A starting.