RV Electrical Systems - Amp Draw - Shore Power - 30AMP 50AMP Systems - Estimating Calculating Amp Draw
posted by American RV Center Internet Department @ 9:23am, Saturday 30 July 2011.
RV Electrical Systems and Amperage Draw
by Chad S. Bruce on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 8:52am
Know your RV Electrical System.We get a lot of questions about AMP draw and blown breakers. Keep in mind your RV has either a 30AMP or 50AMP AC electrical service. Your Air Conditioner can draw 12-18AMPS, Fridge 6-10AMPS, Water Heater 8-14AMPS, and so on. Not only are there high draw items like those, but smaller items that add up. Including: Coffee Pots, Microwave, TVs, and the resulting AC amperage draw from the 12V Converter (up to 8AMPS of AC draw). Overloading your system can cause blown breakers, melted plugs and wires, or worse. If you have questions about this topic, contact us. We are here to help. Email internet@americanrvcenter.com or call 812-867-5200.
Here's a partial list and appoximate amp draws for RV Appliances and Equipment. Bear in mind that these values are approximate and will vary greatly depending on the model, size, age, and other appliance factors.
AC Power (Shore Power) Draw
Air Conditioner (Each) 12-18 Amps
Coffee Pot 10 Amps
Crock Pot 1-4 Amps
Electric Portable Fan 1 Amp
Electric Water Heater 8-15 Amps
Hair Dryer 5-12 Amps
Microwave Oven 8-13 Amps (convection style may be higher)
Refrigerator (AC Power Mode) 5-8 Amps
Space Heater (ceramic) 8-13 Amps
Television (Flat Screen) 1.5-4 Amps
Toaster/Toaster Oven 7-10 Amps
Vacuum Cleaner (small handheld style) 2-6 Amps
Vacuum Cleaner (large household style) 6-15 Amps
Washer/Dryer Combo 14-16Amps
DC Converter Panel 1-8 Amps (depending on DC draw)
I should probably add a formula, too. To calculate the amperage draw of something not listed, you can use the following formula: WATTS divided by VOLTAGE = AMPS. This is not an exact formula, however. The true AMP draw will depend on the type of load (inductive, resistive, etc.), but this formula will give you a close approximation to allow you to keep your electrical use under control. Since we're studying theory now, using basic mathematical logic, you can approximate the wattage of an appliance by the following formula: AMPS x VOLTAGE = WATTAGE. Again, not exact, but a good approximation unless you enjoy long formulas and algebra. Bored yet? LOL.
