Roof Mount A/C on Utility

[MDAcresDirector]

Hello All !

I am considering a Roof Mount A/C & Heat Combo for my
Cargo Conv.
Can someone give me a simple wiring idea to power it
up, I understand they will run on standard 110 Line

Can I convert this to be plugged in direct

ANy Idea(s)

Also it is a simple standard vent opening
14X14 (Roof Vent)

Thanks

[A Plus MM]

Yes and no. Technically, yes, it can be wired to a standard residential plug BUT (here's where it gets interesting), a roof mount AC unit can pull up to 20 amps. A standard wall outlet is rated for 15 amps even if the circuit it is on is rated higher than that. There are 20 amp outlets where one of the flat prongs is turned 90 degrees but that is not "standard". That being said, I have done it on a regular 15 amp outlet just make sure the wiring you are using is heavy enough - I'd suggest a minimum of 12 gauge. Please remember you won't be able to run much more than the AC on that circuit (like a coffee maker or microwave or fan).

[Pyrofish]

I brought my power in on a 30amp power inlet and cord. Then up the wall in a 10 gauge extension cord to a junction box. From the junction box, I split the feed in 2. I take one feed over to the roof mounted AC, and one feed to the my converter/charger/breaker panel to power the rest of the hauler.

My original plan was to feed the AC through the breaker panel, but it seemed like a waste of 15' of 10 gauge to run to the panel in the front, and back to the AC, and it added 30' of wire to the AC circuit. So I just powered it directly coming in.

10 gauge extension cord can be had on eBay for about $60 for 100'. I used 60' total for my 20' hauler. Then I put a new mail plug on the left over extension cord and have a 40' heavy duty extension cord to boot. The 10 gauge ext cord I bought had a built in 3 way adapter on it too. That's why I took from the male end, so I could keep that factory 3 way in good shape.

[hankaye]

pyrofish, Howdy;

Do ya have a link to that extension cord ???

Thanks.

hank

[Pyrofish]

The one I have is from ebay. I don't see the exact one I purchased. Since it's been a year or so, that's not a surprise
This one is similar, although about $30 more, it's still cheaper than buying the equivalent romex and ends.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Century-Contractor-Grade-50-10-Gauge-Power-Extension-Cord-10-3-Triple-Tap-Plug-/310551962425?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484e56e339

[PaulS]

I installed a 13500 btu Coleman Mach 3 ac with heat strip in mine. I put it right where the existing vent was that is 14x14 opening. The sealant was a little difficult to scrape off but it will come off then I drilled a hole into the framing and used 12 gage greenfield to the breaker box that is an RV 30amp box with a 30 amp RV cord so when I am at a Camp ground I can just plug in. I also saved that old vent and bought a second one framed both of those in and cut the roof and installed both vents. I also ran 12vdc to both of these and installed fans in them. The heat strip in the ac was not that great and I found that a small heater worked better

[pete42]

I brought my power in on a 30amp power inlet and cord. Then up the wall in a 10 gauge extension cord to a junction box. From the junction box, I split the feed in 2. I take one feed over to the roof mounted AC, and one feed to the my converter/charger/breaker panel to power the rest of the hauler.

My original plan was to feed the AC through the breaker panel, but it seemed like a waste of 15' of 10 gauge to run to the panel in the front, and back to the AC, and it added 30' of wire to the AC circuit. So I just powered it directly coming in.

10 gauge extension cord can be had on eBay for about $60 for 100'. I used 60' total for my 20' hauler. Then I put a new mail plug on the left over extension cord and have a 40' heavy duty extension cord to boot. The 10 gauge ext cord I bought had a built in 3 way adapter on it too. That's why I took from the male end, so I could keep that factory 3 way in good shape.

yes the airconditioner fits the standard 14/14 opening I used butel tape as a gasket when I replaced the one on my travel trailer.

pyrofish
question did you fuse the AC unit or is it "protected" by the circuit breaker on the campground's power pole?

pete

[hankaye]

Pyrofish, Howdy;

The one I have is from ebay. I don't see the exact one I purchased. Since it's been a year or so, that's not a surprise
This one is similar, although about $30 more, it's still cheaper than buying the equivalent romex and ends.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Century-Contractor-Grade-50-10-Gauge-Power-Extension-Cord-10-3-Triple-Tap-Plug-/310551962425?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484e56e339

Looks more like they Doubled the price, if this is only 50' on sale for 60 some- odd , reg. 100 something..

Think I'll get some bulk 10 ga. at Lowes or HD and a set of ends for what's left over. I do like the idea
of the compleat wire in the jacket. Bit of extra protection easier to 'pull' .

Thanks for checking back to see what it was.

hank

[roadinspector]

50' of 10 AWG 3 strand romex at lowes is $60. 50' spool of 10 AWG multi-strand wire is $20.70. Copper is expensive any way you look at it.

Earnest

[Pyrofish]

pyrofish
question did you fuse the AC unit or is it "protected" by the circuit breaker on the campground's power pole?

pete

"Protected" at the pole. I'm usually plugged into my home or my generator. The 2 campgrounds we do make it to, have full breaker panels at each location. I wasn't too worried about it.

-Jason

[bdosborn]

Most RV A/C recommend a 20A circuit breaker for protection. The wire inside the A/C isn't properly protected when plugged directly into a 30A circuit breaker. Check the manufacturers recommendations on the unit you install for the correct protection.

Bruce

[Shadow Catcher]

Our 5,000 Btu window unit does not draw any thing like 20A and has a dedicated 15A breaker and 12 ga wire running to the Progressive Dynamics power center. Our friends at Harbor freight have 10 ga extension cords and with the 20% off coupons there is a savings. I have had a consistent problem with the male end having the ground 'pin' pull out. The wire is 10 ga but the plug ends are poor quality.