Air Conditioner & Refrigerator tripping breaker

[Kingfish58]

I found that the 30 amp breaker tripping at the pedestal is fairly common at the state parks I camp at. The 30/50 amp adapter solves the problem and is a necessity.

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by 2slick

There will be 50 amps available to the distribution panel in the RV. If the RV is actually overloading the breaker on the pole (pulling in excess of 30 amps), the breaker in the RV should trip.

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If two identical 30 amp breakers are in series with the same current, the hottest one will trip first. That will be at the pole vs inside an air conditioned RV, and that provides the greatest protection to the RV.

When using an adaptor, the power cord and it's plugs are still rated for 30 amps and no longer protected. We have all heard the warning never replace a fuse with a higher rated one. Using an adaptor and a 50 amp breaker does not fix why an RV is repeatedly tripping a 30 amp breaker, and increases the risk of a fire.

[2slick]

Will not the breaker in the RV still protect the RV? If it trips, there is not an over load on the cord. You put me in a situation where my pole breaker is shutting my AC down, and I'll use the dog bone in a minute.


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[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by 2slick

Will not the breaker in the RV still protect the RV? If it trips, there is not an over load on the cord. You put me in a situation where my pole breaker is shutting my AC down, and I'll use the dog bone in a minute.


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With a 50 amp breaker protecting a 30 amp cord and especially 30 amp rated plugs you are increasing the risk of a plug meltdown and fire that the breaker in the RV can't prevent.

Something is wrong with repeated tripping of a breaker.

[2slick]

Originally Posted by Dayle1

With a 50 amp breaker protecting a 30 amp cord and especially 30 amp rated plugs you are increasing the risk of a plug meltdown and fire that the breaker in the RV can't prevent.

So now you do agree that 50 amps is available? Previously you posted only 30 amps would be available. You're in a lot more in danger of that two way fridge burning your RV than that adapter causing it. Of course, anything is possible.


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[mark5w]

As far as the AC constant running, maybe the compressor relay (normally open) has failed in the closed or powered position, but it's hard to know without actually seeing the unit. You could change out the relay board yourself, but if you don't feel comfortable doing it I'm afraid that you need to have it looked at by an AC person. Good luck!

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by 2slick

So now you do agree that 50 amps is available? Previously you posted only 30 amps would be available. You're in a lot more in danger of that two way fridge burning your RV than that adapter causing it. Of course, anything is possible.


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Certainly 50 amps is available----at the pedestal, but you are only going to get 30 amps back to the camper when you are using the adapter.

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Certainly 50 amps is available----at the pedestal, but you are only going to get 30 amps back to the camper when you are using the adapter.

Exactly, that 30 amp main breaker is the limit.

[DavisK]

You have to keep in mind the formula: P = V * I,
Power (watts) = Voltage * Current (amperes)


So when everything is on in the camper, and you're plugged into a 120v 30A pedestal:
3600W = 120v * 30A
But if the campground's voltage is low, 115v for instance, then your draw is:
3600W = 115v * 31.3A


It could trip a 30A breaker at the pedestal.

[TexSon]

Circuit breakers do wear out and occasionally have to be replaced. As long as the appliances are working properly, if they keep tripping you may need to replace the breaker.