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Subject Topic: AC Unit and Amps?!?! Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonTroobloo
via mobile 12/6/2024 at 10:51pm
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I have bought anAC unit to take to France but just noticed it uses 2.6KW. The campsites ehu is10 Amp. Do I have aproblem?


Personbirdman101
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The answer is yes if your motorhome also connected drawing power. To make things worse often French campsites have reduced voltage.

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2023 Swift Archway Woodford, MK3 Kuga ST Line X 190 ps AWD Auto
Now 52 years Caravanning completed.


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PersonFiona W
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Someone a great deal more techy than me will explain simply how to convert kW to amps.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonBernie47
13/6/2024 at 9:55am
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2.6kW at 240 volts will result in a running current of 10.8 amps.
On top of this, every time the compressor kicks in there will be a starting surge which can be up to five times the running current.

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Bernie


Persondk168
13/6/2024 at 11:59am
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Yes, there could be an issue for the reasons explained by the others.

My roof top one is only 2.2kW at maximum output which is fine for 10A EHU supply.

DK



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* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
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PersonMonty15
13/6/2024 at 2:44pm
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Certainly pushing 10A EHU very hard, for reasons mentioned above! I wouldn't be confident that it'd be sure to work!

Bigger problem perhaps is, it's going to have to be the ONLY electrical device you use! Battery charger/12v converter, lights, pumps etc. would likely be the straw that breaks the Camel's back!

Take it it's a standard domestic unit, all the dedicated caravan/MH units I've looked at are much lower powered to ensure they ARE usable on a camp EHU!


Persontaafe75
13/6/2024 at 3:27pm
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11.3A at 230V with a PF of 1, which it will never be


Persondk168
13/6/2024 at 5:53pm
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Quote: Originally posted by taafe75 on 13/6/2024
11.3A at 230V with a PF of 1, which it will never be


What does "PF of 1" mean please, as I would like to learn?

TIA.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
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- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


PersonBernie47
13/6/2024 at 6:07pm
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 13/6/2024
What does "PF of 1" mean please, as I would like to learn?


Power Factor i.e. efficiency

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Bernie


Personnavver
13/6/2024 at 10:56pm
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Power factor is the cosine of the phase angle between current and voltage. Power factor is an issue if it is a motor.

If current and voltage are not occurring at the same time only the in phase component of current can be used to calculate power.

Think about it as a horse towing a barge along a canal. The pull is not in the direction of the canal so the horse has to pull harder.

With DC:
current and voltage are always in phase so amps X volts = watts.

With AC:
amps X volts X power factor = watts.

Typically power factor for a motor will be 0.8 and starting current for single phase could be as high as 7 times full load current.

Electronic control can reduce starting current.


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Personiank01
14/6/2024 at 9:13am
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Quote: Originally posted by Troobloo on 12/6/2024
I have bought anAC unit to take to France but just noticed it uses 2.6KW. The campsites ehu is10 Amp. Do I have aproblem?


It should not be a problem. Remember that the 2.6kw is maximum and normally the start up consumption. Also an air con is controlled by a thermostat so will switch on and off.

We have stayed on sites in Spain where they are 4amp. We have a Truma Comfort air con. Fridge and hot water were switched to gas. Hot water was turned off during the day.


Personneil and lena
21/6/2024 at 9:06pm
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Better with roof mounted Truma aventa comfort which is designed to run on campsite electrics , only draws 4.2 amps and easily works on a 6 amp hookup


Personblueexpo97
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We have the Truma as well and find it a great unit.


But was all the info of any help to the OP ?

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


Personiank01
22/6/2024 at 9:25am
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Quote: Originally posted by neil and lena on 21/6/2024
Better with roof mounted Truma aventa comfort which is designed to run on campsite electrics , only draws 4.2 amps and easily works on a 6 amp hookup


The 4.2 amp is probably maximum when heating used and unlikely that heating will be used.


Personneil and lena
25/6/2024 at 9:27pm
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Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 22/6/2024
Quote: Originally posted by neil and lena on 21/6/2024
Better with roof mounted Truma aventa comfort which is designed to run on campsite electrics , only draws 4.2 amps and easily works on a 6 amp hookup


The 4.2 amp is probably maximum when heating used and unlikely that heating will be used.


No it’s the maximum amperage used on full cooling power



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