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Subject Topic: AC Unit and Amps?!?! Post Reply Post New Topic
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?


via mobile 13/6/2024 at 8:19am
 Location: Milton Keynes
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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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via mobile 13/6/2024 at 9:38am
 Location: Ayrshire
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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.


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


13/6/2024 at 11:59am
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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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



-------------
* 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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* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


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13/6/2024 at 2:44pm
 Location: London
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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!


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


13/6/2024 at 5:53pm
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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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
- 2022 - 49
- 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! *


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

-------------
Bernie


13/6/2024 at 10:56pm
 Location: West country
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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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14/6/2024 at 9:13am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser
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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.


21/6/2024 at 9:06pm
 Location:  Dumfries
 Outfit: 2022 CoachmanVIP 2022 Pilote P696GJ
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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


via mobile 22/6/2024 at 8:34am
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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.


22/6/2024 at 9:25am
 Location: Worcestershire
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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.


25/6/2024 at 9:27pm
 Location:  Dumfries
 Outfit: 2022 CoachmanVIP 2022 Pilote P696GJ
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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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