[C320-list] Power supply for AC install

[Wash, Steve]

Hi All,

We have a 16K Marine Air that we run on a single 30A circuit.
The only time we have tripped the breaker is having the microwave and the A/C going at the same time.

The controller on ours stages things up (and thus reduces the in-rush).  We run the blower at low speed continuously.  When A/C is needed the condenser pump starts, the fan ramps up and then the compressor starts.

With Lake Michigan at 40 degrees, we won't need much A/C yet.  I do believe the reverse cycle does use more current, though.

I'd try it before adding the second power service (you're at 12K vs. our 16K).

Steve

#1029
Michigan City



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 4:17 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Power supply for AC install

I don't think you have a problem. There is no problem per-se with a 20A breaker on a 30A supply. If 12A is correct for the water heater, the A/C should only draw 9-10A when cooling, and that is only for the initial start.
Continuous running while cooling will be less than 9A. We run our 12K unit on the main 30A AC power supply with no problems. Admittedly, we don't often heat water with AC.
If you have a heating coil in the unit, then the draw could be close to 18-20A. Still, I wouldn't think that is a continuous draw. Check with Flagship as to what the constant current loads are for cooling and heating.
Then go from there. 

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62

-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Goodman [mailto:goodmanalanlee at hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 2:08 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Power supply for AC install

Hello all:  I am self-installing my air conditioner over the next month.  I bought a 12K BTU from Flagship Marine.  I need to install a 20A 120V circuit to supply the unit.  I have found a source for the exact same breaker as the factory installed AC breakers.  I rather not have to install a second shore power circuit to supply the power, but on the other hand I'll be installing a 20A breaker in a 30A circuit.  Obviously I should not run the water heater (about 12 A @ 120V) while the AC is on.  This is a downside I can live with.
Are there other considerations I should consider?  My question is what have others done? 

Alan Goodman   Hull #67  Holland, Michigan