How2Day: RV Air Conditioner Specs

Many RVs can handle air conditioner installations. rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
RV air conditioner specifications outline important technical data and are issued to ensure safe installation, according to the Dometic website. RV air conditioners promote even air circulation and require various amounts of energy to power these devices. Installations must meet National Electrical Code guidelines and any AC unit failing to meet NEC measures should not be installed.

Standard-capacity ACs are measured in British thermal units, or Btus, according to Dometic. Typical RV air conditioners range in power from 7,100 to 15,000 Btus. A 7,100-Btu AC's compressor requires 6.6 rated load amps, while 12.9 amps are required for the largest units. Refrigerants are also measured in ounces. Smaller units use 15 ounces and larger units may use up to 34 ounces. All AC circuit protection mechanisms -- small or large -- use 20 amps of power.

AC pumps are often designed for RV roof installation, according to Dometic. Several important considerations are necessary when installing a roof pump. The first consideration is the size of the RV. Larger roofs can handle heavier pumps. Users should note the installation specs on interior and exterior walls to determine how often pumps will be activated. Additionally, note where the RV will be parked and/or traveling and consider what weather conditions may affect the use of the AC and AC pump.

Installing more than one unit requires pump placement variations, warns Dometic. One AC roof pump should be installed at center, towards the front of the RV, while installation of two pumps should evenly divide the roof space and always remain centered. Window-installed ACs are dangerous when RVs park at an angle, which increases the risk of the units becoming misaligned or falling. Larger ACs are best installed on RVs parked on even ground or on minor inclines. The more extreme an incline becomes, the smaller the window AC unit should be.

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