Managing Your Electrical Load In Your RV

Why am I tripping a circuited breaker in my RV? I am in a 50 Amp site and my rig is rated for 50 AMP. Short Version you have more electrical items running in your rig than you can power at one time.

RV camping families tend to have quite a few electrical devices that operate directly on 110-VAC or often operate on batteries that require the use of chargers that operate on 110-VAC. Campers frequently use their RV's outlets to charge or power personal items like cell phones, laptops, flashlights, televisions, and satellite receivers. All of these will draw some level of current even while not charging a device or operating. Most RVs also use home appliances that draw higher current such as coffee pots, mixers, electric frying pans, electric crock pots, toasters, and portable ice makers all of which add to your load on your breakers. When one of your breakers kicks out, you need to figure out things like: What 110-VAC equipment you’re using at different times of the day? How much current does each of your devices draw when operating? How you can manage use so that you can enjoy your camping experience while not disrupting the power in your rig?

The following chart below should help you manage your electrical use.

Keep in mind,.. if you have three roof top AC units that alone can have you over the maximum amperage available in your unit if you start them all at the same time.

Appliance Amperage Draw Chart 

• RV converter (charging): 1–8 A
• Lights (per bulb): 0.5–1.5 A
• Water heater (6 gal): 8–13 A
• RV A/C start-up: 16–18 A; running: 13–16 A
• Refrigerator: 5–8 A
• Microwave (standard): 7–13 A
• Coffee maker: 5–8 A
• Toaster: 8–10 A
• Portable ice maker: ~19 A
• Space heater (1600 W): 7–13 A
• TV (HD): 1.5–4 A
• Laptop: 2–3 A
• Small chargers: 0.5–1.5 A
   (Use appliance data plate/manual for exact ratings.)

Quick Calculation: Watts to Amps A = W / V Example: 1500 W coffee pot on 110 V: 1500 / 110 = 13.6 A

Practical Tips to Avoid Trips

• Spread high-draw appliances across different circuits and avoid running them simultaneously.
• Avoid running a high-wattage appliance (e.g., 1500 W) on a circuit already near capacity.
• Use a kilowatt meter or clamp meter to measure actual current draw if unsure.
• Turn off or unplug chargers and electronics when not in use—they still draw some current.
• For persistent trips, inspect wiring, shore power connection, and have a qualified RV electrician check the system.

Safety Reminder Always reset breakers only after reducing load and confirming there’s no fault. If a breaker trips immediately after reset or shows signs of burning, heat, or a burning smell, disconnect shore power and have a professional inspect the system.