How can I efficiently power both my air conditioner and electric fireplace in my RV using a 30a 3-way switch?
Asked by María del Carmen Villareal 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 28, 2024
I just wanted to give a big thanks to this group for the idea they shared. I was able to use a 30a breaker to power both my air conditioner and electric fireplace in my RV by using a 30a 3-way switch. It worked like a charm!
Hey, just a heads up, 20A is different from 30A. Using a rotary selector switch is a good way to avoid overloading the switch.
I accidentally did that, it was a typo.
Is your breaker 20 amps, ? Most decora switches can only handle up to 15 amps.
My breaker and switch are both 30 amps. I had to order the switch because the big stores only had 15 amp ones.
Hey, if you could send me a link for that, I’d really appreciate it. I had no idea such a thing existed
I can’t recall the exact link, but I remember someone in this group found it for me. But yes, I checked the box and the switch, and they both indicated 30amp, so I’m confident it’s a 30a.
You should definitely consider putting that on a 30 amp switch. It’s important to always match your equipment rating with your breaker rating.
Oh, I see, it was a typo
Did you accidentally misspell the photo? That doesn’t look like a rotary switch, and they don’t manufacture a 30amp decora 3way switch.
Oops, I just made a typo with the rating, and they definitely do make 30a because that’s what that is.
Hey, you don’t need to explain to anyone, it’s your setup after all. Just make sure the materials you use are the right size for the breaker. So hopefully you used 10ga wiring as well and if you did, then that’s great. Just wouldn’t want to see that switch melt down because it’s underrated for the circuit it’s on.
It seems like might be redundant unless the AC/heat requires a different voltage than the switch, or if he’s trying to reduce the inrush current on the switch. But yeah, I agree that a contactor probably wasn’t used.
I used 10/2 outdoor rated wire in flex conduit under the floor between the joists. Couldn’t strap it down due to limited access, but the flex conduit should prevent any rubbing.
I’m not sure what that is, so I most likely didn’t laugh out loud, unless you’re referring to how the switch works.
Reat job!
Decora switches don’t come in a 30 amp option. Your house might catch on fire if you try to use one, so be careful!