Dometic 10 - Manual (Page 9)

Auxiliary Power UniT
When running the air conditioner from an APU, the genset must be large enough to start and run the air
conditioning unit as well as any other electrical appliances you may wish to run at the same time. This can be
complicated, since gensets from different manufacturers may vary considerably in their output characteristics.
If you measure the output of two gensets rated by their manufacturers at 2.5 Kilowatts, you will observe them
to be very different.
It’s also important to allow for the surge capacity needed to start the air conditioning compressor. Each
time the compressor cycles on, there is a short electrical surge that is equal to about four times the normal
running amps for several hundred milliseconds. Most good-quality gensets are designed to support these
short surges without tripping off the line.
Capacity in BTU/hr
Genset Minimum Output
(Continuous kW)
Genset Minimum Surge
Amps
7,000 2.0 38
10,000 2.5 60
14,000 3.0 70
Shorepower
Although there are relatively few shorepower hookups available at truck stops, rest stops and terminals,
these will become more readily available in the future.
TMC recommends a minimum 20-amp circuit for shorepower connections. You should use any heavy-duty
power cord with a standard three-prong plug. Remember that there will be a voltage drop across the cord, so
you should use the minimum length necessary to reach your outside power source.
12 Gauge Cord Up to 25'
10 Gauge Cord Up to 50'
How to Select, Specify, Install, Operate & Maintain Dometic APU-Based Air Systems 8