Re: [A/S] 12 Volt Amp Limit?

["CraigC" <coughran@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,

The PO of my AS left me with a superb set of documentation on all 
systems in the trailer...a part of which is a complete set (15 pages) of 
factory schematics of the 120VAC, the 12VDC, the Propane, the H2O, the 
DWV as well as the furnace duct system.
It includes the factory load calculations for the 12VDC by circuit. The 
12VDC circuits (mine is a '93-34') were run with 12AWG stranded copper 
THHN or TEW 600V rated. DC breakers on all 6 circuits are 20A and were 
loaded to between 13 to 19 amps...with the exception of the bathroom 
with it's 12v outlet...was only loaded to 9 amp. Guess they figured that 
a 10 amp cushion would allow for items plugged in to the outlet. The TV 
12v plugs are NOT on the drawings nor are they in the calculations.
Was kinda surprised to see the circuits loaded to 100%...NEC only allows 
AC circuits 80% loading on breakers...guess I'll have to break out the 
Code on DC loads unless one of you more knowledgeable folks can cite a 
little chapter and verse.

I realize the loads are going to be lower based on the length of 
individual trailers...but I can't see Airstream running different gauge 
wiring for different length trailers. Fewer circuits yes, but my guess 
is that they all use 20A breakers and 12AWG wiring. Charlie or anyone 
else please feel free to jump in here with a correction or 
clarification.