[jjwoodhull]

How many amps are in a standard household electrical outlet?

[ac101]

Not sure exactly what your asking here but most household outlets are rated 15 amps some maybe 20 amps but that is based on wire size and breaker size as well . So what you have is actually a 15 amp or 20 amp rating for a circuit. There could be a number of outlets on one circuit like a whole bedroom or living room etc. The breaker should be labeled with the amp rating . Im not the resident electrical expert not even close but I hope this helps. Any particular reason for asking. GOOD LUCK, AC

[KISS]

If one of the slots of the outlet looks like a sideways "T" then the receptacle is rated for 20 amps. The circuit that this outlet was on would be rated for 20 amps if wiring was done correctly.

[stanfortyman]

Excellent answers so far. I'll just add, even if there is no "T" slot on a receptacle, it still may be on a 20A circuit.

Also, the are NO amps "in" a standard receptacle. The receptacle configuration is what limits what you can plug in, that's all. The circuit is capable of providing only so much current.
Current = amps.

[Tonny LR]

Thanks for the valuable info. I have travel trailer with a 30 amp capacity. I was wondering if I can plug into regular household outlet to use the A/C?

[stanfortyman]

Thanks for the valuable info. I have travel trailer with a 30 amp capacity. I was wondering if I can plug into regular household outlet to use the A/C?

Yes. There are simple adapters sold for this purpose.

[RVguy]

Quick answer is maybe, but if it turns on it's a serious fire hazard! Like most household AC units, they draw too much power for a standard wall outlet and require a proffesionally installed outlet. The AC unit is the only reason the rv has a 30amp plug! The adapter (converting your thick black 30amp plug into a standard plug) is designed only to allow you to recharge your batteries, use microwave, wall outlets, test or use fans, fridge, small heater, lights etc. As soon as you attempt to turn on your AC unit it will either not engage the compressor or worse, it will turn on and overheat wires somewhere. It is definitely a fire hazard and will likely blow a breaker and melt your extension cord. If you must do this, isolate every outlet on that breaker and keep everything else turned off while in use. Know that this could start a fire or cause damage! Have an electrician install or upgrade the weatherproof plug outside your home so you don't risk burning it down! I am not an electrician but I have owned many rv's and I have plugged in my AC many times but only for the purpose of testing it. I noticed wires hot enough to begin melting the extension cord and also blew the breaker at least one time.

[stanfortyman]

Quick answer is maybe, but if it turns on it's a serious fire hazard!

Not true. If anything the house breaker will trip.

Like most household AC units, they draw too much power for a standard wall outlet and require a proffesionally installed outlet.

Most window units are fine on a standard circuit. This scenario all depends on how big the unit is.

The adapter (converting your thick black 30amp plug into a standard plug) is designed only to allow you to recharge your batteries, use microwave, wall outlets, test or use fans, fridge, small heater, lights etc.

Not true. It is also so the A/C can be run. I would venture to guess the A/C is not much more of a draw than the microwave.

As soon as you attempt to turn on your AC unit it will either not engage the compressor or worse, it will turn on and overheat wires somewhere. It is definitely a fire hazard and will likely blow a breaker and melt your extension cord. If you must do this, isolate every outlet on that breaker and keep everything else turned off while in use. Know that this could start a fire or cause damage!

Scare tactics.
The worst that will happen is the breaker trips. Why do you assume a wire will melt before a breaker trips?
I do agree to run as little as possible with the A/C running. The total load is the reason for the 30A RV cable, not just the A/C.

I am not an electrician but I have owned many rv's and I have plugged in my AC many times but only for the purpose of testing it.

Then you should stick to answering RV questions and let the electrical professionals answer the electrical questions.

I noticed wires hot enough to begin melting the extension cord and also blew the breaker at least one time.

This is almost always due to a loose or weak connections at the RV receptacle.

And lastly, this question is almost a year old and the thread is almost five years old.