Stepping down 50 or 30 amp service to 15 amp service

[TimeOutside]

My knowledge of power is basic, but the answer I've received goes against my understanding. I have a Jackery solar 'generator'. On the side of the device it says, "AC 100V-120V 15 A MAX". One use I have for the device is to use it in my little camper. On occasion I may be in an actual campground. All campgrounds I've ever been in have either 50 amp or 30 amp service. So, I wrote Jackery and specifically asked, "Can I charge the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 on 30 amp service?" They wrote back, "You won't be able to since the maximum input is 15 A." I am puzzled. I thought a device would only pull the amperage it could use. That it wouldn't matter if I plugged it into 100 amp service; it would only draw 15 amps if that is the maximum it could use. Is my understanding wrong? If not, why would an electronics company place such a warning on their device? I don't want to destroy an $800 device by plugging it into a 30 amp service. If 15 amps is indeed the maximum I can input to the device then how do I go about stepping down the service from 50 or 30 amps to 15 amps?

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

 

[Avo Mk8]

My knowledge of power is basic, but the answer I've received goes against my understanding. I have a Jackery solar 'generator'. On the side of the device it says, "AC 100V-120V 15 A MAX". One use I have for the device is to use it in my little camper. On occasion I may be in an actual campground. All campgrounds I've ever been in have either 50 amp or 30 amp service. So, I wrote Jackery and specifically asked, "Can I charge the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 on 30 amp service?" They wrote back, "You won't be able to since the maximum input is 15 A." I am puzzled. I thought a device would only pull the amperage it could use. That it wouldn't matter if I plugged it into 100 amp service; it would only draw 15 amps if that is the maximum it could use. Is my understanding wrong?

Your understanding is not wrong, and I don't know why you got the response you have, unless ----
the manufacturers might be concerned about feeding the power unit from a supply capable of delivering a high/very high current, because in the event of a fault in the product, and they haven't included adequate protection themselves, there could be a big bang (and/or a fire!)
But products built to the proper standards, eg UL, ISO etc, and independently tested, would incorporate the necessary protection inside. As a matter of interest, does the unit have any product approval logo's on it, UK, CE, or test house (eg Intertek) marks?

If not, why would an electronics company place such a warning on their device? I don't want to destroy an $800 device by plugging it into a 30 amp service. If 15 amps is indeed the maximum I can input to the device then how do I go about stepping down the service from 50 or 30 amps to 15 amps?

Not 'stepping down' but limiting fault current could be achieved by putting a 15A fuse in the supply lead somehow!
It wouldn't blow until 20A or more, but it would give additional protection.
It shouldn't be necessary if the unit is designed properly. But if you've been told by customer services 'No', that puts forum members in a difficult position answering, because we don't know the engineering of the product, or why they've said that.
You might try asking them again, and asking for a proper technical explanation, if it's not due to a misunderstanding.

 

[TimeOutside]

...does the unit have any product approval logo's on it, UK, CE, or test house (eg Intertek) marks?

I am not familiar with all the different approval logos. I've attached the label from the back at the bottom of the post. Do any of these tell us anything?

You might try asking them again, and asking for a proper technical explanation, if it's not due to a misunderstanding.

I will, but meanwhile...

...but limiting fault current could be achieved by putting a 15A fuse in the supply lead somehow!

Pending a technical answer from Jackery, putting a 15A fuse or breaker in the circuit would be a good safety. Can you explain how I would best go about it? I've not dealt with AC fuses since I was a kid, but I can put a single breaker in a small one or two position box. Perhaps something like I've shown below. I'd just need to assure I'm selecting matching parts and know how to wire it correctly.

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly on this matter,
Andrew

 

[Avo Mk8]

I am not familiar with all the different approval logos. I've attached the label from the back at the bottom of the post. Do any of these tell us anything?

Yes, of the SGS logo's, the one on the right confirms it has been verified by this reputable test house. I just looked up the product on the SGS website, and it has been tested to ANSI/CAN/UL 2743:2020, which is the standard for Portable Power Packs. So all OK.

I've not dealt with AC fuses since I was a kid, but I can put a single breaker in a small one or two position box. Perhaps something like I've shown below. I'd just need to assure I'm selecting matching parts and know how to wire it correctly.

Can't really give detailed instructions. I was hoping to find an in-line cable mounting fuse or mcb, such as the sort of residual current devices they put on hot tubs etc, but an overload protection version (breaker/fuse) doesn't seem to exist.
You have a workable idea, but needs to be indoors and with robust cable clamps etc. Can you get a suitable extension lead incorporating a fuse?
Given the fact the product has safety certification, and you've had unsubstantiated advice (that seems odd) from the manufacturers, I would encourage you to ask the question again, if necessary asking for a rationale.
I suspect the unit in other peoples hands probably gets plugged into all sorts of sources of power without a second thought