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Started By
Message
Running Central A/C On A Standard Size Generator
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:03 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:03 pm
I know that at present we are needing to get the central heat going, not A/C, but while the topic of generators is being discussed it reminded me to pass this along for the next hurricane season.
Check into something called soft start. It attaches to your central A/C unit. Instead of your unit drawing a huge amount of juice at startup, it slowly draws off the juice it will need, thereby allowing a normal generator to power a central air conditioner.
Make sure to get one that is the correct size for your unit.
4
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:05 pm to ScoobyDont
quote:
Make sure to get one that is the correct size for your unit.
They don't make them that big.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:08 pm to ScoobyDont
Bro, do you even capacitor?
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:08 pm to dbeck
i install soft starts on my window units at the camp. it's easier on the generator when the compressor kicks in.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:09 pm to dbeck
I believe they make a Magnum.
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 9:31 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:16 pm to dbeck
quote:
They don't make them that big.
A 4-ton unit is going to pull about 20 amps or 4800w at 240v, not a problem to find a portable gen to run that. The problem is the starting load will be roughly 5 times that.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:17 pm to Obtuse1
quote:
A 4-ton unit
You been peeping on my unit?
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:38 pm to Obtuse1
Your head. It went over it.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:44 pm to ScoobyDont
quote:Your Mom something something a hard start for me.
Check into something called soft start.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:08 pm to Saintsisit
quote:
Your head. It went over it.
Responding to:
quote:
Obtuse1
Name checks out
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:15 pm to ScoobyDont
A better suggestion would be to install a transfer switch so you can selectively run lights and portable ACs.
If you're gonna run your main AC unit, you should probably look into a whole home generator.
Running your main unit on a portable is gonna severely limit your ability to use anything else (i.e. Fridges, freezers).
If you're gonna run your main AC unit, you should probably look into a whole home generator.
Running your main unit on a portable is gonna severely limit your ability to use anything else (i.e. Fridges, freezers).
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:17 pm to Obtuse1
You can install a hard start kit which will hell with the starting load
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:31 pm to Obtuse1
quote:
The problem is the starting load will be roughly 5 times that.
I put a capacitor the size of a stovepipe beer on mine. 8500w runs it easily now.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:48 pm to DownshiftAndFloorIt
I have a 5 KW generator and a 4 ton A/C with dual compressors; one 2 1/2 ton, and one 1 1/2 ton. I can turn my thermostat set point up to the current temperature and turn it on so that only the 2 1/2 ton compressor turns on (my digital thermostat indicates stage 1). As it starts cooling I can lower the set point 1 degree F at a time to keep just the one 2 1/2 ton compressor running. If I lower the set point too much, the thermostat will indicates stage 1 and stage 2 are both running, and it kicks off the generator breaker. Then I have to wait 5 minutes to start over again (i.e. 5 min delay on the compressor circuit). It's doable and a big improvement in inside humidity and temperature.
This is while still running refrig, freezer, ceiling fans, and lights.
This post was edited on 2/19/21 at 4:04 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 10:58 pm to ScoobyDont
quote:That's what she said.
I believe they make a Magnum.
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